Established
2004
Franchise Units
140
Minimum Investment
$60,000
Franchise Fee
$49,000
Total Investment Range
$80,000
Home Based
No
Description
Made in the Shade Blinds and More has become one of America’s most respected and accessible home-based franchise opportunities in the custom window coverings industry. Known for its consultative, boutique-style customer experience and premium product assortment, the brand has carved a strong reputation across the country by blending affordability, design expertise, and local service. With homeowners continuing to prioritize interior improvements and energy-efficient solutions, Made in the Shade stands in a powerful position as a fast-growing, low-overhead franchise model offering tremendous scalability.
The franchise is intentionally designed for individuals who want a proven service business without heavy operational complexity. With no need for a storefront, minimal staffing requirements, and access to industry-leading suppliers, franchise owners are able to build a highly profitable business while maintaining strong work–life balance. Today, Made in the Shade continues to win attention in the home services franchise category because of its simple operations, strong brand identity, and a culture built on support, integrity, and helping franchisees succeed.
Why Invest in the Made in the Shade Blinds and More Franchise?
Investing in Made in the Shade means stepping into one of the strongest niches within the booming home improvement market. The demand for custom blinds, shades, drapery, shutters, and motorized window treatments is rising annually as consumers upgrade their homes for comfort, efficiency, and style. Made in the Shade offers franchisees immediate access to established vendor partnerships, exclusive buying power, and unmatched training resources that shorten the learning curve.
The business model is home-based, which drastically reduces startup costs, overhead, and operational risks. Franchise owners operate as design consultants, bringing products directly to clients through a mobile showroom experience. This approach elevates trust, shortens sales cycles, and provides customers with expert guidance in their own homes—something traditional retail competitors struggle to replicate.
The franchise also offers strong territory protection, national-level marketing support, and ongoing business coaching. Whether you are looking for a scalable enterprise or a flexible business you can manage independently, Made in the Shade delivers one of the most accessible and profitable pathways into the home services industry.
Background
Established Year: 2004
Founder: Cathy Morse
Franchise Active Units: Over 140+ franchise locations across the USA
Industry Category: Home Improvement, Window Coverings, Mobile Showroom Services, Home-Based Franchise
Made in the Shade Blinds and More was founded in 2004 with a simple mission: make high-quality window coverings accessible through personalized, in-home consultations. What began as a small, home-based local business quickly captured market attention due to its customer-first approach, strong vendor partnerships, and competitive pricing structure.
As the brand expanded, leadership invested heavily in franchise development, training systems, and supplier relationships. Today, Made in the Shade is recognized as one of the top low-cost home services franchises in North America. Its national footprint has grown steadily through a combination of referrals, brand reputation, and franchisee success stories.
Unlike many retail-heavy window covering brands, Made in the Shade maintains a decentralized, home-based model that empowers owners to grow at their own pace. The brand retains private ownership and remains founder-driven with a commitment to personal support, ethical operations, and franchisee profitability.
Support Training
Made in the Shade Blinds and More is known for delivering one of the most comprehensive support ecosystems in the window coverings industry. Franchisees receive hands-on guidance before launch, during setup, and throughout the entire life of the business.
Pre-Launch Support
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Business planning and goal-setting sessions
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Vendor onboarding and exclusive supplier introductions
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Assistance securing your first orders and understanding pricing structures
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Setup of your mobile showroom, samples, and marketing materials
Operational Training
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Intensive, in-person training covering sales, design consultation, measuring, and installation
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Product knowledge across blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and motorized solutions
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Software training, quoting systems, invoicing, scheduling, and CRM guidance
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Installation best practices for multiple product categories
Marketing & Sales Support
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Customized marketing toolkit for your launch
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Social media playbook and ongoing digital resources
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Guidance on local advertising strategies, community outreach, and referral building
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National brand marketing and reputation management
Ongoing Support
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Monthly coaching calls and continuous business mentoring
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Access to franchise-wide peer groups and an active community
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Updated product training as new lines and trends emerge
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Annual conferences, supplier events, and advanced workshops
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Dedicated franchise support team for operational questions
Ideal Candidate
Made in the Shade Blinds and More is designed for entrepreneurs seeking a flexible, home-based business with strong earning potential and minimal overhead. The franchise is well-suited for:
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Individuals with an interest in home décor, interior design, or home services
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Professionals transitioning from corporate roles who want independence and work-life balance
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Self-starters comfortable with community networking, relationship-building, and consultative sales
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Investors wanting a business that scales without expensive real estate or large staff
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Couples, family teams, or partnerships looking for a collaborative business model
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Owners with the ability to manage operations, customer service, and installations (or outsource installations as they grow)
Ideal candidates are positive, coachable, customer-focused, and driven to build a respected local presence. While design experience is a plus, it is not required—the franchise provides all necessary training.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Franchise Fee | ~$49,000 |
| Royalty Fees | No Traditional Royalties |
| Infrastructure & Equipment Costs | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Ongoing Marketing Spend | $500 – $1,500 per month |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Training Costs | Included in Franchise Fee |
| Expected ROI | High |
| Break-Even Timeline | 6 – 12 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Drapery, Motorization, Installations, Commercial Projects |