Budget Blinds Inc.

Founded: 1992 Franchising since: 1994
Founded in 1992 by five young entrepreneurs, Budget Blinds allows customers to shop at home for window coverings. Tony Forbes, Brent Hallock, Chad Hallock, Todd Jackson and David Lewis had been working for a California-based window-covering retailer when changes in ownership forced them to leave the company. Using the experience they had gained, the co-workers started their own business and began franchising two years later.

Budget Blinds offers customers free in-home consultations, taking measurements and selling a variety of name brand window coverings. The company also handles installations.

Address: 1927 N. Glassell St. Orange, California 92865

Phone: (800)420-5374/ (714)637-2100

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 86 employee(s); 7 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	797	87	0	1
2008	954	81	0	1
2007	1,047	32	3	1
2006	1,062	25	3	3

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Approximately 30,000 households

Total investment: $89,240 - $173,070
Franchise fee: $14,950
Ongoing royalty fee: Varies
Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	Yes	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	No
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $0
Cash liquidity requirement: $54,730 - $86,120
Business Experience:

• Industry experience
• Marketing skills

Operations

• Franchise can be run from home
• 42% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 3
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (97% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 2 weeks
• Ongoing training and support

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Internet
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• National media
• Regional advertising

Other marketing support

• Online, lead generation

Franchise 500® rank:
#77 (2010); #63 (2009); #60 (2008); #29 (2007); #50 (2006);

Fastest-Growing Franchises:
#15 (2007); #25 (2006);

Top Homebased Franchises:
#21 (2010); #13 (2009); #12 (2008); #6 (2007); #11 (2006);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#64 (2010); #54 (2009); #74 (2008); #28 (2007); #48 (2006);