1961
300
$200,000
$39,900
$797,540
No
Buddy’s Home Furnishings is a leading name in the U.S. rent-to-own (RTO) industry, offering affordable furniture, appliances, electronics, and computers to customers nationwide. With over six decades of experience, Buddy’s has established itself as a trusted provider of essential home products, catering to individuals seeking flexible payment options without the burden of traditional credit.
The franchise model is designed for entrepreneurs seeking a recession-resistant business with strong community ties and scalable growth potential. Buddy’s Home Furnishings combines a proven operating system with comprehensive support, making it an attractive option for both first-time and seasoned franchisees.
Recession-Resistant Industry: The rent-to-own sector is valued at over $11 billion and continues to grow, driven by consumer demand for affordable home essentials.
Proven Business Model: Buddy’s has refined its operations over decades, offering franchisees a turnkey system with a track record of success.
Impressive Financial Performance: Top-performing stores report average gross sales of $1.5 million and cash flow of $369,627 per year.
Franchisee Satisfaction: Approximately 86% of Buddy’s franchisees own multiple units, indicating strong satisfaction and confidence in the brand.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational support to ensure success.
Founded: 1961
Franchising Since: 2009
Founders: Buddy Florence and co-founders
Parent Company/Ownership: Fusion Parent LLC
CEO: Michael Bennett
Corporate Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, USA
Company History & Brand Journey:
Buddy’s Home Furnishings began as a small, family-owned furniture rental store in Orlando, Florida, in 1961. The founders recognized a growing need in the community for flexible, affordable furniture solutions, especially for families and individuals who couldn’t afford large upfront purchases. Over the decades, Buddy’s expanded its product offerings from basic furniture to include appliances, electronics, and computers, establishing itself as a trusted name in the U.S. rent-to-own industry.
In 2009, Buddy’s began franchising to scale its business model across the United States. This move allowed entrepreneurs to leverage the brand’s decades of operational experience, strong customer loyalty, and proven marketing strategies. Today, Buddy’s has grown to over 300 franchise locations nationwide, serving thousands of customers with flexible payment options and high-quality products.
Market Presence in the USA:
Buddy’s Home Furnishings is recognized as a leader in the U.S. rent-to-own (RTO) sector. It operates in key states with high demand for flexible home furnishings solutions. The brand is known for its community-focused approach, recession-resistant business model, and consistent service quality, making it a preferred choice for customers and franchisees alike.
Industry Category: Retail – Rent-to-Own Furniture & Appliances
Other Information:
Buddy’s combines affordability with convenience, catering to individuals, families, and businesses.
Franchisees benefit from a well-established supply chain, proprietary inventory management systems, and extensive marketing support.
The brand emphasizes customer trust, community engagement, and sustainable growth.
Buddy’s Home Furnishings offers a comprehensive support system for its franchisees:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and store setup.
Training: 42 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of on-the-job training to ensure franchisees are well-prepared.
Marketing Support: National and local marketing campaigns, including digital advertising and promotional materials.
Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in inventory management, customer service, and financial performance.
Technology Tools: Access to proprietary software for inventory tracking, customer management, and sales analytics.
This robust support system is designed to help franchisees succeed and grow their businesses effectively.
The ideal franchisee for Buddy’s Home Furnishings is an entrepreneur who is motivated, community-focused, and ready to operate in a customer-centric retail environment. Buddy’s seeks individuals who can combine business acumen with a passion for helping customers access quality home furnishings through flexible payment options.
Key Traits & Qualifications:
Business Background:
Experience in retail, sales, or management is advantageous but not mandatory.
Understanding of inventory management, staff supervision, and financial reporting is a plus.
Passion for Service:
A genuine desire to help families and individuals access home essentials affordably.
Commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building lasting relationships within the community.
Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Willingness to actively manage operations and drive business growth.
Ability to implement Buddy’s proven business model while adapting to local market conditions.
Investment Capability:
Ability to meet the financial requirements, including initial investment, working capital, and marketing costs.
Willingness to reinvest in marketing, store upgrades, and ongoing operational improvements.
Location & Market Understanding:
Preference for areas with high demand for flexible furniture and appliance solutions.
Ability to assess and identify underserved markets with growth potential.
Commitment & Dedication:
Ready to dedicate time and energy to building a successful franchise.
Long-term vision aligned with Buddy’s focus on sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.
Additional Characteristics:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Passion for community engagement and local marketing initiatives.
Integrity, professionalism, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Buddy’s Home Furnishings franchise is ideal for those who want to combine a proven business model with meaningful impact in their communities. Franchisees who align with the brand’s values, possess the right skill set, and have the financial readiness are positioned for long-term success and growth.
Total Investment: $375,650 – $797,540
Minimum Cash Investment: $200,000
Franchise Fee: $39,900 for the first unit; $25,000 for each additional unit
Royalty Fee: 6%
Advertising Fee: 2%
Leasehold Improvements: $2,000 – $109,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment: $12,000 – $25,000
Initial Inventory: $192,000 – $398,683
Insurance: $4,000 – $9,000
Training Expenses: $2,000 – $4,000
Grand Opening Advertising/Marketing: $10,000 – $25,000
Expected ROI: Varies based on location and management
Break-Even Time: Typically within 18–24 months
