Footprints Floors Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Looking to invest in a flooring franchise with low overhead and strong market potential? Discover Footprints Floors’ streamlined model, impressive growth, and financial performance. Learn about its costs, fees, and revenue potential today!

Last updated 19 Nov 2024 Time 12 min read
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Footprints Floors is a unique home services franchise, founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Bryan Park. Based on a personal commitment to integrity, quality, and fair pricing, Bryan started Footprints Floors in Littleton, Colorado, in 2008. At that time, he was facing financial hardship with a young family to support, and he saw a gap in the flooring market for high-quality, affordable services with a strong customer-first approach. From humble beginnings handing out flyers in his neighborhood, Bryan grew the business quickly through hard work and a reputation for reliability. By 2013, Footprints Floors was franchising locally in Colorado, and in 2018, it expanded nationwide.

Footprints Floors specializes in floor installation and restoration services, focusing on hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl flooring. What sets this franchise apart is its streamlined model: franchisees don’t need showrooms or warehouses, keeping overhead low and operations efficient. This simplicity is appealing to customers looking for hassle-free, high-quality installations and restorations. Serving primarily residential clients, the franchise focuses on homeowners in need of expert flooring services at competitive prices. This focus on quality and affordability has helped the brand build a loyal customer base across multiple U.S. regions.

Today, Footprints Floors has grown to over 150 territories in more than 30 states, illustrating its wide appeal and operational success. This expansive reach allows it to serve thousands of customers daily. Its footprint (pun intended!) is steadily growing as more territories are sold, giving it an impressive scale in the highly competitive home improvement sector.

For franchisees, Footprints Floors offers a strong support system that includes comprehensive training, ongoing coaching, and marketing assistance. The model doesn’t require previous experience in flooring, making it accessible to entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Franchisees benefit from centralized scheduling, customer service support, and a dedicated team for digital marketing, freeing them up to focus on delivering excellent service to their clients. This franchise system is well-suited for hands-on operators looking to enter a scalable and rewarding business backed by a supportive network and an established reputation.

Footprints Floors Franchise Insights

  1. Since its founding in 2008, Footprints Floors has expanded to over 150 territories across 30+ states, demonstrating its strong market demand and ability to scale effectively.
  2. Franchisees don’t need to manage costly inventories or physical showrooms, keeping overhead low and allowing for higher profitability with a mobile business model.
  3. Founded by Bryan Park, a U.S. Air Force veteran, Footprints Floors emphasizes integrity, leadership, and duty in both its operations and customer service, setting it apart in the competitive home services industry.
  4. Footprints Floors primarily serves residential homeowners in need of affordable and high-quality flooring installations or restoration, a broad market that includes middle-income and upper-income households.
  5. With territories available across the U.S., Footprints Floors offers significant growth potential for franchisees looking to expand their business or multi-unit operations.

Footprints Floors Franchise Key indicators

Growth YOY (%)

4%

vs industry 4%


Total U.S. Franchised Units

80


3-Year Failure Rate

22%

vs industry 13%


Sales-to-Investment ratio

3.6:1

How much does it cost to open a Footprints Floors franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Footprints Floors franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.

Min & Max Investment

Opening a Footprints Floors franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). you can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Footprints Floors below from the most recent Item 7 below:

Type of Expenditure  Minimum Investment  Maximum Investment 
Initial Franchise Fee  $68,000  $68,000 
Construction and Leasehold Improvements  $25  $150 
Furniture and Fixtures  $50  $1,000 
Equipment  $0  $5,000 
Franchise Starter Package  $1,930  $1,930 
Computer, Software, and Point of Sale System  $0  $3,000 
Service Vehicle  $300  $4,000 
Start-Up Marketing  $3,000  $5,000 
Insurance Deposits – Three Months  $50  $150 
Travel for Initial Training  $500  $5,000 
Professional Fees  $300  $1,000 
Licenses and Permits  $0  $2,000 
Printing, Stationery, and Office Supplies  $50  $500 
Additional Funds – Three Months  $5,750  $17,750 
Total Estimated Initial Investment  $79,955  $114,480 

Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.

Required Capital

To open a Footprints Floors franchise or a similar one in the flooring and home services industry, potential franchisees need to be prepared with the following financial requirements. These figures are based on estimates and the overall investment needed to start a franchise in this space.

