Franchise Owner - Franchise Owner, Leadership Counsel Member Decorating Den Interiors Employee Review

Great business model, very helpful and welcoming.

None that I have come across

The operational training and business support NOT taught in design schools. They focus on practical matters that truly matter to a business owner. Everyone on corp staff and in my region are very supportive, especially for new owners. Starting from home keeps costs in line; but I love the fact that I can grow a large business over time with tools and training for office admin and staff designers. Lead generation tools get better every year and are now mostly digital and inexpensive. Merchandising program is awesome; true wholesale pricing is NOT the same as to-the-trade discounts. We buy at MSRP <55% with most of our 130 top-drawer suppliers—yielding much better profits that typical 15% discount TTT. My regional team members provide support and friendship that isn’t common in this industry; we don’t compete against each other. And you can now keep your existing trade name to use in a DDI logo!

This is a complex business, even if every client were the same—and they’re not. New owners have to clear the decks and focus on getting their cash flow generated while operating capital is still available. Any prior business/sales experience helps to understand the process, but ultimately, most owners figure it out within the first year and start reclaiming their investment. Marketing isn’t expensive, but must be done effectively and quickly, as managers suggest and train.