Apricot Lane vs Decor Distinction Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Apricot Lane vs Decor Distinction including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Decor Distinction Franchise
Investment $137,150 - $361,800N/A
Franchise Fee $39,500$23,600
Royalty Fee 5.5%9.5%
Advertising Fee -2.5%
Year Founded 19911989
Year Franchised 20040
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Decor Distinction Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Decor Distinction Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/No-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Decor Distinction Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesWe offer a hands on environment with our new business partners. * A support system that will be on going for the term of your new business. * Training begins immediately after your commitment to a Decor Distinction franchise with two weeks of hands on training. * Follow-up training with your business consultant within the first 30 days of commencement. * All franchisees will be required to complete an interior decorating course which will provide you with the formal knowledge required to best service your clients. * National meetings are held on an annual basis to review new innovations in designs, suppliers, marketing and sales programs.
Marketing --
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 5

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

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Expansion Plans
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Decor Distinction Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion NoYes
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

About Apricot Lane

Our Apricot Lane specialty retail stores are part of a Country Visions retail franchise system that specializes in unique gifts, fashion accessories and home decor products. When you join the Country Visions franchise system, you will benefit from one of the most advanced operational systems in the nation. You will gain access to extensive networking resources, including preferred national vendors who offer our stores volume discounts and exclusive products; marketing support from our in-house advertising; state-of-the-art point of sale, inventory management and computer support systems; and national franchise conventions for direct franchise networking and training. You will also be trained by our professional staff at our Country Visions University in visual merchandising, pricing strategies, customer service, marketing and computer systems, as well as employee motivation and development.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of your first COUNTRY VISIONS store is $137,150 to $361,800 for a start-up store. This includes $37,500 to $49,300 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of your second and each subsequent COUNTRY VISIONS store is $112,650 to $337,300 for a start-up store. This includes $18,000 to $24,800 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.

About Decor Distinction

We pride ourselves on being the largest Canadian shop-at-home decorating company to offer a wide range and unique selection of top quality products at competitive prices. * Our Strength - Our family of franchisees are joined together by a common bond,,,shared success in our business partnership. * Convenience - Decor Distinction offers their clients affordable, quality, custom interior decorating in the comfort of their home. We bring the store to the customer at their convenience. * Competitive - Decor Distinction's combined purchasing power allows us to negotiate competitive pricing and exclusive product lines to offer our customers. * Support and training for growth. * Sharing ideas and talents to achieve a common goal. * A proven system with over 25 years of experience. * Low start up costs and overhead. * Selection - An interior decorating boutique on wheels that carries thousands of product samples of the finest quality in fabric, carpeting, window and wall coverings, furniture and accessories. Your franchise fee will provide you with the tools to set up a successful business. * Use of all trademarks and rights to Decor Distinction * Complete samples to operate your business for 24 months. * 2 weeks of training at our head office * Interior decorating crrespondance course. * Decorpro software * Business Cards, stationary * Opening inventory of promotional flyers * Operational manual If this sounds like the kind of opportunity for you, contact us.