In this FDD Talk post, you’ll learn the following:

• Section I – Background information on the Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchise opportunity, including relevant news updates

• Section II – Estimated initial investment for a Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchise, based on Item 7 of the company’s 2021 FDD

• Section III – Initial franchise fee, royalty fee, marketing fee, and other fees for a Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchise, based on Items 5 and 6 of the company’s 2021 FDD

• Section IV – Number of franchised and company-owned Made in the Shade Blinds & More outlets at the start of the year and the end of the year for 2018, 2019, and 2020, based on Item 20 of the company’s 2021 FDD

• Section V – Presentation and analysis of Made in the Shade Blinds & More’s financial performance representations, based on Item 19 of the company’s 2021 FDD, including:

• forecasts of what a Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchisee can potentially earn for gross revenues in any given year under three different scenarios: Scenario A (3 sales per week), Scenario B (5 sales per week), and Scenario C (7 sales per week)

Section I – Background Information

10 Things You Need to Know About the Made in the Shade Blinds & More Franchise

Offers a Wide Array of Services Beyond Window Coverings

1.  While Made in the Shade Blinds & More initially focused on window coverings, over the years, the brand has expanded its services, which now include soft window treatments, window motorization, faux iron grilles, and accent rugs. The brand also has award-winning patio shade systems for patios and outdoor kitchens.

2.  Soft Window Treatments – Made in the Shade has drapes, side panels, sheers, Roman shades, upholstered cornices, and premium treatments in a full line of top quality fabrics and a multitude of designs.

• Choose from hundreds of beautiful, premium fabrics;
• Simple, straightforward pricing;
• Premium light-filtering liner is standard;
• Free cordless lift;
• Fast turnaround time on most products;
• Coordinating accent pillows available;
• Motorization available.

3.  Window Motorization

• Popular and Affordable Choice: Motorization is available on most blind, shade, and drapery collections;
• Hand-Held Remote Convenience: Preset your hand-held remote to raise and lower shades to different positions, as well as individual to multiple shade operations;
• Peace of Mind: Made in the Shade helps increase a client’s security and privacy by programming their shades to open and close when they are away from home;
• Not Just for Shades: Motorized tilt is available on most blind collections for the ultimate in light control;
• New Construction: The brand also offers hard-wired motorization options for new construction;
• Existing Homes: Enjoy the latest in technology with battery and solar powered motors;
• Save Money: Lower energy costs with sun-sensored control;
• Practical Options: Wireless wall switches and programmable timers are available to pre-set when shades open and close;
• Child Safety: Since there are no dangling cords, motorized shades are the ideal choice for child and pet safety;
• Longevity: Motorized window treatments place less wear and tear on blinds and shades than manual operation;
• Integration Solutions: Customers can ask about integrating their motorized window treatments with their home automation system.

4.  Faux Iron Grilles – Made in the Shade offers Faux Iron Grilles that look and feel of wrought iron without the weight or the cost.

• Custom sizes and specialty shapes available;
• Create your own custom design to complement any style of decor;
• Today’s most popular finishes and custom finishes, too;
• Constructed out of 100% post-industrial recycled wood fiber and formaldehyde-free resin;
• Easy maintenance, will not rust or fade;
• Fast and easy installation;
• Perfect solution for transom windows, sidelights, arches, and specialty shapes;
• Create impressive custom ceilings;
• Dress up niches or walls;
• Impressive outdoor applications;
• Moisture resistant, rot resistant, termite resistant, and fire retardant.

5.  Accent Rugs – Made in the Shade’s designers can help clients pull their room together perfectly with an area rug that fits the style and look that they want. The brand has an extensive indoor and outdoor rug collection in the latest designs.

Awards Top Franchisees at Annual Conference

6.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last time that Made in the Shade Blinds & More held its annual conference was in February 2020 in San Diego, California. The brand chose San Diego, because it was located about 20 miles from Rosarito Beach, Mexico where its popular Alta Window Fashions are fabricated. Conference attendees toured the factory and enjoyed a traditional Mexican feast.

7.  In addition to enjoying each other’s company, attendees shared their success stories and Made in the Shade honored its top 10 sales performers:

• Andy and Courtney Morstatter – Denver, CO;
• Josh and Jessica Morse and team – San Antonio, TX;
• Matt and Kelli Houston and team – Austin, TX;
• Mike Kirby and Ron Carter – Little Rock, AR;
• John and Heather Proctor – Raleigh, NC;
• Scott Wedl and team – Madison, Wisconsin;
• Jake Garriga – Peachtree City, GA;
• Jeremy and Aubri Nienhuser – Kansas City, KS;
• Dean DeAscentis – Placer County, CA;
• Lana Smith – North DFW, TX.

