Budget Blinds is a window coverings franchisor, selling window blinds and sundry items to restaurants, retail businesses, offices, healthcare facilities, schools and residential customers. They operate across the US and Canada.
Founded in 1992 and offering franchise opportunities since 1994, Budget Blinds are headquartered in Irvine, California. As well as selling blinds, rugs and related window treatment products, the company provides on-site consultations, virtual consultations, measuring and professional installation services. They ranked #16 in the top 500 franchise charts for 2024.
Budget Blinds at a glance:
The company says they’re seeking driven individuals who have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for personalized customer service. If this sounds like you and have a net worth of at least $250,000 and liquid cash of up to $155,000, you could start a Budget Blinds franchise. Note that you can operate this franchise yourself or you can employ a designated manager to take the training and run the business for you. This could make a Budget Blinds franchise suitable for passive investment.
Starting a Budget Blinds franchise can cost from $140,000 up to $212,000 – making this a low to moderate investment. One of the best things about this franchise is that you don’t need an expensive retail store. The business is primarily a mobile operation which you can run from home. Franchisees work from a liveried vehicle, securing orders from customers, obtaining products from Budget Blinds and then installing them in customer homes and business premises.
The initial franchise fee is $19,950, but you must also pay a hefty initial territory fee of $70,000. Military veterans can claim up to 15% off their initial franchise and territory fees.
After opening, you are required to pay an array of ongoing fees and charges. They include:
| Key Costs Guide | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $15,000 | $19,500 |
| Initial territory fee | $70,000 | $70,000 |
| Business address | varies | varies |
| Travel and living expenses while training | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Vehicle | $10,000 | $48,000 |
| Computer software and hardware | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Computer software and hardware | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| iPad Pro | $0 | $1,500 |
| Credit card processing technology | $50 | $500 |
| Initial marketing | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Professional services | $750 | $3,500 |
| Other costs – three months | $25,000 | $40,000 |
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Yes, but net profits – what you collect after paying for all your operating costs – are moderate. Although income will vary according to franchise location and the skill of the franchise owner in attracting and retaining good customers, reports show that the average Budget Blinds franchise has gross revenues of $300,000 per year and net profits of $50,000 to $70,000 – your take-home pay. This is in line with the average net income of Canadian franchisees (all franchise businesses) of $60,000 per year.
Very low. The failure rate for Budget Blinds franchises is 1% in the first year and 3% by year three. The company has added new franchisees every year since at least 2016 – even during the pandemic.
Moderate start-up costs, no need for a costly retail store, work-from-home possibilities and net income that matches the average for Canadian franchisees points to a solid franchise opportunity. The only negative is the large territory fee. If you can get past that and if you like being out on the road, meeting new and interesting people while you make decent but not spectacular money, this could be a business for you.
Franchisees receive a protected territory that is described by zip codes. Each territory consists of approximately 30,000 households. Budget Blinds promises not to establish another franchised business that sells and installs window coverings using the Budget Blinds system and trademarks within the franchisee’s protected territory.
Budget Blinds support for franchisees includes:
It begins with an application. Start the process today.
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Chris is a freelance copywriter and content creator. He has been active in the marketing, advertising, and publishing industries for more than twenty-five years. Writing for Barclays Bank, Metro Bank, Wells Fargo, ABN Amro, Quidco, Legal and General, Inshur Zego, AIG, Met Life, State Farm, Direct Line, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of consumer and business finance and insurance.
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