Process Overview
Starting your own business is not easy. It takes thought and planning. It is not a matter of simply investing money. It is a matter of committing yourself to a long term business career. You want to take pride in what you do, to experience relationships with customers and colleagues that are satisfying as a way of life. You want to interact with home office executives and staff that have your interest at heart. That is why you want to proceed cautiously, but deliberately toward your goal. You want a business that best suits your personality and goals.
Careful selection based on experience
The Exciting Windows! franchisee selection process is based on more than 40 years experience in window coverings sales and marketing. The success profile is well defined. Window coverings sales is unique in many ways, yet the business fundamentals are similar to any home furnishings related profession: create awareness, attend customer appointments in their home, create excitement with quality products and personal enthusiasm, then deliver on your promises and follow up to assure full satisfaction. Education is the key to success. We provide it for you, but you must be pro-active in receiving it. That's why we look for a very special person to bring credit on our Exciting Windows! reputation, and to be a successful example of our system.
Franchising combines our mutual strengths
Franchising works best when the franchisor provides a sound system developed and refined over years with successful examples proving the concept. When that concept is combined with energy, drive, passion and personality of a franchisee who believes in the same customer values of service, customers respond and the business thrives. This is a shared vision for success. The goal of our qualification process is to be sure you understand the Exciting Windows! concept and the essentials that will attract customers to you. We want to be sure your goals and ours are congruent in bringing this great service to high quality homeowners in your community.
How long is the selection process?
The selection process is generally from 4 to 6 weeks and may vary based on your goals for opening in business and our classroom education that is scheduled approximately four times a year. You should begin your process approximately three months prior to the class you want to attend, and plan to be operational within 2 - 3 months following that class. A lead time of four to six months from the time you want to be operational is a common planning period. There is some flexibility based on your personal needs. Discuss your goals with your business counselor to work out the plan that fits your goals and our educational schedules. You will want to learn more about each step in the stages of our process together. Please click on the links below.
Please click each link for detailed information
Your inquiry may be generally initiated by e-mail or telephone. You will receive an e-mail response and a telephone call from one of our franchise development representatives. This introductory call is to learn about your goals and interests, to give you an overview of the Exciting Windows! service to homeowners, and explain the application process you will need to complete to be considered for an Exciting Windows! Franchise.
Please click this link to find our franchise application online. By completing this application you are not committing yourself or us to be accepted for a franchise. Our investigation process begins after we have your information. We require that you submit an application before you can be considered for a franchise and prior to receiving our Franchise Disclosure Document. Please complete all information completely and accurately.
We will tell you about the window coverings industry, about the Exciting Windows! concept and operation, about competition and our exceptional customer service. You will learn how the business functions, along with investment required based on the type business that fits your interest and qualifications.
The Exciting Windows! education and training program is largely conducted with Window Coverings University. In addition, there is specialized and confidential training on Exciting Windows! topics that are not available throught WCU and WCU Online. This is an important part of your Introduction to Exciting Windows! and may actually be a separate phone call discussion.
The FDD, or Franchise Disclosure Document, provides you the complete information you want about our company and our concept. We will walk you through it on the phone to be sure you understand all aspects of customer service you will be expected to perform and of the territory and investment.
Once you fully understand the business and investment, and you have completed the initial qualification process, you will want to speak with other Exciting Windows! franchise owners and licensee Members. You may be able to meet them at a training event and you will want to call Members to learn about their experiences. There may even be members with a similar background to your own.
You will learn more about Exciting Windows! advanced industry-leading technology, marketing programs and ongoing support. You will receive a complete online orientation as soon as you complete your phone calls to Exciting Windows! Members to learn about their experiences.
We want to meet you in person and you will want to meet us. We both want to feel the chemistry is right. But first, we want to have a phone call together with you and your spouse and one of our co-founders, Steve Bursten or Steve Wishnow. You will gain additional understanding about our vision and commitment to your success. You can also ask any questions about your role and how you will be working with your customers and Exciting Windows! Home Office staff.
This is the final step in our evaluation process before you are awarded a franchise. Your personal Discovery Day will give you an opportunity to meet with key executives and department heads who will work closely with you as an Exciting Windows! franchisee.
Start the process now if you want to be in business within the next 8 to 12 months. If your horizon is further out than that, there will be a lot of new things added and you should contact us again later. But, if you are thinking about a business of your own within the next year, complete your application now and we will be in touch soon.
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