Budget Blinds Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$100,500 - $211,250
Franchise Fee
$16,958
Min Cash Required
$25,000
Total US Locations
1,366
Business Summary
Budget Blinds operates a primarily mobile business offering the retail sale and installation of various window coverings, such as blinds. Franchisees use a branded van to make sales calls and perform installation work, serving both residential and commercial customers within their assigned territory.
Corporate History
Budget Blinds, LLC originally operated as Budget Blinds, Inc. (BBI), which was incorporated in California on October 5, 1992. The company began offering franchises in March 1994. BBI converted to a limited liability company on November 24, 2015. Budget Blinds is part of a larger family of brands, with Home Franchise Concepts, LLC as its immediate parent and JM Family Enterprises, Inc. as its ultimate parent.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$100,500 - $211,250
Franchise Fee (Low)
$16,958
Franchise Fee (High)
$19,950
Minimum Cash Required
$25,000
Royalty %
3.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$11,800
Equipment Costs (High)
$52,500
Working Capital
$32,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Budget Blinds is financially healthy, with its financial statements for 2024, 2023, and 2022 receiving an unqualified opinion from independent auditors. The company reported net income of $38,518,588 in 2024 and $36,732,020 in 2023. No lawsuits, actions, or legal proceedings are pending that Budget Blinds believes would have a material impact on its financial statements, and no substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern has been raised.
Financing Details
Budget Blinds offers direct financing for a portion of the Initial Territory Fee to qualified franchisees. For a Tier 1 Territory, up to $56,000 can be financed; for a Tier 2, up to $45,000; and for a Tier 3, up to $30,000. These loans typically have a 60-month term with a 10% interest rate and no prepayment penalty. Payments begin with the first royalty due date. The financing is secured by a general security agreement on substantially all of the franchisee's assets. The franchise may lose the franchise, pay the unpaid balance, attorney fees, and costs upon default, and notice is waived.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
1,366
Franchised Units
1,366
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
850
Franchising Since
1994
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
2
Litigation Summary
Budget Blinds has disclosed two litigation cases. The first involved Aussie Pet Mobile, Inc. (an affiliate under previous ownership) entering into a Consent Order with the Securities Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland in 2006 regarding franchise offerings. The second is an ongoing case filed on March 6, 2024, by Budget Blinds, LLC against GTHI, LLC et al. in the Circuit Court of Monrow County, Mississippi, to collect royalty payments and fees.
Bankruptcy History
Budget Blinds has no bankruptcy history to report for itself or its management.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Budget Blinds franchisees must pay a $5,000 renewal fee and sign the then-current franchise agreement. They must not be in default of their current agreement and must bring their business into full compliance with current brand standards. The new franchise agreement may have materially different terms and conditions, and the territory tier may be reclassified based on current criteria.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Budget Blinds provides initial training, including 10.5 days of in-person academy training in Coppell, Texas, plus virtual pre- and post-academy training, for up to two people at no charge (with a $1,000 travel voucher). The franchise assists with designating the territory, approving showrooms (if desired), and providing an initial start-up package that includes product samples and marketing materials. Ongoing assistance includes making representatives available for consultation during business hours, offering additional on-site training at a daily rate plus expenses, and holding conventions and other meetings. Budget Blinds also polices the brand's trademarks, maintains a website, operates a toll-free number for customer routing, and provides an electronic portal for operational materials and digital assets. It also helps with initial post-opening promotion and advertising information.
Initial Training Hours
93.5
Training Location
Coppell, TX
Ongoing Support
After opening, Budget Blinds provides ongoing assistance through its representatives who are available during normal business hours for consultation and guidance. The franchisor may offer additional or refresher on-site training at the franchisee's business for a daily fee plus travel expenses, and may hold annual conventions or other meetings to discuss trends, techniques, and marketing. Franchisees also receive promotional and advertising information from time to time, access to an electronic portal for manuals and digital assets, and support through a toll-free customer service number.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Budget Blinds prefers franchisees who plan to actively participate in the direct operation and daily affairs of their franchise business, rather than those seeking a passive investment. If a franchisee does not personally operate the business, they must employ at least one full-time manager who will complete the initial training program and dedicate their full attention to the business.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Mobile
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Budget Blinds territories are defined by U.S. Postal Service ZIP Codes. A Tier 1 Territory generally consists of a minimum of 36,000 households. A Tier 2 Territory includes between 25,000 and less than 36,000 households. A Tier 3 Territory contains less than 25,000 households. These ZIP code boundaries will remain constant, regardless of population changes.
Staffing Notes
Budget Blinds expects franchisees to hire the necessary full-time and part-time staff to operate their business effectively. If a franchisee chooses not to operate the business themselves, they must employ a full-time manager. This manager must complete the initial training program, dedicate their full time to the management and development of the business, and comply with confidentiality and non-compete agreements. Budget Blinds does not act as a joint employer and gives franchisees sole authority over employee terms and conditions.