Year began: 1983 Franchising since: 1999
When Jim and Michele Evanger purchased Barrington, Illinois-based Designs of the Interior (DOTI) in 1993, they had big plans for expanding their new company. The couple added two locations by 1997 and started franchising in 1998. DOTI has recently shifted its franchise concept from that of a small design studio to a larger design store.
DOTI's stores average 5,000 square feet in size and provide everything from upholstered furniture and rugs to accessories, lighting and window treatments. The company offers both single-store and multistore development programs.
DOTI has reached agreements with various manufacturers to develop its own private-label line of furniture. Franchisees that take advantage of the program can then sell merchandise reflecting the DOTI brand to their customers.
|
236 Ponte Vedra Park Dr., #201
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Phone: (888)382-7488
Fax: (847)713-2636
| Franchisor is a privately-held company with 10 employee(s); 5 employee(s) in franchise department.
|
Franchise Growth
Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Depends on home values
Special Programs
Owners and their employees have the opportunity to win awards based on their performance.
Costs & Fees
Total investment: $290K-398K
Franchise fee: $37.5K
Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
Term of agreement: 5 years, renewable
| Type of Financing Available |
| In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | No | Yes |
| Startup Costs | No | Yes |
| Equipment | No | Yes |
| Inventory | No | Yes |
| Accounts Receivable | No | No |
| Payroll | No | No |
Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $600K
Cash liquidity requirement: $125K
Business Experience:- General business experience
- Marketing skills
- Management experience
Operations
- 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit
- Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9
- Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)
Training & Support
TRAINING- Available at headquarters: 2 weeks
- At franchisee's location: 2 weeks
- At various locations: 2 weeks
ONGOING SUPPORT- Newsletter
- Meetings
- Toll-free phone line
- Grand opening
- Internet
- Security/safety procedures
- Field operations/evaluations
- Purchasing cooperatives
MARKETING SUPPORT- Co-op advertising
- Ad slicks
- National media
- Other marketing support: Marketing & ad agency
Rankings in Entrepreneur magazine 2004-2008
Franchise 500® rank:#372 (2007); #422 (2006);
Last Updated: 8/27/2008 12:00:00 AM
Copyright ©
2008 Entrepreneur.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy