Blind Man of America vs Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Blind Man of America Franchise
Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Franchise
Investment $45,500 - $69,100$109,350 - $408,183
Franchise Fee $15,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 4.3%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19911958
Year Franchised 19961989
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Blind Man of America Franchise
Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    Verlo Mattress Factory Stores 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/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone lineNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, 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)

    Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 95% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 7

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 Verlo Mattress Factory Stores

    Verlo Mattress Factory Stores is the leader in the fast-growing retail sleep specialty market. This thriving $8 billion-a-year industry is recession resistant. We have perfected a system for delivering competitively priced, top-quality sleep sets and sleep-related products, built-to-order for today's value-conscious consumer. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Verlo Mattress Factory Stores has developed and proven the premier retail model, with franchise locations across the country. Top-quality products, proven operating systems, and a strong brand identity drive our success. Franchise offerings are located in prime retail markets, carefully selected using proven location criteria. Our multi-unit model allows market penetration with low overhead costs. You deliver competitively-priced, durable goods in a customer focused selling environment. Implementing our systems is easy with the comprehensive training provided at Verlo University. Prior experience in the retail mattress or furniture industries is not required. As a successful franchise owner, you'll implement our powerful, proven systems to lead your organization and dominate your chosen market. If you're looking for a solid return on your investment in these uncertain times, use our systems to capture your share of the growing retail sleep specialty market.

    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Retail Service Store is from $135,400 to $267,700. This includes $53,800 to $55,300 that must be paid to the franchisor and their affiliates.
    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Satellite Showroom is from $109,350 to $240,700. This includes $53,800 to $55,300 that must be paid to the franchisor and their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Retail/Assembly Store is from $214,883 to $408,183. This includes $40,000 that must be paid to the franchisor and their affiliates.

    Veteran discount: 25% discount on the Initial Franchise Fee