Today's Window Fashions vs Made in the Shade Blinds and More Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Today's Window Fashions vs Made in the Shade Blinds and More including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$49,000 - $55,000 | $55,949 - $64,549 |
Franchise Fee |
$49,000 | $49,000 |
Royalty Fee |
4% | - |
Advertising Fee |
- | - |
Year Founded |
1993 | 2004 |
Year Franchised |
1997 | 2014 |
Term Of Agreement |
5 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
5 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
$750 | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
General business experience | - |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/No | Yes/Yes |
Start-up Costs |
No/No | No/Yes |
Equipment |
No/No | No/Yes |
Inventory |
No/No | No/Yes |
Receivables |
No/No | No/Yes |
Payroll |
No/No | No/Yes |
Training & Support |
Training |
- | On-The-Job Training: 15 hours
Classroom Training: 44 hours
|
Support |
Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Purchasing cooperatives | Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Meetings/Conventions
Online Support
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
|
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising |
Ad Templates
Social media
SEO
Website development
Email marketing
|
Operations |
Franchise can be run from home.
10% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1
- 2
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
No | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Today's Window Fashions
Mark Barone founded Today's Window Fashions in 1993 because he recognized an opportunity for growth. In an industry that was primarily handled by independent companies, Barone believed there was strength in numbers, so he began franchising in 1997. Based in San Diego, the privately held company uses an online designer showroom to increase customer sales.
About Made in the Shade Blinds and More
Made in the Shade Blinds & More launched its debut in January
2004, by Founder and CEO, Cathy Morse, a 25+ year veteran in the home
interiors industry. Her vision was to build a trusted brand through an
international team of window covering industry professionals who carried
the same passion - a commitment to excellence by adding beauty,
function, style and value to every home and business. Headquartered in
San Antonio, Texas, Made in the Shade has since expanded its locations
throughout the US and Canada, emerging as a leader in the custom window
coverings industry.
Our business model is designed with our complimentary, in-home
consultation in mind. We’ll sit down for a few minutes to talk about
what you’re interested in seeing, and then bring in the samples so that
you can make an informed decision. No matter your product choice, our
first goal is to make certain that you are completely comfortable - and
educated - with your window covering choices. What sets us apart is that
every one of our highly trained, local franchisees are committed to
offering you the perfect solution for your windows.
We are proud to stand by our five-point value system, part of our
commitment to offer genuine value with every single product we sell:
- Quality: Every single product we sell is made of
top-quality materials by the best and most experienced window covering
companies in the world. We sell the best because they make the best.
- Customization: Just because every window needs to
be covered doesn’t mean you should do what everyone else does. Make each
window yours - dare to be different. We make it easy!
- Service: We back up every sale with service. Our
goal is to provide stellar care after the sale because every client is a
story, and we want your story to be as amazing as your window
coverings.
- Warranty: Everything we sell is covered by our
manufacturers’ generous warranties. Most of our products carry a limited
lifetime warranty. So, not only will we back up our own sales with
service down the road, we also work with our trusted vendor partners who
back up everything they manufacture. This is peace of mind like no
other.
- Price: We all know that price doesn’t always equal
value, but when we back it up with the best products and the best
warranties in the business, we’re offering great value at a great price.
Guaranteed.
Veteran Incentives $2,000 off franchise fee
#229 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#146 in Franchise 500 for 2021.