What does it really look like to own a home-based franchise in the home improvement industry—with no storefront, no inventory to maintain, and no ongoing royalties? In this episode of the Franchise Wizards Podcast, Daniel Purim sits down with Lori Tobia, Vice President of Franchise Development at Made in the Shade Blinds & More, to explore a business model many aspiring entrepreneurs may never have considered. Made in the Shade is a home-based custom window treatment franchise offering blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, motorization, exterior shading solutions, and full-service in-home consultations. Franchise owners bring the showroom directly to the customer rather than operating from a traditional retail location. One of the biggest differentiators discussed in the episode is the company's zero ongoing royalty model. The opportunity is designed around relatively low overhead, no required storefront, no inventory to maintain, and a mobile, relationship-driven approach to serving homeowners. Daniel and Lori discuss: How the Made in the Shade business model worksThe types of blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and exterior products franchisees offerWhy the business can be operated from homeThe mobile showroom and in-home consultation modelThe zero ongoing royalty structureAn estimated initial investment of approximately $78,000–$107,000How franchisees generate customers through digital marketing, referrals and local relationship-buildingPartnerships with realtors, interior designers, contractors, builders, property managers and other home-service professionalsWhy consultative sales is more about listening, educating and solving problems than traditional “selling”How owners can begin as owner-operators and potentially build a larger team over timeTechnology, CRM automation, AI tools and product visualizationFranchise training, support and company cultureWhat the Made in the Shade franchise discovery and validation process looks likeThe episode also explores the financial performance information discussed from Made in the Shade’s Franchise Disclosure Document. Lori cites approximately $730,000+ average annual revenue per territory, $4,200+ average transaction value, a 45% average gross product margin, and approximately 175 projects per year across the reported group. These figures are historical system averages and are not a guarantee or projection of what any individual franchisee will achieve. Actual results can vary significantly. Prospective franchisees should review the most current FDD and conduct their own independent due diligence. Interested in learning more about Made in the Shade? 👉 Check whether Made in the Shade has territory available in your region and request more information: https://franchisewizards.com/podcast/lp/mits 👉 Not sure Made in the Shade is the right business for you? Use our AI-powered Franchise Matchmaking Tool to identify franchise opportunities aligned with your background, investment range, goals, lifestyle and preferred ownership model: https://franchisewizards.com/vsl3-best-franchises At Franchise Wizards, we help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the franchise search and due-diligence process—from identifying potential business models to evaluating opportunities. Stay updated on everything franchising! Subscribe to the Franchise Wizards Podcast.
