Bumble Bee Blinds Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$163,599 - $196,048
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Min Cash Required
$20,000
Total US Locations
17
Business Summary
Bumble Bee Blinds operates a business specializing in commercial and residential window covering services. This includes installing blinds, shutters, shades, and drapery and hardware, as well as providing repair and replacement services.
Corporate History
Bumble Bee Blinds was organized as HPB Blinds and Shutters LLC in Pennsylvania on June 29, 2022, and began franchising in September 2022. The brand's business model is based on its predecessor, Omaha Blinds and Shutters, L.L.C. (OBS), which was formed in July 2015 and operated a blinds and shutters business in Nebraska. HPB Blinds and Shutters LLC acquired assets and confidential information from OBS in June 2022, and OBS subsequently rebranded to Bumble Bee Blinds in October 2022, becoming the flagship location for the franchise system.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$163,599 - $196,048
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$59,500
Minimum Cash Required
$20,000
Royalty %
8.5%
Marketing %
5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$28,295
Equipment Costs (High)
$35,344
Working Capital
$25,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The financial statements for Bumble Bee Blinds show a net loss of $1,552,653 and negative members' equity of $987,226 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The company also used $392,874 in cash for operating activities during 2023, resulting in a decrease in cash. The auditor's report notes that management is required to evaluate if there are conditions raising substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, and the auditor is also responsible for concluding on this, but the auditor did not issue a qualified opinion related to going concern.
Financing Details
Bumble Bee Blinds may offer financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee, but only for the purchase of a franchisee's second or third Protected Territory. The franchisor does not finance the initial franchise fee for the first territory. For a second territory, Bumble Bee Blinds may finance up to 60% of the initial fee, and for a third territory, up to 80% of the initial fee, with a maximum financing amount of $52,000. These loans are for up to 36 months, with an interest rate of the prime rate plus 2%, and no prepayment penalty. The decision to offer financing depends on the franchisee's creditworthiness, available collateral, and the franchisor's current policies.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
17
Franchised Units
17
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2022
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
2
Litigation Summary
Bumble Bee Blinds has been involved in two related lawsuits, both filed in 2023 and since dismissed. One case, Waldron, et al. v. SVHB Marketing LLC, et al., was brought by current and former Blingle! franchisees against an affiliate of Bumble Bee Blinds, its parent company, and certain executives, alleging various claims including fraudulent inducement, breach of contract, and negligent misrepresentation. This case was dismissed because the plaintiffs did not follow the required mediation process. The other case, HPB Lighting LLC v. Calm Family LLC, et al., was filed by an affiliate of Bumble Bee Blinds against former Blingle! franchisees for unpaid fees and abandonment, with counterclaims mirroring those in the Waldron case. This second case was also dismissed. Bumble Bee Blinds' affiliates maintained that all claims were without merit.
Bankruptcy History
Bumble Bee Blinds has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Bumble Bee Blinds franchisees must notify the franchisor in writing between 12 and 18 months before their current agreement expires. They need to show they can continue operating the business at an approved location, or find a new one that the franchisor accepts. Franchisees must also update their business to meet current system standards at least 90 days before renewal, ensure they have not materially breached any agreements with Bumble Bee Blinds or its affiliates and suppliers, and have paid all outstanding financial obligations. Additionally, franchisees will need to sign Bumble Bee Blinds' then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms, complete any required new training at their own cost, sign a general legal release, and pay a renewal fee that is 20% of the initial franchise fee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Bumble Bee Blinds provides extensive assistance to its franchisees, starting before they open their business. This pre-opening support includes defining the protected territory, supplying an initial opening package, providing lists of approved products and suppliers, and granting access to the confidential operations manual and intranet system. Franchisees and up to two additional representatives (including a general manager) must complete an initial training program covering brand overview, marketing, operations software, daily office and field operations, customer service, and key performance indicators. The franchisor also offers guidance on preparing to open and setting up dedicated phone numbers and email accounts. After opening, Bumble Bee Blinds continues to offer ongoing assistance such as scheduling and requiring additional or remedial training, which may incur an additional fee and expenses. The franchisor can also provide remedial training if a franchisee is not complying with system standards. Upon request, or as deemed necessary, Bumble Bee Blinds offers on-site training or consultations, also with a potential fee and expense reimbursement. The franchisor continuously modifies and updates its System, operations manual, approved products, and supplier lists, which franchisees must adhere to. They operate a Call Center that fields customer calls and routes work orders. Bumble Bee Blinds also conducts periodic inspections and audits of the franchise businesses and their financial records. Franchisees receive periodic advice and guidance on operations, use of proprietary marks, and the system, through various media, phone, or email. They may also assist with the resale of surplus equipment or vehicles and hold regular pre-opening and post-opening progress meetings.
Initial Training Hours
48
Training Location
Corporate facility in Omaha, NE
Ongoing Support
After opening, Bumble Bee Blinds provides ongoing support by offering additional or refresher training courses, which may be mandatory, and can be conducted virtually or at their corporate facility in Omaha, Nebraska. Franchisees may be charged an Assistance Training Fee plus expenses for this training. The franchisor can also provide remedial training if a franchisee is not complying with system standards. Upon request, or as deemed necessary, Bumble Bee Blinds offers on-site training or consultation, also with a potential fee and expense reimbursement. The franchisor continuously updates the System and Operations Manual, including lists of approved products and suppliers. They operate a Call Center that fields customer calls and routes work orders. Bumble Bee Blinds also conducts periodic inspections and audits of the franchise businesses and their financial records. Franchisees receive periodic advice and guidance on operations, use of proprietary marks, and the system, through various media, phone, or email. The franchisor also holds 30-minute post-opening progress meetings to review performance and address challenges.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Bumble Bee Blinds seeks qualified individuals with strong entrepreneurial and managerial abilities. While no specific prior experience in window covering services is required, ideal candidates should be committed to adhering to the brand's system standards and guidelines, and have a strong focus on customer service to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Bumble Bee Blinds territories are typically defined by a population of approximately 200,000 individuals. The exact size of a Protected Territory is based on factors such as geography, demographics, and other criteria. If a franchisee's cumulative general population for their territory exceeds the standard figures, they must pay an additional overage fee of $0.30 per individual for the excess population.
Staffing Notes
Bumble Bee Blinds franchisees are responsible for building and maintaining a team of qualified employees or reputable subcontractors to perform window covering installation and services. The franchisee, or one of their principals if it's a business entity, must dedicate their personal attention and best efforts to managing and operating the business. If the franchisee chooses to hire a Designated Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, that manager must be approved by Bumble Bee Blinds, successfully complete the initial training program before starting, and be a full-time employee with no other employment or business activities. The business must always have at least one individual on staff who has completed the initial training. If a Designated Manager leaves, a replacement must be trained within 30 days of hiring. The franchisor may also require general managers, estimators, installers, and other employees to attend additional training courses.