The Closet Factory vs Surface Experts Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
The Closet Factory Franchise
Surface Experts Franchise
Investment $208,500 - $356,000$114,450 - $203,050
Franchise Fee $46,500$75,000
Royalty Fee 5.75%-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19832008
Year Franchised 19862018
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee $7K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
The Closet Factory Franchise
Surface Experts Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • People skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Surface Experts Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Surface Experts Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    Surface Experts Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Surface Experts

    "Surface
    Founded in 2008, Surface Experts®, repairs small damage on most interior surfaces, including counter tops, floors, cabinets, bathtubs, sinks, appliances and so much more!
    Most companies do complete surface replacement, costing thousands of dollars. Surface Experts® deliver perfect repairs in typically under an hour for less than $100.