Bath Fitter vs Surface Specialists Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Bath Fitter Franchise
Surface Specialists Franchise
Investment $120,000 - $175,000$43,200 - $56,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$36,000
Royalty Fee 05%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19841981
Year Franchised 19921982
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Bath Fitter Franchise
Surface Specialists Franchise
Experience -
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • (qualifications helpful but not required)

  • Financing Options

     
    Bath Fitter Franchise
    Surface Specialists Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoYes/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Bath Fitter Franchise
    Surface Specialists Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 57-73 hours Classroom Training: 23 hours Follow-up training available at franchisee's location
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Online Support Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicksAd Templates Social media SEO Website development
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4

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

    Franchise can be run from home.

    10% 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

     
    Bath Fitter Franchise
    Surface Specialists Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Bath Fitter

    In 1984 Bath Fitter created its first bathtub liner, an acrylic bathtub that fit over an existing tub. The company soon added one-piece acrylic bath walls and accessories to its product line.

    Bath Fitter franchisees now also install accessories such as soap dishes, towel racks and shelves.

    Liners are made to measure, fitting around existing plumbing fixtures. Walls can be installed to cover existing tile.

    About Surface Specialists

    Wayne McClosky established Surface Specialists in 1981, building up the establishment model in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To start with the family-claimed organization offered just insignificant repair administrations for plastic cover ledges and fiberglass and porcelain shower surfaces, however it soon extended to incorporate resurfacing administrations for marble sinks and vanity tops. It started diversifying in 1982 and is presently situated in Matthews, North Carolina.

    Our establishments have been pioneers in the bath and kitchen repair industry for more than 30 years and speak to more than 80 bath makers the nation over for their guarantee repairs. What began as a business to repair blazes in ledges has extended throughout the years to end up distinctly one of the countries biggest establishments offering bath and kitchen repair and revamping. Surface Specialists establishments additionally offer a bigger number of choices and value focuses to clients than whatever other single reclamation establishment.


    • 2014: Ranked #10 in Home Improvement Services
    • 2013: Ranked #28 in Top 100 Franchises for Veterans
    • 2013: Ranked #8 in Under 50 Units Class
    • 2012: Ranked #10 in Under 50 Units
    • 2011: Ranked #7 in Under 50 Units Class
    • 2009: Ranked #9 in Under 50 Units Class
    • 2008: Ranked #10 in Under 50 Units Class
    • 2006: Ranked #35 in all Units Surveyed
    #108 on Entrepreneur's ranking of the top 150 franchises offering incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees
    #473 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee