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Budget Blinds Inc.

2012 Franchise 500
#69
At a Glance

Products & Services: Window coverings, window film, rugs & accessories

Number of Locations: 794

Total Investment: $89.24K - 174.07K

Founded: 1992

Began Franchising: 1994

Private Owned

About Budget Blinds Inc.

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.

Franchise Units

Year U.S. Canadian International Company Owned
2011 710 84 0 0
2010 714 81 0 0
2009 797 87 0 1
2008 954 81 0 1
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $89,240 - $174,070
Franchise Fee: $14,950
Ongoing Royalty Fee: Varies
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Liquid Cash Available: $54,730 - $86,120
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).
Financing Type In-House Third Party
Franchise Fee
Startup Costs
Equipment
Inventory
Accounts Receivable
Payroll

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

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 Ranking History

Franchise 500®: #69 (2012), #143 (2011), #77 (2010), #63 (2009), #60 (2008),
Top Homebased: #17 (2012), #40 (2011), #21 (2010), #13 (2009), #12 (2008),
America's Top Global: #62 (2012), #116 (2011), #64 (2010), #54 (2009), #74 (2008),