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Updated RecentlyBlind Man of America vs Country Clutter Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Blind Man of America vs Country Clutter including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $45,500 - $69,100 | $164,900 - $350,900 |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4.3% | 5.5% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1991 | 1991 |
| Year Franchised | 1996 | 1992 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | $1K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | - |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/No |
| Equipment | No/No | No/No |
| Inventory | No/No | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks | Ad slicks |
| 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) |
26% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | No |
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 Country Clutter
NO LONGER FRANCHISING
Back in the mid-1980s, firefighters Ken Petersen and Tom Brady were looking for several ways to supplement their income; they refurbished and sold homes and later founded a four-store oak furniture chain. When construction began on an outlet mall in the pair's hometown of Vacaville, California, Petersen and Brady toyed with the idea of opening an oak accessories store in the center. At the suggestion of Petersen's wife Trease, the partners instead decided to open a gifts and collectibles store and in 1991 launched their first Country Clutter store. After opening a few more locations, Petersen and Brady turned their attention to franchising and started Country Visions with Scott Jacobs, now president of the company, to act as franchisor of the concept.
When you join the Country Visions establishment framework, you will profit by a standout amongst the most exceptional operational frameworks in the country.
You will access broad systems administration assets, including favored national sellers who offer volume rebates and restrictive items; showcasing support; best in class purpose of offer, stock administration and PC emotionally supportive networks; and national establishment traditions for direct establishment systems administration and preparing.
You will likewise be prepared by an expert staff at the Country Visions University in visual promoting, valuing methodologies, client administration, advertising and PC frameworks, and in addition representative inspiration and advancement.