FAQ

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Are there any monthly royalties or ongoing fees?

No. The initial franchise fee is a one-time investment. We do not require any ongoing monthly royalties. A generous percentage of your initial investment actually goes back into supporting your new Made in the Shade start-up package. The only added monthly fee is a very nominal web/email hosting fee, as described in our FDD.

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What does this start-up package include?

Your start-up package includes a carefully selected sample book collection from our name brand manufacturers, a complete set of customized business templates, comprehensive training manuals, pricing and reference guides, a robust customized local website with full integration to our national website, business cards, access to our full line of pre-designed marketing materials, five days of training at our headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, by our experts and vendor trainers, and numerous other perks.

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What selling materials are included in my franchise package?

We provide one of the most generous sample book packages as compared to any other franchise in North America. These are the tools that are used to present products, materials and colors to the consumer. The window coverings package includes the best-selling products from our leading name brand manufacturers that and is a large enough assortment to successfully jumpstart and operate your business without any additional upfront investment.

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What about a protected territory?

Other MITS Dealers will never be your direct competitors. You will be awarded an exclusive working territory. Your clearly defined, protected area will make geographical sense to you, ensuring your competitive edge in your marketplace.

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How much start-up capital will I need?

Most of your start-up business expenses have been covered by your one-time fee, as presented in our FDD. The only other start-up expenses you may incur are things such as registration fees within your state/province, a business license, general liability insurance, basic tools, office equipment, vehicle wrap, etc.

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What does your training session include?

Our comprehensive training session is designed for those who have never sold window coverings. NO DESIGN OR SALES EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED! In fact, some of our most successful dealers had no prior experience in the window covering and/or design industry. During this training, we educate you on our various product lines, how to market your business and generate leads, how to conduct a customer consultation, how to measure, basic installation, how to price jobs and manage profit margins, how to place orders, close sales, etc. It is a hands-on, comprehensive session, complete with training materials and interactive presentations. The group interaction alone is a valuable resource, as ideas and techniques are frequently shared.

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Do you provide the documents/bookkeeping tools we will need to operate our business?

YES! We have designed a complete set of customized business templates for you with all the documents you will need to successfully operate your business – measuring sheet, contract/proposal, invoice, letterhead and envelope, job cost figuring sheet, profit margin statement, etc. These documents will be personalized with all your contact information, along with our trademarked logos.

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Do I need to rent a car for training?

Only if you wish to take in the sights of our beautiful city at night! Otherwise, you will only be responsible for your transportation between the airport and hotel which are just a few miles apart. Our training is held at the Made in the Shade Corporate Headquarters with transportation provided to and from the hotel each day.

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What about advertising materials? Are we required to purchase them through you?

For your convenience and marketing success, we have a complete branding and marketing package available through our dealer portal where you will have direct access to an impressive and robust assortment of pre-designed ad/marketing resources. We have negotiated the most competitive printing rates for top-quality designs and materials. Printed materials may be ordered through our in-house print provider or local to your business if you choose.

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Do I have to use the Made in the Shade Blinds and More name for my business?

Since we are a franchise, we do require the use of our branding including the name, logos and colors. Taking advantage of an established brand is one of the benefits of being a MITS owner.

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How do I get paid?

The franchisee collects directly from the client. Typically, a 50% deposit is collected at the point of sale with the remaining balance due at installation of the products. The franchisee pays the manufacturers directly for the cost of the goods. As a MITS franchise owner, you control the sale, the price you give your client and the profit you earn! We teach you in training how to price your jobs effectively to maximize profits.

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Is there any ongoing training after the initial training?

We are fully committed to continuing to educate our franchisees through interacting regularly with our Director of Training and Franchise Support, on-line and live training from our aligned manufacturers, monthly zoom meetings with peers, email updates, and our own private interactive, online forum. We also host an annual Conference, which is the perfect setting to connect with other franchise owners and share best practices.

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Do you require a retail showroom?

We do not require the use of a showroom. The Made in the Shade proven business model is based on a home-based operation that promotes and endorses shop-at-home consultations. We bring the showroom to the client. Accordingly, there is no need for inventory or the expense of a retail showroom. However, we have approved the option of expanding to a retail storefront for a few of our franchise owners who have chosen to pursue this direction.

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How will I know that I can be competitive in my marketplace?

This is one of the most attractive aspects of being a Made in the Shade franchise owner. Our high volume of sales allows us the lowest available product costs offered in the industry. Accordingly, you can be extremely competitive in your market against local competitors and the home improvement big box stores.

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How will I locate and attract clients?

There are multitudes of proven digital and print marketing tactics to attract qualified prospects and generate leads. This is covered in depth in our comprehensive training session. Eventually referrals from your existing clients will be your biggest driver of leads!

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What separates Made in the Shade from the other franchises or buying groups?

Along with our deeply discounted product cost, internationally branded name and strong vendor alliances, our greatest advantage is the ongoing sales and marketing support that we provide our franchisees with no added monthly fees or royalties. We pride ourselves in our customer service to our owners to ensure their ongoing success. We also offer promotions and incentives, which are exclusive to our MITS franchisees.

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May I speak with existing franchisees?

Absolutely! Please contact us for franchise references and contact information.

FAQ