The Closet Factory vs Steam Brothers Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
Steam Brothers Franchise
Investment $208,500 - $356,000$22,000 - $53,500
Franchise Fee $46,500$16,000
Royalty Fee 5.75%5-6.5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19831977
Year Franchised 19861984
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee $7K$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
Steam Brothers Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • People skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, 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.

    2% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 3

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    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 Steam Brothers

    After 16 years in the supermarket business, Adam Leier was looking for a way to go into business for himself. He purchased Steam Brothers, an existing cleaning business, in 1977 and began franchising in 1984. Steam Brothers has locations throughout the Midwest and is based in Bismarck, North Dakota.