#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
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 |
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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