Frequently Asked Questions

To join, go to our Membership page and follow a few key steps: download and sign the Confidentiality Agreement, complete the application form and upload the signed agreement. 

Our team will review your submission and, if approved, send you an email with instructions for making your initial ACH deposit. Once your deposit is complete, you'll receive another email with details on how to create your account for full membership access.

Numerous individuals have reached out to inquire about why they should join the association. However, I believe the more pertinent question is, why wouldn't you?

We have established this association as a means to collectively voice our concerns to corporate.

I understand that many of us have engaged in discussions with HFC. Several individuals have expressed their apprehension that starting an association would undermine the positive outcomes resulting from their individual conversations with HFC, emphasizing that HFC is genuinely listening to us.  Do you still hold the same viewpoint?

The purpose of this association is to advocate for the businesses we have collectively built. Are we resorting to legal action? Answering that question is complex. Our intention is not to initiate lawsuits, but rather to negotiate for what we franchisees feel are more favorable or equitable terms. We have thoroughly vetted a law firm whom we believe will best represent our interests as franchisees. Can I guarantee the outcome? No. However, I can assure you that without action, nothing will change.  

The franchisee fee of $500 per territory is crucial to cover the attorney's time.  The law firm will be advising us on areas where we can make an impact by resolving issues or working on things that will be of mutual benefit to our members.  This includes royalty fees and better financial terms for such items such as vendor pricing and advertising.   

How else will the funds be utilized? Frankly, the members will collectively decide on the allocation. Personally, I advocate for pursuing better vendor pricing as the next step. However, the final decision rests with the members. If it happens that an excess of funds is collected, members can vote to distribute funds back to members based on territories and amount paid.

So, I ask again, why wouldn't you join?

The initial FABB membership fee is $500 per territory thru 8/31/2024 and then will be increasing to $750/territory after that date.   The monthly fee of $25 per month per territory will start after your initial join month.  If you are a member you will be voting on items you want to focus on.  Board members must approve any expenses for FABB.  

The initial FABB membership fee of $500 per territory pays for your membership to the association.  If you want to work with an attorney on a specific strategy for your business, you will have access to our FABB attorney at a reduced rate.    They will work with you individually or in small groups depending upon your own unique needs.  You will enter into a separate agreement with the attorney for legal fees if you want to go that route.  You will know any legal fees up front and this will be a personal agreement between you and the attorney.  There are no on-going monthly fees or other fees being paid to the attorney.  The $25 fee per month is for association business fees and will not change unless voted to change by the members.  

Member Eligibility: Any individual or entity that satisfies the following conditions are eligible to become a member of the Association (“Member”): (i) possesses a current license(s) in good-standing to own and operate one or more “Budget Blinds” franchises within the United States (inclusive of United States territories) and Canada; (ii) timely pays all dues or other consideration required under these Bylaws; and (iii) does not possess any former or current affiliation to or ownership interest in the Franchisor.

Current fees are $500 join fee per territory, and then $25 / month / territory.  You can cancel your membership at any time and are not required to stay on for any length of time.  

This is a common concern for many franchisees.   

Attached is a reliable source that outlines the various protections afforded to franchisee associations on both the state and federal levels, including: (1) the constitutional right to assemble; (2) state laws protecting franchisees’ right to associate and prohibiting retaliation; and (3) FTC required disclosure of franchisee associations in FDDs.

In California, Corporations Code Section 31220 gives franchisees the right to freely associate, and makes it illegal for a franchisor to interfere with the franchisees' association. 

For additional reference we have a document of cases of franchisee associations as it relates to retaliation. In each case, the franchisee’s prevailed and not the franchisor. See that article here.

The purpose of the Association is to: Encourage productive dialogue between the franchisees and their franchisor through a unified voice,  encourage and share business information and best practices among franchisees, enhance the economic interests of the Association’s members, promote and foster the overall interests and goodwill of the “Budget Blinds” brand.

We strive to create a strong and vibrant community that benefits every franchisee.

HFC’s own website talks positively about Franchisee Associations and the benefits of joining one as a franchisee. An excerpt from their own site states: 

Franchisee associations are membership organizations for franchisees in much the same way a chamber of commerce exists to support independent businesses. Like a trade association, they are made up of groups of one group’s franchisees and functions independently of the franchisor.

The association gives its members the power of a collective voice, empowering them and helping them stay informed. When an association is working well, the arrangement can be beneficial for all sides.

See the actual page on the HFC website here. 

Yes, Canadian franchisees are free to join the Association. 

FABB offers a variety of resources for its members, including market research reports, industry news updates, access to a network of industry experts and legal counsel.  

Each territory you own is one full vote in the association.  Therefore, fees are set per territory.  

Yes, for now, all fees are in US Dollars (USD).   

You are not obligated by any contract to stay in the association.   Once you opt out, we will stop your monthly ACH payments. However, to rejoin, you will need to pay the join fee again.  

Their membership ends.