  • Total Investment Range The estimated total investment for Footprints Floors is between $80,000 and $115,000. This range typically includes initial setup costs such as equipment, signage, marketing, and working capital. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
  • Liquid Assets Typically, for a franchise like Footprints Floors, you would need liquid assets of at least $50,000 to $75,000. Liquid assets include cash or easily accessible resources that can be used for initial operations and unexpected costs.
  • Net Worth A minimum net worth requirement of around $150,000 to $250,000 is typical in the home services sector. Net worth includes your total assets (home, savings, investments, etc.) minus any liabilities (debts).

How much does a Footprints Floors franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a Footprints Floors franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Footprints Floors franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.

Footprints Floors Revenue & Gross Sales

Footprints Floors has demonstrated strong revenue performance, with median gross sales reaching $351,781. This figure highlights the franchise’s solid market position and the potential profitability for franchisees. With over 150 territories across 30+ states, the brand has shown consistent growth, reflecting the demand for its affordable and high-quality flooring services. The business model, with its low overhead and streamlined operations, has contributed to strong financial outcomes for franchisees.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Footprints Floors franchisees?

The strong performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for Footprints Floors can be attributed to several key factors. First, the brand’s efficient, low-overhead business model—operating without the need for physical showrooms—keeps costs manageable while offering flexibility for franchisees. Additionally, Footprints Floors’ focus on high-quality, affordable flooring services caters to a broad customer base, including homeowners seeking cost-effective solutions. The streamlined operations and centralized support, including marketing and scheduling resources, help franchisees focus on growing their businesses rather than managing administrative tasks. Moreover, the demand for home improvement and renovation services has surged, especially as more homeowners invest in their properties. Combined with strong leadership and a solid reputation for reliability, these factors have likely played a crucial role in the franchise’s success.

Footprints Floors Franchise Operational Costs

When opening a Footprints Floors franchise, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the primary ongoing operational costs that contribute to the day-to-day running of the business. These costs are crucial to managing the financial health of the franchise and ensuring that operations run smoothly. Below are some of the key operational expenses you’ll need to consider:

  • Labor Costs This includes wages and benefits for your employees, such as flooring installers, project managers, and administrative staff. As an owner-operator, you may also have labor costs for yourself if you hire additional support.
  • Materials and Supplies Flooring products, tools, and other necessary materials for installations and restoration services. Maintaining inventory and ensuring timely procurement of high-quality materials can be an ongoing expense.
  • Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance If you are using company-owned vehicles for transporting materials and tools, ongoing vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance will add to operational costs. Proper care for equipment is also important for keeping it in good working condition.
  • Technology and Software Fees Subscription costs for any business management, scheduling, and CRM (customer relationship management) software, as well as any systems required for day-to-day operations.
  • Insurance Ongoing insurance premiums for general liability, workers’ compensation, and any other required coverage for business operations.
  • Office and Overhead Costs If you have a small office or administrative space, you’ll need to account for rent, utilities, office supplies, and phone/Internet expenses.

By understanding and planning for these ongoing operational costs, you can ensure that your Footprints Floors franchise remains financially viable and successful. Careful budgeting and efficient cost management are key to maintaining profitability in the long term.

Footprints Floors Franchise Fees

When considering an investment in a Footprints Floors franchise, it’s important to understand the ongoing fees that contribute to the overall operational costs. These fees are essential for maintaining the brand’s high standards and ensuring franchisees have access to the necessary support, marketing, and tools needed for success. Below is a breakdown of the key fees associated with owning a Footprints Floors franchise:

  • Royalty Fee Franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 6% of gross sales or the minimum monthly royalty fee, whichever is greater. This fee is essential for providing ongoing support, operational systems, and brand development.
  • Brand Development Fund A 2% of gross sales or a $500 per month fee, whichever is greater, is directed toward the brand development fund. This fee helps to support national marketing campaigns, ensuring consistent brand recognition and growth.
  • Franchisee-Directed Local Marketing Franchisees are expected to allocate $1,000 per territory per month for local marketing efforts. This fee enables franchisees to promote their services within their specific markets, driving local customer engagement and growth.
  • Additional Fees There may be other fees for training programs, technology solutions, and various services provided by Footprints Floors.

Understanding these ongoing fees is crucial when evaluating the potential profitability and long-term success of a Footprints Floors franchise.

