Waterway Co-op vs Bloomin' Blinds Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Waterway Co-op vs Bloomin' Blinds including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Waterway Co-op Franchise
Bloomin' Blinds Franchise
Investment $100,000 - And Up$53,495 - $117,425
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 03%-6%
Advertising Fee 02%
Year Founded -2001
Year Franchised -2014
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Waterway Co-op Franchise
Bloomin' Blinds Franchise
Experience You must have an interest in the fire-fighting industry. Ideally be a career or volunteer fire-fighter or know someone with that background who can participate. Should be able to find funds for the one time franchise fee of $30,000, which gives you the rights to the custom built Waterway testing system, the marketing and advertising designs, network support and training, the 24 hour software test record program.. and 20 years of experience! Plus a further $30,000 for all the hose and ladder testing equipment- the pump, adaptors, hose rolling tables, ladder testing tools... everything you need to get started. This EXCLUDES the trailer which will need to be purchased separately for approx $6,000. You should allow for a further $15,000 - $25,000 to cover 'soft' costs such as insurance, admin, crew clothing, working capital etc. -

Financing Options

 
Waterway Co-op Franchise
Bloomin' Blinds Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/-Yes/-
Start-up Costs -/-Yes/-
Equipment -/-Yes/-
Inventory -/-Yes/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support

 
Waterway Co-op Franchise
Bloomin' Blinds Franchise
Training -*2-3 weeks at the Carrollton, TX office *Detailed instruction on blind repair, sales, installation *Software and business development *Follow up at your location Classroom Training: 99 hours Additional Training: Via webinar, conference calls, tradeshows
Support -*Personal support thru phone, web, email, video chat and webinar *Onsite visits thru the first two years in business *Franchise web portal with training and resources *Management and leverage with vendors *Scheduling and CRM software *Monthly calls to recap the month and help where we can *Leadership: Who Am I Working With Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing -*Access to all marketing materials *Website developed for your specific city, optimized for powerful search results *Evaluation of marketing programs you are considering *Graphics and art development Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
Operations --

Expansion Plans

 
Waterway Co-op Franchise
Bloomin' Blinds Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion -Yes
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Waterway Co-op

Waterway is the fastest growing fire-hose testing company in the USA through its rapidly expanding franchise network. In most States, no formal competition anywhere means you can build your given territory your way. State of the art equipment means most efficient system for Fire Departments and virtual guarantee of repeat business. You can benefit from 30 years of experience and trade secrets. Profit opportunities from numerous services and products lead to highly lucrative returns. Low risk, steady growth and relatively low investment costs. Recession proof.. hose testing is an annual NFPA requirement. On going training and franchise support always available.. you're IN business yourself but not BY yourself. Build your own financial future with a proven business model and the experience of 30 years in the business.

About Bloomin' Blinds

Bloomin' Blinds is a home based business that is built for on-site service and fully contained within the body of a work van. Offering window covering sales and service, Bloomin' Blinds is able to jump into any market and gain market share quickly.Bloomin' Blinds is unique to its competition in the fact that we offer blind repair, and sales. The focus on blind repair makes it easier for Bloomin' Blinds to collect customers, win bids and generate repeat appointments. Blind repair is easy to learn and most blinds are generic. Since blind repair parts are not available at traditional hardware stores, home owners are happy to pay Bloomin' Blinds to fix a blind rather than buy a new one. Blind repair is easily the most profitable aspect of the Bloomin' Blinds model, profit margins are honestly in the 1000's.Bloomin' Blinds sells blinds too. We have found that clients are drawn to a company that can offer sales and repair. We continually hear that a homeowner would prefer an "all in one" company in the event something did happen and repairs were required. Bloomin' Blinds is able to win bids with an 83% closure rate. We have wholesale deals in place so that our franchisees will purchase their goods at prices reserved for only the largest of companies, from day one. A well-run Bloomin' Blinds location will grow with a "snowball" effect. Most franchise owners will likely need a staff of 1-3 within five years. We are seeking charismatic franchise owners across the country who have a love of people and an eye for detail. With these simple traits, you can make a lot of money as a Bloomin' Blinds franchise owner.

Veteran Incentives 
$2,500 off franchise fee
#160 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#385 in Franchise 500 for 2021.