Surface Specialists vs CRATE Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Surface Specialists Franchise
CRATE Franchise
Investment $43,200 - $56,000$100,424 - $177,999
Franchise Fee $36,000$22,000 - $46,000
Royalty Fee 5%2%-4%
Advertising Fee -$38,500 - $42,000 annually
Year Founded 19812011
Year Franchised 19822015
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Surface Specialists Franchise
CRATE Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • (qualifications helpful but not required)
  • We're looking to partner with motivated entrepreneurs who have liquid funds amounting to at least 150% of the figures listed in Item 7 of CRATE's Franchise Disclosure Document, and proper licensing.


    Financing Options

     
    Surface Specialists Franchise
    CRATE Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Surface Specialists Franchise
    CRATE Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 57-73 hours Classroom Training: 23 hours Follow-up training available at franchisee's location

    Ongoing

    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Online Support Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform

    CRATE franchisees receive ongoing training and support with everything from lead screening, marketing, sales, project management, field implementation, and security/safety procedures. CRATE's 24/7 support team offers contractors the benefit of warmed up leads and setting up initial walk-throughs.

    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development -
    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

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

    Our time-tested business model equips contractors with the necessary tools to offer a residential construction business which offers affordable remodeling for kitchens and bathrooms to customers wishing to implement a high-end renovation to an existing kitchen or bathroom layout. Our system is designed to maximized efficiency, as well as profit-per-workday.


    Expansion Plans

     
    Surface Specialists Franchise
    CRATE Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion Yes-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    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



    About CRATE

    CRATE Franchise Systems -- the franchisor of kitchenCRATE and bathCRATE -- offers home improvement specialists industry-leading solutions in lead generation and maximizing profit-per-workday while helping them deliver organized, efficient remodeling services. Each signature crate, an 8' x 16' x 8' tall container, includes all the necessary tools and materials contractors need to complete a quality remodel in as little as seven days. CRATE Franchise Systems is now expanding through a targeted franchise program. Immediate opportunities are available in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon.