How to Finance an Art of Drawers Franchise: Low-Overhead Model
By Anthony Cornella
An Art of Drawers franchise loan finances a service business, not a storefront. Franchisees sell and install custom pull-out drawers, shelving and pantry organizers in customers’ existing kitchen and bathroom cabinets, so the money goes into people, marketing, a vehicle and working capital rather than a build-out. That changes what lenders look at and how a buyer should structure the request.
This article covers what the franchisor publishes about its model, what to pull from the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), how the brand’s SBA Franchise Directory listing helps, and which loan types fit a home-improvement service franchise.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Art of Drawers; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s materials and disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current FDD and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and an accountant.
Art of Drawers Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Business model: in-home design consultations followed by installation of custom drawers and organizers in existing cabinets, pantries and bathrooms.
- Owner role: the franchisor describes the owner as head coach, recruiter and trainer, spending about 80% of the day building a design team and a local marketing team.
- Ramp-up: the franchisor advertises 60 days to open.
- Sales support: an inbound and outbound sales support center schedules design appointments.
- Experience: no prior sales experience is required, according to the franchise page.
- Franchisor office: Marietta, Georgia.
- Franchise fee, royalty, investment, net worth and liquidity: not published on the franchise page; see Items 5, 6 and 7 of the FDD and ask the franchisor.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed (identifier S8210), with no additional note.
What Is Art of Drawers?
Art of Drawers designs and installs custom storage for homes: pull-out drawers for base cabinets, drawer-in-drawer systems, spice and under-sink solutions, blind-corner and corner cabinet organizers, cabinet, closet and walk-in pantry systems, bathroom drawers and cabinet refacing. The company says its drawers are solid wood with dovetail construction and soft-close undermount rails, handcrafted in the USA from wood bought from US-based manufacturers, with hardware made in North America.
The customer experience. Homeowners book a free design consultation, work with a designer on a plan, and then certified installers build and install the solution. The company backs the work with its 100% Elation Guarantee, which offers a money-back option within 3 days, and says it plants a tree after every purchase.
History and footprint. The company describes its mission as custom storage done right for more than 12 years, and says its founder has spent more than 20 years in the cabinet and drawer solutions industry. Its website lists franchise locations in markets such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Indianapolis, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio and Seattle, each run by a local franchise partner.
Why lenders view it the way they do. A lender sees an asset-light, sales-driven home service business. There is little hard collateral, so the loan rests on the owner’s credit, liquidity, ability to recruit and manage a sales and install team, and a realistic marketing plan. Home-improvement spending also responds to housing activity and consumer confidence, which lenders weigh in the projections.
Art of Drawers Franchise Costs
The franchise page does not list a franchise fee or an investment range, so build your budget from Item 5 and Item 7 of the current FDD.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 shows the fee and what territory it buys. It is usually paid at signing from your own cash.
Office and real estate. The franchise page does not describe a retail showroom. Ask whether a home office, a small office or storage space is expected, because that sets occupancy cost.
Vehicle, tools and equipment. Installers need a work vehicle, tools, measuring equipment and sample displays for design appointments.
Opening costs and working capital. Training travel, grand opening and local marketing, home show booths, insurance, licenses, recruiting and payroll for designers and installers before revenue builds. Item 7’s additional funds estimate covers this period.
Total investment. A complete plan accounts for lines such as:
- Initial franchise fee
- Training travel and expenses
- Vehicle and vehicle wrap
- Tools and installation equipment
- Design samples and display materials
- Computer, software and technology fees
- Opening marketing and home show costs
- Insurance, licenses and professional fees
- Office or storage deposits, if any
- Additional funds for the initial period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Art of Drawers Franchise Loan
Royalty and marketing. Item 6 of the FDD lists the royalty, brand marketing fund, local marketing spending and any technology fees. The franchise page describes a recurring software-as-a-service revenue model; ask exactly how that works and what it costs the franchisee.
Other fees. Review transfer, renewal and training fees, and any minimum performance or marketing requirements.
How lenders factor these in. A lender subtracts royalties, marketing, product cost, installer labor, designer commissions, vehicle costs and insurance from projected sales, then tests debt coverage. Because each job is a project sale, projections should model the number of design appointments, closing rate and average job size.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The franchise page describes the ideal candidate as a self-motivated person who wants to build a strong team. No prior sales experience is required. The owner acts as head coach, head recruiter and head trainer, serves as a brand ambassador, builds referral partnerships and attends local events such as home shows.
The page does not publish net worth or liquid capital minimums. Ask the franchisor for them early, and expect a process of inquiry, FDD review, territory discussion and approval.
Ways to Own an Art of Drawers
A new territory. The franchisor advertises wide open territory. Start-up financing covers the franchise fee, vehicle, tools and working capital; see our franchise start-up financing.
An existing franchise. If a franchise partner sells, the franchisor must approve the transfer. The lender will underwrite the business’s job history and cash flow. Our article on buying a franchise resale explains the process, and our guidance on franchise valuation helps you test the price.
Additional territories. The franchise page calls it an empire builder model. Owners who perform can add territories later.
Financing Options for an Art of Drawers Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Asset-light franchises often fit the SBA 7(a) loan program, which can cover the franchise fee, equipment and working capital in one loan.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong credit and outside collateral may prefer conventional business loans.
Equipment and vehicle financing. Install vehicles, tools and display samples can be financed separately through franchise equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Payroll, marketing and product costs come before installation revenue. A line of credit or term working capital loan helps; see franchise working capital.
Seller financing on a resale. A seller may carry part of the price. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules can limit them.
SBA 504 loans are designed for real estate and long-lived equipment, so they rarely fit a service franchise without a building purchase.
SBA Loans for Art of Drawers Franchisees
Art of Drawers is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under identifier S8210, with no additional note. That means lenders can rely on the directory review of the franchise agreement without special conditions. Learn more in our article on the SBA Franchise Directory.
Program size. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
Application tips. With little collateral, a strong Art of Drawers franchise loan application leans on a detailed hiring and marketing plan, monthly projections tied to appointments and closing rates, and personal financial strength. Model payments with our SBA loan calculator.
How Lenders Evaluate an Art of Drawers Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Credit reports, tax returns and a personal financial statement.
Net worth and liquidity. Enough cash for the equity injection plus reserves during the ramp-up.
Industry and management experience. Experience leading sales teams, recruiting or running a service business counts, even though sales experience is not required by the franchisor.
Business plan and projections. Lead sources, appointment volume, closing rate, job size and installer capacity. Our article on using the FDD in a financing request explains how to support each assumption.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19, territory rights and transfer terms.
For resales, historical financials. Job reports, tax returns and the backlog of signed projects.
Team-Building: The Real Start-Up Asset
The franchisor’s model puts the owner’s time into recruiting and coaching. Lenders will ask who the first designer and installer will be, how they are paid and how fast you can add capacity. Plan working capital for hiring and training before jobs fund payroll.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Additional territories are easiest to finance after the first one shows steady appointment flow and margins. Our article on financing multiple franchise units explains how lenders view growth.
Real-World Scenarios
A former sales manager. She uses an SBA 7(a) loan for the franchise fee, vehicle and working capital, and hires two installers.
A contractor adding a service line. He already owns tools and a truck, so a smaller loan covers the fee and marketing.
A buyer of an existing territory. She buys a franchise partner’s business with franchisor approval, an SBA loan and a subordinated seller note.
A couple splitting roles. One spouse leads recruiting and coaching while the other runs marketing and home shows. Their lender values the clear division of duties and the cash reserve they keep for the first months of payroll.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underfunding payroll and marketing during the ramp-up.
- Projecting sales without an appointment and closing-rate model.
- Skipping the FDD’s Item 6 fees in cash flow.
- Hiring installers too late for the first jobs.
- Relying only on paid leads instead of building referral partnerships and attending home shows.
See more in our article on service contractor loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your Art of Drawers Franchise
Step 1: Request the FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7 and 19.
Step 2: Confirm requirements. Ask about net worth, liquidity and territory.
Step 3: Review your finances. Credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement.
Step 4: Build a hiring and marketing plan. Name your first hires and lead sources.
Step 5: Build projections. Model appointments, closing rate and job size.
Step 6: Apply for financing. Submit a complete package.
Art of Drawers Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does an Art of Drawers franchise cost?
The franchise page does not publish the investment. Item 7 of the FDD lists it.
What is the franchise fee?
It is disclosed in Item 5 of the FDD.
What royalty does Art of Drawers charge?
Item 6 lists the royalty and marketing contributions.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The franchisor does not post a minimum online; ask during the inquiry process.
Can I get an SBA loan for an Art of Drawers franchise?
Yes, subject to lender approval. It is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under S8210 with no additional note.
Do I need sales experience?
No. The franchisor says prior sales experience is not required.
How fast can I open?
The franchisor advertises 60 days to open.
Can I finance the vehicle and tools separately?
Yes. Equipment and vehicle financing can cover them.
Can I buy an existing Art of Drawers?
Yes, with the franchisor’s approval; lenders underwrite its job history.
Does Art of Drawers offer financing?
The franchise page does not describe a financing program. Check Item 10 of the FDD.
How long is the franchise term?
See Item 17 of the FDD.
Final Thoughts
Art of Drawers is a people-driven, low-overhead franchise. Fund the ramp-up properly, build a credible hiring and sales plan, pull every fee from the FDD, and an Art of Drawers franchise loan request will be ready for review.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment, working capital and refinancing. Learn more about our franchise financing and service contractor financing solutions.
