Blind Man of America vs Stained Glass Overlay Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Blind Man of America vs Stained Glass Overlay including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Blind Man of America Franchise
Stained Glass Overlay Franchise
Investment $45,500 - $69,100$100,000 - $125,000
Franchise Fee $15,000$45,000
Royalty Fee 4.3%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19911974
Year Franchised 19961981
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee $1K$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Blind Man of America Franchise
Stained Glass Overlay Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    Stained Glass Overlay Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    Stained Glass Overlay Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone lineNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    Stained Glass Overlay Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Blind Man of America

    The Blind Man of America is a home-based business providing customers with in-home selection of custom-made blinds, shades, shutters and more. We work from home and travel in the "blind mobile", our full-service vans containing everything we need to provide our customers with an unsurpassed selection of products with professional installation. Our concept is framed in its simplicity. The idea is this - most of today's home owners know what they want in window coverings, but they want someone else to do the critical measuring and installation. That's where  Blind Man of America comes in. We provide a huge selection of quality products, provide expert measuring and installation, and guarantee it all!
    We provide this service to our customers in the comfort of their own home and all with unmatched customer service. It's a concept that consumers love and a system that's easy to implement for our franchisees. But, does it work? Judge for yourself. As a whole, our company averaged a 59% closing ratio in 2004 which means 6 out of every 10 estimates we've converted to sales. Our franchisees in business three years or more averaged a 55% repeat and referral business as well.

    About Stained Glass Overlay

    Stained Glass Overlay Inc. was founded in 1974, with the development of a patented designer glass process that provides an easier, less expensive way to achieve the beauty of decorated glass. The company also offers a process for making glass that eliminates UV rays. The Atlanta-based company began franchising in 1981 and has franchises throughout the United States and the world.