Made in the Shade: Revolutionizing Home Interiors with Custom Window Fashions

Made in the Shade Blinds & More was established by Cathy Morse in January 2004, presenting a distinctive entrepreneurial venture in the home interiors sector. With over 25 years of industry experience, Morse aimed to create a brand renowned for its quality, service, and value. The company is based in San Antonio, Texas.

The core of Made in the Shade's business model is its convenient, shop-at-home service, offering custom window treatments such as blinds, shades, shutters, and draperies. This approach caters to the specific needs and tastes of each customer. Since its founding, the company has seen substantial growth, extending its presence throughout the United States and Canada and establishing itself as a leader in the custom window coverings market.

Shortly after its launch in 2004, Made in the Shade embarked on its franchising journey. This strategic move was designed to enable entrepreneurs across North America to enter the profitable window coverings industry. The franchise offers an attractive business model with minimal overhead costs, as it operates from home without the need for an expensive storefront or inventory.

A distinguishing feature of Made in the Shade in the franchise sector is its dedication to the success of its franchisees. Prior experience in decorating, design, or sales is not required, as the company provides comprehensive training and resources to ensure franchisees become proficient in the field. This focus on franchisee development and customer satisfaction has cemented Made in the Shade's reputation as a top choice for entrepreneurs investing in the home furnishings industry.

Training 

The franchisor offers a thorough training program for franchisees, encompassing:

Initial Management Training: This essential training is mandatory for the Franchisee's Operating Principal and one additional trainee at no extra cost. It covers crucial areas such as product knowledge, sales techniques, and operational procedures.

Additional Trainees: For more than two trainees, a fee of $750 per additional attendee is charged. The franchisor may also impose reasonable fees for training successor or replacement personnel and for any extra training programs.

On-Site Remedial Training: Available upon request or as determined necessary by the franchisor, this training is provided on-site. It depends on the availability of the franchisor’s personnel and may require the franchisee to cover a per diem fee for the training, along with travel, lodging, and meal expenses for the franchisor's representatives.

Annual Conference: The franchisor may organize an Annual Conference, offering additional training and networking opportunities for franchisees. Details and any associated fees will be communicated by the franchisor.

Training Location and Instructors: Initial training currently takes place in San Antonio, Texas, led by experienced instructors with extensive industry backgrounds. Franchisees are responsible for all costs related to attending the initial training, including travel, lodging, meals, and wages.

Territory Protection

The franchisor provides territory protection to franchisees under specific conditions. As long as the franchisee adheres to the Franchise Agreement and all other agreements with the franchisor and its affiliates, they will be granted an exclusive territory. This ensures that neither the franchisor nor its affiliates will establish or permit another MITS Business within that territory.

The territory is defined by precise geographic boundaries, which may include municipal or county borders, postal zip codes, or a designated trade area within a municipality or county. Typically, the territory encompasses around 150,000 people, usually aligned with U.S. Postal Service zip codes. However, the actual size can vary depending on the availability of adjacent markets, long-term plans, financial and operational capabilities, and market conditions.