The Closet Factory vs The Screen Machine Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
The Screen Machine Franchise
Investment $208,500 - $356,000$47,000 - $72,100
Franchise Fee $46,500$25,000
Royalty Fee 5.75%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19831986
Year Franchised 19861988
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee $7K$2K


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
The Screen Machine Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • People skills

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    The Screen Machine Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad 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.

    13% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    The Screen Machine 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 The Screen Machine

    The Screen MachineĀ® is a mobile door and window screening business. They travel to your home or business to provide custom installation, fabrication and repair of window and door screening products. They specialize in screen doors, window screens, shade screens, pet grills, pet doors and other window covering products. The Screen MachineĀ® currently offer their services in many locations throughout California. The Screen MachineĀ® is considered by many to be the finest and friendliest window and door screening service in the country. They take pride in offering a wide selection of the highest quality window and door screening products available.