Budget Blinds

Why is the home improvement industry booming?

With the cost of real estate hitting an all-time high, the home improvement industry has been booming as people choose to renovate instead of move. Most homeowners also change their decor when doing a home renovation, and adding items like blinds and window treatments go hand-in-hand with these changes.

The Budget Blinds franchise, a shop-at-home service provider of custom window coverings, pairs perfectly with these popular renovations. Their continued success shows how much customers love the immediate visual change they provide.

In 2020 the window covering business hit $29.95 billion, and it’s projected to hit $36.75 billion by 2025. Custom blinds, draperies and window coverings are so popular because customers find them affordable, quick and easy to significantly change their room's appearance.

Introducing smart home automation features such as automatic weather sensors and remote controls has also increased their popularity.

• 75% of Budget Blinds customers purchased window coverings for more than one room in their homes.
• 53% of Budget Blinds customers spent over $1,500, with 20% spending over $2,000 on window coverings.
• 91% of Budget Blinds customers said they were satisfied with their consultation and buying experience.

Related: Why This Industry Is Experiencing Incredible Pandemic-Fueled Growth | Entrepreneur

What is Budget Blinds?

Started in 1992 by five young entrepreneurs, Budget Blinds has grown into North America's top window coverings franchise.

Providing custom blinds, shutters, shades, draperies and more for residential and commercial customers, they are second-to-none in the industry.

Offering exclusive private label brands and the one-of-a-kind DesignINK program that allows customers to customize their patterns and colors makes the Budget Blinds franchise stand out from its competitors.

With additional features such as smart home technology, child safety features and products that help with light and privacy issues, there is always an option to fit every customer’s needs.

Related: Window Coverings Franchises

Why choose Budget Blinds?

Backed with 30 years of experience across the U.S. and Canada and ranking on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame list for 28 consecutive years, starting a Budget Blinds franchise provides an excellent business opportunity.

Offering extensive training and support, teamed with the best product pricing and warranties in the business, you are starting on the right foot in building a successful business.

Budget Blinds is based in Irvine, CA, under its parent company, Home Franchise Concepts.

When you open a Budget Blinds franchise, you will follow a proven and successful business model that has proven life-changing for franchise owners.

To decide if becoming a Budget Blinds franchise owner is right for you, the first step is to book a phone appointment with an advisor to discuss the following:

• Go over the advantages of opening a Budget Blinds franchise.
• Learn what the basic requirements are and how territories work.
• Discover the benefits of owning a franchise, including the Budget Blinds work culture.
• Talk about the home-based, no inventory and low overhead business model.
• Go over the royalty and marketing fees.
• Discuss the flexible schedule that lets you be your own boss.

Related: 23 Questions to Ask a Franchisor When You Meet Face to Face | new excerpt from #TheFranchiseeHandbook | Entrepreneur

Is there training provided?

The training provided to business owners by Budget Blinds is one of the top training programs in the industry. Once approved as a franchise owner, you will be enrolled in an extensive two-week training program where you will learn everything you need to know about operating a successful franchise.

You will learn various time and financial management techniques, the sales process and how to properly market and advertise your business.

Along with that, you will also undergo in-depth training on the products you will sell and the installation process. Your training will include a combination of hands-on, live and virtual components and everything you need to know to hit the ground running.

Once your initial training is done, you aren’t left to your own devices. You will now have access to support and additional training, including a weekly call with your Regional Operations Manager.

You will also have access to your Regional Field and Marketing Manager, who will guide you on local marketing and a product and installation support team who can answer any technical questions.

Related: Exploring a Franchise Opportunity | 5 Key Questions to Ask. | Entrepreneur

How do you start a Budget Blinds franchise?

Once you have decided to open a Budget Blinds franchise, you need to take a series of steps to get approved and trained to officially open your first location.

The steps are as follows:

• Submit your application to open a franchise location.
• Schedule an interview with the Chief Development Officer.
• Have the Committee approve your application.
• Attend a Meet the Team day to learn about operations, training, marketing and product strategy. You will also have access to a demonstration of the Budget Blinds management software program and have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
• Receive your final approval and sign the Franchise Agreement.
• Participate in a two-week training program to help start you on the path to success.

Related: 5 Great Ways to Research Franchise Businesses | Entrepreneur

How much does it cost to open a Budget Blinds franchise?

When starting a Budget Blinds franchise, you must consider the initial investment and the royalty fees.

The initial investment includes the initial franchise fee, territory fee and the liquid capital you require to open the franchise.

Initial investment

Budget Blinds prides itself on its low home improvement franchise cost, low overhead and home-based business model that makes opening a franchise with them quick and easy.

The initial franchise, territory fee and minimum working capital are the main components of the start-up costs.

• Initial investment: $19,950.
• Initial franchise territory fee: $70,000.
• Minimum working capital: $50,583.

For new franchisees that meet the criteria, Budget Blinds also offers financing of up to $56,000, which brings the total investment down from $140,533 to $84,533.

Royalty fees

With a Budget Blinds franchise, the ongoing royalty fees are as follows:

• Months one to six: $300.
• Months seven to 12: $700.
• Months 13 to 24: $1,100.
• Months 25 to 36: $1,500.
• Months 37+: $2,000.

Related: To Make a Smart Franchise Purchase, Ask These 3 Contrarian Questions | Entrepreneur

What are franchise owners saying?

The true mark of an excellent business investment is what other franchise owners are saying. Read on for a few testimonials from current Budget Blinds franchise owners:

• “The opportunity with Budget Blinds has definitely changed my life. It’s really given me the freedom to move forward with the things that I enjoy most.” - Debbie Blackmon, multi-unit owner.
• “We have a lot of freedom to take care of our family, travel and do the things we need to do.” - Dale and Cheryl Zahniser.
• “Being a Budget Blinds franchise owner, I’ve been able to build my own business successfully, but also be able to prioritize my time for other things that are important to me in my life. We’ve tripled our business within the first three years, so that is super rewarding. I enjoy being a Budget Blinds franchise owner very much. I’m my own boss. I love it.” - Lloyd Biggs.

Related: 4 Key Questions for Prospective Franchisees | Entrepreneur.com

If you’re interested in an excellent business venture backed by tremendous support, look no further than opening a Budget Blinds franchise.

With three decades of experience, a proven business model that works and a low initial investment, opening a Budget Blinds franchise can be that open window you have been looking for to help transform your life for years to come.

Check out Entrepreneur’s other articles for more information about Budget Blinds and other franchise opportunities.