Made in the Shade (MITS)
Home Services · Other Commercial and Home Services
Description
What is Made in the Shade (MITS)?
What sets Made in the Shade apart is their commitment to exceptional customer service and personalized consultation approach. Their franchise owners work directly with clients through in-home consultations, bringing samples and expertise directly to the customer's space. This allows for precise color matching, style coordination, and professional measurements, ensuring perfect fits and satisfied customers.
The franchise has built a sterling reputation for their comprehensive product selection, ranging from energy-efficient cellular shades to luxurious plantation shutters and cutting-edge motorized options. Their offerings extend beyond traditional indoor window treatments to include outdoor solutions like patio shades, helping customers maximize their living spaces year-round.
MITS franchise owners benefit from a business model that emphasizes customer satisfaction, with a proven track record of repeat customers and referrals. The company's attention to detail extends from initial consultation through professional installation and after-sale support, including warranty service and maintenance.
For entrepreneurs looking to enter the home services industry, Made in the Shade offers a scalable business opportunity with strong brand recognition and a focus on quality craftsmanship. Their success is built on providing solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of residential and commercial spaces, while delivering exceptional value to their customers.
- 20 years of proven operational experience since 2004
- Above-average revenue performance exceeding subsector by 15%
- Lower investment barrier at $74,500-$101,200 vs subsector average
- 105 active units demonstrating system stability
- Comprehensive product line including shades, blinds, and shutters
- Established presence in growing home services market
Location Analysis
Where Made in the Shade (MITS) wins
The current geographic distribution reveals significant expansion opportunities, especially in the Northeast and West Coast markets where presence is limited. The franchise's success in diverse markets from Maryland to Michigan demonstrates adaptability to different regional demographics and climate conditions, crucial for a home services business.
Ideal locations for new franchises typically include growing suburban areas with high homeownership rates and median household incomes above $75,000. Markets with extreme weather conditions or high sun exposure present particularly strong opportunities. The relatively sparse distribution across existing territories suggests room for infill expansion, while maintaining sufficient market separation between units.
Prospective franchisees should focus on metropolitan areas with strong housing markets and growing populations, particularly in underserved states adjacent to current successful markets. The franchise's proven success in varied geographic regions indicates potential for significant national expansion while maintaining service quality.
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Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Made in the Shade (MITS)
The franchise demonstrates strong financial performance with gross revenue of $855,525, which exceeds the subsector average of $739,341 by over 15%. This above-average revenue performance across 105 active units suggests effective business operations and market demand for custom window treatments.
With 20 years of operation since 2004, MITS has established operational stability and proven longevity in the competitive home services market. The franchise operates in the growing window coverings industry, benefiting from ongoing residential investment trends and homeowner focus on energy efficiency and home customization.
The business model centers on custom window treatments including shades, blinds, shutters, and motorized options. Potential franchisees should possess strong sales and customer service skills, as success depends on consultative selling and professional installation services. The lower investment requirement combined with above-average revenue performance positions MITS favorably within the home services franchise landscape.
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $74,500 to $101,200. The midpoint $87,850 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
FDD Item 19
Average gross sales
According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Made in the Shade (MITS) has an average gross revenue of $856K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2024 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Made in the Shade (MITS)'s 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Made in the Shade (MITS) franchise typically ranges between $74,500.00 and $101,200.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
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