The Closet Factory vs Grout Wizard Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Closet Factory vs Grout Wizard including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
Grout Wizard Franchise
Investment $208,500 - $356,000$20,615 - $33,725
Franchise Fee $46,500$12,000 - $16,000
Royalty Fee 5.75%6%-9%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19831997
Year Franchised 19862001
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Renewal Fee $7K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
Grout Wizard Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • People skills
  • You need no previous business nor technical experience at all. Franchisees come from all backgrounds, ages and genders. The Company will teach you every phase of the business step by step. All you need is the desire to own and operate your own business.

    Financing Options

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Grout Wizard Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoYes/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Grout Wizard Franchise
    Training -There is a required 5-day, in depth, hands on training program that all Franchisees must successfully complete. Each Franchisee will be provided with the details of GROUT WIZARD procedures, methods of operations, sales techniques, communications, advertising, managing employees, interacting with customers and every aspect of operating a successful GROUT WIZARD business.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchise can be run from home.

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 4

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Grout Wizard Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Closet Factory

    John LaBarbera founded The Closet Factory in a small industrial space in Los Angeles in 1983. The company started out with six employees customizing closets, offices, garages and pantries, and now has more than 100 employees at its Los Angeles headquarters. There are also 11 other factories around the world.

    The Closet Factory works with homeowners, contractors and interior decorators, installing closets, entertainment centers, pantries and shelves for offices and garages.

    You are unique and so are your needs. No one knows that better than The Closet Factory. When it comes to creating custom solutions that are imaginative, well organized and satisfy your design sensibilities, The Closet Factory believes the process must begin with a partnership between you and one of our designers.

    About Grout Wizard

    The GROUT WIZARD business was created out of a strong need in the marketplace for someone to do small grout restoration jobs. Tile contractors receive many calls for grout work but are typically only interested in large tile installation jobs. Our GROUT WIZARDS are highly qualified grout specialists who clean and seal grout, remove and replace grout with the tile left in place, and change the color of existing grout without removing either the tile or grout. The GROUT WIZARD uses market research to measure market potential and to determine the best possible territory for each Franchisee. Market research includes such factors as demographics, population households, median income, median home value, media types available and geographical analysis with census data by zip code, city, county and state. Your territory is exclusive and protected to the degree that the GROUT WIZARD will not compete with a Franchisee by selling an additional Franchise or opening an operation within the Franchisees territory. The Company will provide you with all the tools to succeed by offering opportunity, products, services, experience, training and support. A GROUT WIZARD Franchise gives the Franchisee the opportunity to enhance their business prospects Being a Franchisee allows an individual to have a close association with a parent company who remains in the background to help facilitate growth and market presence, while the Franchisee still has control over his/her business.

    Discounts: 1st in State 30% Military Vet 30%