Why Budget Blinds’ Referral Program is Key to The Franchise’s Growth

Since 1993, Budget Blinds has been the leader in the custom window covering space, growing to more than 1,300 locations throughout North America. Nearly three decades later, that growth momentum hasn’t slowed. Not even a little bit. In fact, Budget Blinds recently celebrated a record year for growth, seeing more than 100 territory exchanges in 2020.

The brand’s growth can be attributed to a number of benefits for franchisees and consumers, including a low investment, unique shop-at-home model and the backing of multi-brand franchisor Home Franchise Concepts (HFC). But perhaps the biggest factor behind Budget Blinds’ consistent expansion is its referral program.

Existing HFC franchisees have the opportunity to refer qualified candidates for any one of the HFC brands and receive a substantial lump sum payment for each franchise sale. HFC’s referral program works to not only to increase each of its concepts’ footprints, but to build a stronger sense of brand awareness and in turn earn better business.

Beyond the dollar incentive is an opportunity to join the HFC traveling team on one of its referral rewards trips, where roundtrip airline expenses, hotel accomodations, events and activities, and gratuities are covered for the referring franchisee and one guest.

“This program has been a huge incentivizer in our franchise journey with Budget Blinds,” said Tammy Connor, a franchisee in Terre Haute, Indiana. “The trips have been better than I would plan for myself, and the referral bonus has made it even more worthwhile.”

Connor has been a franchisee with Budget Blinds since 2015, and she’s long been one of the concept’s biggest cheerleaders. Since opening her territory in Terre Haute, Connor has referred seven new franchisees who have helped to grow the leading window covering brand.

“My husband and I have been referring friends and acquaintances since we signed on ourselves” she said. “It’s rewarding to know we’ve had such a huge hand in helping Budget Blinds grow.”

As a dedicated franchisee who has a passion for interior design and helping her clients feel more excited about their homes, Connor is not just referring anyone and everyone — she says she is tapping her network for people who are enthusiastic about going into business for themselves and who have a genuine interest in home design.

“I’ve referred acquaintances, people I’ve worked with in the past, even my sister and one of my good friends from college,” Connor said. “I have a degree in interior design, so I know a lot of people who fall within that niche of home renovation. I approach people who have a knack for what it takes, and if I think they’re a good fit, I put that little spark in their head.”

David and Chasity Wood, who are Connor’s seventh referral, recently signed on with Budget Blinds and have plans to open a territory in Plainfield, Indiana. After speaking with Connor about the opportunity and seeing the success she and her husband have had growing their business, David was sold on the idea of building the same success for his family.

Connor says that while the financial incentives are a strong motivator, it’s about more than just the money; it’s also about offering the people closest to her an opportunity to build success for themselves with a brand she’s truly confident in.

“My main motivation behind referring so many people is that I feel very confident in the program and the company,” Connor said. “If I didn't feel like it was successful, I wouldn't have referred my sister and my best friend. Budget Blinds has it figured out, and if you follow its system, you will be successful.”

And Budget Blinds franchisees are not the only ones celebrating the success of the referral program. HFC’s chief development officer, Jonathan Thiessen, says he is proud of how the program has helped the brand grow, and he’s excited to see where it will take HFC.

“As a company we’ve learned a lot from the success of this program. Nothing is more validating than seeing your business partners excited to grow Home Franchise Concepts within their network of friends and family. That means we’re doing something right,” he said.

Budget Blinds isn’t letting go of that strong drive to keep growing. The brand is looking to continue expanding across the country and it’s hoping to grow through both referrals and new franchisees to find great franchise partners in those locations.