A Day in the Life: What It Takes to Run a Blinds and Shutters Franchise

If you’re passionate about customer service and home improvements, and you’d love to be your own boss, you might find the perfect role as a franchisee with a blinds and shutters company. Here’s what you can expect from a day in the life if you do decide to start your own blinds and shutters franchise.

In 2018, the global window covering market was valued at 27.6 billion, and expected to grow at a rate of 4.2% [Grand View Research]. This thriving sub-sector of the home improvement industry is a great place to invest your money, and there are plenty of franchise opportunities to choose from. Read on, and discover whether running a blinds and shutters franchise is right for you.

A day in the life running a blinds and shutters franchise

If you’re looking to start your own blinds and shutters franchise, your first step should be researching the industry and the role. What will you actually be doing each day, and will those things suit your skills and interests? In this sector, the average day will likely consist of the following tasks (though specifics will differ from franchise to franchise):

• Planning and scheduling meetings, calls, appointments and installations
• Attending meetings, calls, appointments and installations
• Responding to customer queries and needs
• Marketing your franchise and services
• Financial management and employee management (dependent on the size of your franchise, of course)

As our existing franchisees will tell you, no two days are ever the same – which is why everyone says Apollo Blinds is such an exciting and fulfilling business opportunity. [The] focus of your day will revolve around helping customers to find exactly the right window blinds for them and then installing the blinds so that they are very happy with the products and service. 
– Apollo Blinds

Advantages of franchising in the blinds and shutters sector

The biggest advantage of franchising in this industry is the fact that, right now, blinds and shutters are becoming increasingly popular with UK customers. This is because, when compared to curtains, blinds and shutters provide weather protection, increased security and increased protection, as well as a smart and tidy appearance. Beyond strong demand, becoming a franchisee with a window covering company has plenty of advantages, like:

• Low-cost investment options
• The chance to work with customers and see projects through to completion
• The chance to build a scalable, profitable business
• Flexible working hours
• The opportunity to benefit from your franchisor’s referrals, support and training
• A proven and simple business model and operational guidelines to follow

Challenges you’ll face if you start a window coverings business

A blinds and shutters franchise has plenty of pros, but as with most things, it comes with a few cons. It might be challenging to locate reliable suppliers (though hopefully, this is something your franchisor can help you with) and certain customers might be difficult, cause problems or seem unsure of what type of installation they want. You’ll need resilience and excellent customer service skills to rise above these challenges and build a successful franchise business.

Customer service isn’t just about being courteous to your customers – it’s a vital element of business operations that can impact your bottom line and affect how your company is viewed in the public eye.
- Lisa McQuerrey, Chron

Become a franchisee in the blinds and shutters sector

If you like the sound of the day-to-day for a franchisee in the blinds and shutters sector, start your research on relevant franchise opportunities right here, with three strong investment options...

1. Just Shutters

Founded in 2006, Just Shutters produces beautiful, made-to-measure shutters which suit and enhance any home, no matter the style. These days, there are over 175 Just Shutters franchise locations across the UK.

• Becoming a Just Shutters franchisee: You won’t need any industry experience, but you will need strong people skills and plenty of enthusiasm, along with the drive and determination to succeed as a business owner. 
• How much you need to invest: You need to make a minimum initial investment of £27,000, with franchise fees of £20,000 and a total investment cost of £40,000.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive a comprehensive training and support programme (including 13 days at the franchise training centre and showroom in Bournemouth) and plenty of ongoing consultation and marketing assistance.

2. Shuttercraft

Shuttercraft was founded in 2002, and has since become the UK’s largest distributor of interior plantation shutters. Franchising since 2012, Shuttercraft is respected for its quality products and continued investment in new technology. 

• Becoming a Shuttercraft franchisee: You don’t need any industry experience, but you will need to be willing to learn about shutters and interested in building a business from the ground up. You must also have ambition and desire to keep growing, as everyone at Shuttercraft does.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £27,495.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive an extensive training programme covering set-up, marketing, sales, products, technical and administrative systems and procedures.

3. Apollo Blinds

Apollo Blinds was founded in 1972, and since the leading retailer of window blinds, shutters and awnings started its franchising journey, it’s grown into a nationwide network that’s over 50 outlets strong. 

• Becoming an Apollo Blinds franchisee: No industry experience is required, but you will need to be a driven, hard-working person looking to succeed as a business owner.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £20,000.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive plenty of training and support, focused on the following areas: Growth, Technical, Marketing and Peer.

Running your own business as a successful franchisee is a uniquely rewarding experience

After reading this article, you should have a strong sense of what it’s like to work in the blinds and shutters industry, and whether you would be suited to that kind of work. If you think you’d be better suited to franchising in a different industry, consider going back to the drawing board and browsing the huge range of franchise investment opportunities on Point Franchise’s UK franchise directory.