Bumble Bee Blinds
Bumble Bee Blinds offers franchises specializing in commercial and residential window covering services. Known for providing comprehensive blinds and shades solutions, it operates in the home improvement and window treatments industry.
Bumble Bee Blinds franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Bumble Bee Blinds Business ranges from $163,466 to $208,676. This includes fees that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates prior to opening, as well as other costs for the opening package and additional funds. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is due at signing and varies based on the number of territories covered under the franchise agreement. Revenue from these fees is recognized ratably over the franchise agreement term, typically ten years. [p.265, p.277, p.289]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fees are recognized as revenue ratably over a 12-month period as services are performed [p.264]. Regarding advertising fees, the franchisee is required to contribute to the Brand Fund, which Franchisor can use at its discretion for various marketing and advertising purposes [p.144, p.56]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for specific ongoing advertising fee amounts.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement term is generally ten years [p.277]. However, this isn't specified in the excerpts whether you can renew the agreement or not.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you can transfer ownership of your franchise, but the franchisor has the right to refuse such transfers except for good cause [p.6]. Good cause includes conditions specified by the franchisor. Additionally, any transferor must satisfy all conditions of transfer as specified in the Franchise Agreement before selling the business [p.293].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the franchise agreement on any grounds available by law, as stated in [p.209] and [p.242]. Additionally, the franchisee may also terminate the agreement under any grounds permitted under state law, according to [p.251] and [p.218].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. However, your "Protected Territory" is safeguarded from other Bumble Bee Blinds franchises and company-owned outlets providing Approved Products and Services within it [p.63]. The franchisor retains the right to engage in certain activities outside your Protected Territory [p.101, p.314, p.100, p.313], and you may be required to purchase additional franchises if more than 5% of your Gross Revenues come from locations outside your Protected Territory [p.63].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides an initial training program consisting of Phase I, II, and III trainings, with Phase I and II conducted digitally or via webinar/video-conferencing, while Phase III is held at their facility in Omaha, Nebraska. Additionally, they offer ongoing support through proprietary operating systems, standards, and specifications for products and services, sales techniques, marketing programs, and an operations manual. Ongoing training and refresher courses may also be available but are not required. [p.138, p.44, p.111]
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations other than the preceding one, and it does not authorize its employees or representatives to make such claims either orally or in writing [p.89]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, the franchisor may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.89].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to offering only the products and services that the franchisor prescribes, as specified on [p.38] and [p.70]. You may not sell any other products or services without prior written authorization from the franchisor. For supplies, you must purchase items from the limited group of suppliers designated by the franchisor, which may include System Suppliers for essential goods like technology, software, equipment, and private label goods, as detailed on [p.3] and [p.36].