Top 250 Franchise by Entrepreneur – Rank no. 177 – Budget Blinds Inc. – US

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

Number of Locations: 876

Total Investment: $89.23K – 187.07K

Founded: 1992

Began Franchising: 1994

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.

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 – $187,070
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).

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®: #177 (2013), #69 (2012), #143 (2011), #77 (2010), #63 (2009),
Top Home-Based: #37 (2013), #17 (2012), #40 (2011), #21 (2010), #13 (2009),
America’s Top Global: #156 (2013), #62 (2012), #116 (2011), #64 (2010), #54 (2009),

We’re all for empowerment and a can-do spirit, but choosing, measuring and installing window coverings is something that’s best left to the pros. Precisely why you’ll love working with the Design Consultants at Budget Blinds. We’ll bring samples, swatches and styles to you, so you can see how they look in your home.

Sure beats running from store to store or taking your chances online. We’ll measure your windows, do the ordering, inspect your window coverings on delivery, bring them to your home, install them perfectly and empower you with our “No Questions Asked Warranty”†! It’s never been easier to get exactly what you want. Let’s get started on your new window coverings, together!