Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: The Designery offers franchise opportunities focused on design and installation services for kitchens, baths and closets, serving residential and commercial markets.
The Designery franchise provides specialized design and installation services for kitchen, bath and closet projects, serving new construction and renovation markets for residential and commercial buildings.
About the Brand
Initially founded as A1 Kitchen & Bath, The Designery was established as a franchise opportunity in 2021, converting to a North Carolina-based limited liability company in 2022. Co-founded by Casey Ridley, the brand was developed to streamline and enhance design and installation services.
Mission: The Designery's mission is to offer high-quality design and installation services tailored specifically for kitchens, baths and closets, ensuring seamless execution from concept through completion.
Vision: The brand envisions becoming a leading franchise in the kitchen, bath and closet design sectors, recognized for excellence, reliability and customer satisfaction.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Why Franchise With The Designery?
Available Territories
Franchise territories are available nationwide, with specific details provided during consultation.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: Estimated initial investment ranges from $156,089 to $387,089. The brand’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $54,900 | $68,900 |
| Opening Assistance Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Training — Travel Expenses | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Security Deposit & Rent | $3,500 | $12,000 |
| Inventory, Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $10,000 | $70,000 |
| Utilities | $250 | $750 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $25,000 | $115,000 |
| Business Management & Technology System | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Technology Fee (3 Months) | $1,797 | $1,797 |
| Online Local Presence Fee | $747 | $747 |
| Marketing Management Fee | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Licenses, Permits & Certifications | $0 | $2,500 |
| Professional Fees | $500 | $2,000 |
| Insurance Despots and Initial Premiums | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 | $11,000 |
| Office Expenses | $500 | $1,000 |
| Dues and Subscriptions | $4,395 | $4,895 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $15,000 | $22,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $20,000 | $50,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial fee is $54,900 for up to 80,000 households, with an additional charge per household beyond this number, up to $68,900 total. The franchise fee is payable in full upon execution of the Franchise Agreement.
The Designery offers a $5,000 discount off the initial franchise fee for the first unit opened by qualifying military veterans. The franchisor also offers a discount on initial fees for multi-unit owners and existing franchisees.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2024 FDD, franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Royalty Fee | 5-7% of Gross Revenue/month |
| Brand Fund Contribution | 2% of Gross Revenue/month |
| Local Advertising | 3% of Gross Revenue or $3,000/month |
| Technology Fee | $599/month |
| Marketing Fee | $500/month |
| Kitchen and Closet Software | Kitchen: $375/year; Closet: $1,800/year or $200/month |
| Online Local Presence Fee | $249/month |
ROI Potential: The Designery provides detailed financial performance data in its 2024 FDD based on two affiliate-owned locations during the 2023 measurement period. This data offers insights into potential gross sales, profits, expenses and adjusted profits for prospective franchisees.
| Financial Metric | Rossville, Georgia | Calhoun, Georgia | ||
Amount | Percentage | Amount | Percentage | |
| Gross Sales | $3,122,674 | 100% | $723,833 | 100% |
| Total Cost of Goods Sold | ($1,652,998) | (52.9%) | ($289,533) | (40.0%) |
| Gross Profit | $1,469,676 | 47.1% | $434,300 | 60.0% |
| Total Disclosed Expenses | ($930,494) | (29.8%) | ($250,886) | (34.7%) |
| Adjusted Profit | $539,182 | 17.3% | $183,414 | 25.3% |
Training Programs
Franchisees receive comprehensive initial training covering operations, software systems, sales strategies and management practices.
Operational Support
Support includes extensive marketing assistance, site selection and lease negotiation guidance, ensuring optimal location and efficient operation.
Technology and Tools
Franchisees gain access to specialized kitchen and closet design software, as well as ongoing technological support and marketing tools to streamline operations.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective franchisees should have sufficient financial resources, a strong business background and excellent management skills.
Operational Commitments
Franchise ownership demands active daily involvement in business operations, management, and customer relations. Semi-absentee ownership is not currently offered.
Funding Assistance
The Designery offers discounts and incentives, including veteran and employee discounts, and has structured multi-unit pricing options available.
The home improvement market, especially kitchen and bath remodeling, is robust and growing. The sector was valued at over $567 billion in 2022, with kitchen and bath projects among the highest value-adding home improvements.
Competitor Analysis
The Designery distinguishes itself through dedicated focus areas and robust support systems. Primary competitors include Kitchen Tune-Up, ShelfGenie and California Closets.
Embarking on a franchise journey with The Designery involves a structured process designed to ensure mutual alignment and success. Here's a step-by-step outline from initial inquiry to final approval:
Prospective franchisees begin their journey by submitting an online inquiry, followed by qualification interviews, detailed program reviews, FDD examination and on-site discovery days. Final approval leads to training and launch.
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