Footprints Floors Franchise Earnings

The earnings potential for a Footprints Floors franchise owner can vary depending on several factors, such as location, sales volume, and how efficiently the business is operated. On average, the median gross sales for a Footprints Floors franchise are around $351,781. For owner-operators, the estimated earnings are approximately $53,000, reflecting an operating profit margin of 15%. This means that owners who take a hands-on role in managing their operations can expect a solid return on investment as their business grows.

The opportunity for profitability is high for franchisees who are actively involved in day-to-day operations, as they can leverage Footprints Floors’ established business model and centralized support systems. By focusing on providing exceptional customer service, managing costs effectively, and driving local marketing efforts, owner-operators can build a successful business and enjoy strong financial rewards in this growing industry.

How to Open a Footprints Floors Franchise

Becoming a Footprints Floors franchisee involves a well-defined process that ensures you are fully prepared to operate your franchise successfully. From the initial inquiry to the start of your business operations, each step is designed to guide you through the necessary evaluations, training, and preparations. Here is an overview of the process:

  1. Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
  2. Franchise Application After receiving initial information, you’ll be asked to complete a detailed franchise application. This helps Footprints Floors assess your qualifications, financial capability, and business background.
  3. Franchisee Interview Following your review of the FDD, you’ll have a one-on-one interview with the Footprints Floors team. This is to ensure a good cultural and operational fit and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
  4. Signing the Franchise Agreement If you decide to move forward, you will sign the franchise agreement, formalizing your commitment to open a Footprints Floors franchise. At this point, any necessary franchise fees will be paid.
  5. Training Program After signing the agreement, you’ll undergo a comprehensive training program, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in the field. This will prepare you for managing operations, marketing, customer service, and more.
  6. Site Selection and Build-Out You’ll begin the process of selecting your franchise territory and, if needed, preparing your office or operational space. This includes completing any required build-out or setup, such as securing vehicles and tools.
  7. Launch and Start of Operations Once everything is in place, you will officially launch your Footprints Floors franchise and begin day-to-day operations. This includes executing local marketing strategies, managing staff, and delivering services to customers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Low Overhead and Flexible Business Model: Footprints Floors operates without the need for a physical showroom, significantly reducing overhead costs. This allows for a more flexible and scalable business model with fewer financial risks.

Established Brand and Strong Support: With a solid reputation for quality and customer service, Footprints Floors provides franchisees with a strong brand and comprehensive support, including marketing, training, and operational systems.

High Demand for Home Services: The home improvement and flooring restoration market is growing, with an increasing number of homeowners looking for affordable and reliable flooring solutions, providing franchisees with a robust customer base.

Expansion Potential: Footprints Floors has expanded rapidly, now operating in over 30 states, offering a significant opportunity for future growth and expansion in areas with untapped potential.

Cons

Labor-Intensive Operations: The business model involves managing multiple jobs and coordinating with contractors and installers, which can be demanding, particularly in the early stages as you establish your business.

Seasonality and Market Sensitivity: The flooring business may experience seasonal fluctuations, with certain months seeing lower demand. Economic downturns can also impact discretionary spending on home improvement.

Limited Control Over Employees: As a franchisee, you may rely on third-party contractors or employees, which can make quality control and customer satisfaction more challenging, especially if you’re not directly involved in each project.

FAQs

Who owns Footprints Floors?

  • Footprints Floors was founded by Bryan Park, a U.S. Air Force veteran, who remains the CEO and owner of the brand. Bryan started the company in 2008 after experiencing frustration with the flooring industry’s inefficiencies, and he has since built it into a successful and expanding franchise system.
  • Yes, Footprints Floors is a franchise. Since launching its franchise program in 2013, the brand has expanded across the U.S., offering individuals the opportunity to own and operate their own flooring restoration and installation businesses with the support of a proven system and established brand.
  • Footprints Floors competes with other home improvement and flooring franchises, such as Floor Coverings International and The Tile Shop. Alternatives to Footprints Floors include national chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot, which offer similar flooring installation and restoration services, although they don’t operate under a franchise model.
  • The total investment required to open a Footprints Floors franchise ranges from $80,000 and $115,000, which includes initial franchise fees, training, equipment, inventory, and other necessary startup costs. This is relatively low compared to other home services franchises, making it an attractive option for prospective franchisees.
  • As of the most recent data, Footprints Floors has 81 locations in the U.S., of which 80 are franchised locations.
  • The most recent calculated 3-year failure rate of Footprints Floors was 22% in the U.S.
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