Company History

8.  Made in the Shade Blinds & More was founded in 2004 by Cathy Morse in Texas. Morse, who started out in Corporate America, and then became a middle school science teacher, joined her husband’s home-based flooring business. After some time, Morse noticed that other flooring businesses also offered window coverings. Morse became interested in offering window coverings and ended up building a successful business that she ran for many years as the sole owner and operator.

9.  Eventually, Morse decided to franchise her business and she developed a strong business model based on her extensive experience in the window coverings industry. The Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchise concept was a success and there are now locations across the United States and Canada. Morse is still the CEO of Made in the Shade and her son, Josh Morse, serves as the company’s general manager.

Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500

10.  Made in the Shade Blinds & More ranked No. 236 on Entrepreneur’s 2022 Franchise 500 list.

Section II – Estimated Costs

• Detailed estimates of Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchise costs, based on Item 7 of the company’s 2021 FDD.

Section III – Initial Franchise Fee, Royalty Fee, Marketing Fee, and Other Fees

• Detailed information on Made in the Shade Blinds & More’s initial franchise fee, royalty fee, marketing fee, and other fees, based on Items 5 and 6 of the company’s 2021 FDD.

Section IV – Number of Franchised and Company-Owned Outlets

Franchised

2018

• Outlets at the Start of the Year:  44
• Outlets at the End of the Year:  61
• Net Change:  +17

2019

• Outlets at the Start of the Year:  61
• Outlets at the End of the Year:  77
• Net Change:  +16

2020

• Outlets at the Start of the Year:  77
• Outlets at the End of the Year:  84
• Net Change:  +7

Company-Owned

2018

• Outlets at the Start of the Year:  1
• Outlets at the End of the Year:  1
• Net Change:  0

2019

• Outlets at the Start of the Year:  1
• Outlets at the End of the Year:  1
• Net Change:  0

2020

• Outlets at the Start of the Year:  1
• Outlets at the End of the Year:  1
• Net Change:  0

Section V – Financial Performance Representations (Item 19, 2021 FDD) and Analysis

• The following are forecasts of what a Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchisee can potentially earn for gross revenues in any given year under three different scenarios: Scenario A (3 sales per week), Scenario B (5 sales per week), and Scenario C (7 sales per week).

Scenario A

• Number of Sales Per Week:  3
• Average Sale:  $2,653
• Annual Gross Revenue:  $397,950

Scenario B

• Number of Sales Per Week:  5
• Average Sale:  $2,653
• Annual Gross Revenue:  $663,250

Scenario C

• Number of Sales Per Week:  7
• Average Sale:  $2,653
• Annual Gross Revenue:  $928,550

• Annual Gross Revenue refers to Gross Revenue earned in a one-year period.

• Gross Revenue means the total revenue derived from the sale of goods or services less sales tax, discounts, allowances, and returns.

• Average Sale means the sum of all data points in a set divided by the number of data points in that set. In this case, the data point would be the dollar amount of window treatments sold in a sale.

• The tables above present pro forma examples of annual gross revenue under three different scenarios. Made in the Shade Blinds & More does not claim that you will perform at any specific level. You should formulate your own estimate with your own business advisors.

• Made in the Shade Blinds & More based these formulations on a survey conducted in April 2021 from its franchisees.

• The average sales figure of $2,653 per sale is based upon Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchisees’ reported sales figures.

• The Annual Gross Revenue was formulated using 50 weeks per year, thereby assuming 2 weeks off for vacation, holiday, weather, etc.

• The survey was conducted as follows: All franchisees who had been in business for at least two years as of December 31, 2020, and were still actively engaged with the business, were invited to participate in the survey.

• Using this criterion, 42 franchisees were eligible to participate in the survey and 38 elected to respond producing a participation rate of 90.5%.

• The franchisees were asked to report the average value of a retail sale to their customers in 2020. The average of all of these responses produced a median transaction value of $2,750 and an average transaction value of $2,653. The average value which was the lower of the two values was used to calculate the three scenarios.

• The conditions that would allow you to sell products at a given level will vary based upon a number of factors such as: the economic or market conditions which you face in your area, the demographics of your market area, the success of your marketing efforts, and how well you follow the Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchise system, among other factors.

• The earnings claims figures do not reflect the costs of sales, operating expenses, or other costs or expenses that must be deducted from the gross revenue or gross sales figures to obtain your net income or profit.

• These figures are only estimates of what Made in the Shade Blinds & More thinks you may earn. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance you will earn as much.

Key Franchise Ratios, Comparables, Computations, and Analyses (Exclusive Content for Platinum Subscribers) ⬇️