California Closet Company vs Steam Brothers Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
California Closet Company Franchise
Steam Brothers Franchise
Investment $127,500 - $377,000$22,000 - $53,500
Franchise Fee $40,000$16,000
Royalty Fee 6%5-6.5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19781977
Year Franchised 19821984
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee 50% of franchise fee$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
California Closet Company Franchise
Steam Brothers Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    California Closet Company Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    Training On-site operational instruction Training for designer, installation, and production staff Proprietary technology for sales, design, and operational systems management-
    Support Media planning Local and national advertising collateral Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    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

     
    California Closet Company Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About California Closet Company

    Customized storage has grown from a small business into a major industry. Leading the field is California Closets, the franchise company that pioneered custom storage solutions in 1978. California Closets is the most well-known brand in the industry.
    The Industry Pioneer and Brand Leader
     Join the Company that pioneered the custom storage solutions industry. For over 40 years, California Closets has delighted its customers - by listening to their needs and creating individually designed solutions that work specifically for their lifestyles and home. Today, California Closets is the largest custom storage franchised system in the world, with over 100 franchises worldwide; it is the most recognized brand in its category. A California Closets franchise offers expert services in creating innovative home design solutions; ranging from its signature custom designed closets, home offices, entertainment rooms, utility rooms, garages and much more. We see home as more than a place. We see it as comfort and refuge, space for connection and celebration. Everything we do is designed to enhance home and help you enjoy the time you spend there. 30 years ago, we innovated a new industry - custom designed and installed storage. Today we're proud to be recognized as the leaders in the industry we first created all those years ago. Along the way we've continued to innovate, always striving to provide customers with stylish, smart and sustainable solutions for every home.

    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.