Overview

A window treatment is an interior decorating element placed on, in, around or over a window. Often, a goal of professional window treatment is to install the elements which enhance the aesthetics of the window and the room.

Treatments for covering the window may include:

  • Hard treatments – Hard window treatments are made of hard materials like wood or vinyl.
    • Window shutters are usually installed into the window frame and are horizontal slats, made either of wood or a poly resin that can either be stationary or tilt. They do not move up and down like blinds but in certain applications can fold across the window. Types of shutters include:
      • Wood shutters
      • Poly resin shutters
    • Window blinds have louvers which allow one to open to a view without lifting the shade. It allows one to manipulate the light to create a customized feel. The name blinds comes from their use in blocking people from seeing into a home; they essentially “blind the observers view”. Over time, many new options and designs have developed, including anti-dust features and fabric tapes for blinds. Types of blinds include:
      • Wooden blinds
      • Faux wood blinds (Also known as Plaswood)
      • Aluminum blinds
    • Window shades are a piece of fabric which rolls, stacks or folds, opening to a view only when the shade is rolled up. That was the classic definition, now certain shades do allow for “view through”.
  • Soft treatments are anything made of soft materials.

Wikipedia contributors. (2018, July 30). Window treatment. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:22, August 6, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Window_treatment&oldid=852594260

What You Will Be Doing

You can provide a year-round service with a heavy-duty sewing machine, space to create, and an interest in interior decorating. With the continuing influx of housing developments and condominium complexes, you should have no shortage for customers in need of fine window detail such as curtains, valances, or swags. Network with condo associations and apartment complex owners; they may provide you with regular referrals and a steady flow of business. Cultivate contacts with local fabric stores and interior designers. Remember, accuracy is a must because mistakes in measuring can get expensive if you have to replace fabric. 

Qualifications Needed 

Basic sewing skills, ability to measure accurately.

What You Can Earn

$25,000–$35,000

What You Can Charge

$20–$30 per hour or on a per-job basis

Startup Cost

$1,000 –$5,000  

What You Need to Succeed

Even with your equipment costs considered, you’ll still be in the $1,000 to $5,000 start-up range with this business. The biggest cost, really, is your advertising. You’ll need to get the word out through community newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and coupon books, so expect to spend $3,000 or more on advertising alone. Your hourly rate should be somewhere around $20 to $35 per hour.

This book was written by Dr. Reeves to give any potential small employer or anyone starting a business that will be utilizing the independent contractor status as a way to operate their business the ability to understand and comply with the rules and regulations that govern the independent contractor classification.

Marketing Advice

A good office setup is critical to smooth running business operations. Controlling purchases and expenses are a key ingredient to a healthy business, especially a new start up venture. This book gives you the information you need to professionally set up your office operation.

Other Services You Can Offer

 

Equipment Needed

Commercial sewing machine

Staff Needed

Hiring and retaining the best employees does not happen by accident. This book will show you how to find, hire and manage the best people for maximum productivity. The book will guide you through developing your policies and procedures and formulating your own Employee Handbook. It will help you establish an environment where employees can reach their full potential and enrich your business.

Where to Begin

Starting a successful Window Treatment does not happen by accident. This book will show you how to carefully plan to start your Window Treatment. Then the book will explain how to manage your business on a day to day basis with information about market analyze, target market, advertising, employee records and training, accounting, bookkeeping and much more. Start your Window Treatment today, the right way!

Get clear step-by-step instructions and expert tips on how to build your business plan. Whether this is your first plan or you are an experienced business plan writer, it's fast and easy to create a business plan with these easy to follow instructions. The Business Plan for Window Treatment Business is available for immediate download or you can order the printed version. The needed Excel® spreadsheets and the Word® documents are included.

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