Budget Blinds

Hassle-free business loans to start your Budget Blinds franchise.

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.

Budget Blinds business details

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:

US stores: Approximately 1470
Required Investor net worth: +$250,000
Required investor liquid cash: up to $155,000
Min. investment: $140,000
Max. investment: $212,000
Standard franchise term: 10 years

Can I start a Budget Blinds franchise?

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.

How much does a Budget Blinds franchise cost?

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:

Royalty payment: Rises from $500 to $2,500 per month over first 24 months
National advertising fund contribution: $1,000 up to $1,500 per month
Technology fee: $300 per territory
Training fees: First two trainees go free, then $1,500 per person
Encroachment fee: 100% of gross revenues generated in another territory
Renewal fee: $5,000
Additional training at franchisee’s request: $500 per day

Estimated key costs to open a Budget Blinds franchise:

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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Are Budget Blinds franchises profitable?

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 US franchisees (all franchise businesses) of $60,000 per year.

What is the failure rate for a Budget Blinds franchise?

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.

Why should you start a Budget Blinds franchise?

Moderate start-up costs, no need for a costly retail store, work-from-home possibilities and net income that matches the average for US 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.

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What are the franchise territory policies for Budget Blinds?

Franchisees receive a protected territory that is described by United States Postal Service 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.

What franchise resources does Budget Blinds offer?

Budget Blinds support for franchisees includes:

Training: Franchisee training consists of a combination of 10.5 days in-person academy training at the HFC Experience Center in Coppell, Texas as well as pre- and post-academy training that is conducted virtually. For the first franchise agreement, training for up to two people is provided without charge. Franchisees or their manager must complete the initial training program to the company’s satisfaction before they can begin operating their franchised business.
Marketing support: Budget Blinds provides promotional and other marketing support for their franchisees.
Third-party financing: Budget Blinds provides limited financial support for investors seeking franchise funding. However, you may also be able to obtain economical and flexible funding solutions from the many independent funders who provide business loans to franchise operators.

What is the process for starting a Budget Blinds franchise?

It begins with an application. Start the process here.

Secure franchise funding with Swoop

Starting a new franchise can be an exciting opportunity, but it’s easy to get lost in a maze of business loan applications that can make funding your new window coverings business like too much hard work. Instead, cut out the hassle and cut to the chase. Swoop has the best lenders for the best franchises across the US. Just tell us what you need and leave the rest to us.

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Written by

Chris Godfrey

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 Wells Fargo Bank, Visa, Experian, Ebay, Flywire, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of US consumer and business finance.

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Franchise funding: https://swoopfunding.com/us/blog/funding-your-franchise-a-guide-for-franchisees/

Profitability: https://finmodelslab.com/blogs/how-much-makes/how-much-business-owner-makes-budget-blinds-franchise

Budget Blinds franchise application: https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/why-become-a-franchisee/

Budget Blinds: https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/why-budget-blinds/services/

Failure rate: https://www.vettedbiz.com/franchises/budget-blinds/

Set-up costs: https://www.franchisedirect.com/directory/budgetblinds/ufoc/1747/

Top 500 ranking: https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500