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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Blind Man of America vs Decor Distinction 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 | N/A |
Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $23,600 |
Royalty Fee | 4.3% | 9.5% |
Advertising Fee | - | 2.5% |
Year Founded | 1991 | 1989 |
Year Franchised | 1996 | 0 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 5 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 | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
Equipment | No/No | -/- |
Inventory | No/No | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | - |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line | We offer a hands on environment with our new business partners. * A support system that will be on going for the term of your new business. * Training begins immediately after your commitment to a Decor Distinction franchise with two weeks of hands on training. * Follow-up training with your business consultant within the first 30 days of commencement. * All franchisees will be required to complete an interior decorating course which will provide you with the formal knowledge required to best service your clients. * National meetings are held on an annual basis to review new innovations in designs, suppliers, marketing and sales programs. |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, 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) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | - |
Canada Expansion | No | Yes |
International Expansion | No | - |
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.
We pride ourselves on being the largest Canadian shop-at-home decorating company to offer a wide range and unique selection of top quality products at competitive prices. * Our Strength - Our family of franchisees are joined together by a common bond,,,shared success in our business partnership. * Convenience - Decor Distinction offers their clients affordable, quality, custom interior decorating in the comfort of their home. We bring the store to the customer at their convenience. * Competitive - Decor Distinction's combined purchasing power allows us to negotiate competitive pricing and exclusive product lines to offer our customers. * Support and training for growth. * Sharing ideas and talents to achieve a common goal. * A proven system with over 25 years of experience. * Low start up costs and overhead. * Selection - An interior decorating boutique on wheels that carries thousands of product samples of the finest quality in fabric, carpeting, window and wall coverings, furniture and accessories. Your franchise fee will provide you with the tools to set up a successful business. * Use of all trademarks and rights to Decor Distinction * Complete samples to operate your business for 24 months. * 2 weeks of training at our head office * Interior decorating crrespondance course. * Decorpro software * Business Cards, stationary * Opening inventory of promotional flyers * Operational manual If this sounds like the kind of opportunity for you, contact us.