Hardware Franchise vs. Home Improvement Franchise: How They Compare

It’s critical when purchasing a franchise to make sure you find one that fits your goals and needs. That’s why for franchisees like you, before you buy a franchise in the home improvement industry, you understand the difference between a hardware franchise and home improvement franchise. In this blog, we’ll explore the two different franchises, the differences between them, and why you should consider a ProSource Wholesale franchise for your ticket into the industry.

Definitions and Differences

There’s a distinct difference between a hardware store franchise and one that focuses on home improvement. A hardware franchise is one that sells tools, hardware products, and related goods to the retail market. Examples include the Ace Hardware franchise and the True Value franchise. Hardware-focused businesses like these typically sell their products to the general public. Their target customers are people who like to take on do-it-yourself (DIY) projects around their homes. These franchises also frequently offer in-store services like key cutting, screen repair, and blade sharpening.

Home improvement franchises, on the other hand, are a bit broader in scope. The term typically refers to franchises that provide home renovation or remodeling services, which often involve installing hardware, fixtures, appliances, and more. Examples include Ideal Siding franchise and Big Jerry’s Fencing franchise. However, there can be a bit of overlap between home improvement and hardware franchises; online franchise listing service Franchise Direct includes franchises that provide DIY supplies in their home improvement category.

Figuring out what Fits You

Deciding on which kind of franchise is best for you deserves careful consideration. Hardware-focused businesses allow you to focus on being knowledgeable about hardware products and supplying customers. However, purchasing a hardware franchise for sale means you’ll be selling your products to the general public, having to keep up with the hardware needs of the retail and DIY consumer, and making sure you have ample inventory on those items. You’ll also need to keep up with the general public’s seasonal hardware needs, such as outdoor furniture in the summer, gardening supplies during the growing seasons, and salt and pipe coverings in the winter.

A franchise that provides home improvement services isn’t affected as much by retail market trends and can tailor its schedule to suit the needs of its clients. However, providing installation and renovation services means handling the responsibility of performing them in a skilled and professional manner. You need to be licensed, insured, and certified to perform the work. Your staff needs to be properly trained and equipped with the right tools and materials.

The common models of these types of franchises have their challenges, but there is an alternative that lets you enjoy the benefits of both: become a home improvement wholesaler with ProSource.

The ProSource Wholesale Advantage

As a ProSource Wholesale franchisee, you can avoid the stress and burden of installing hardware and performing renovations by supplying materials to professional contractors. Our business model is tailored for the professional contractor market, allowing you to concentrate on supplying top-notch materials to well-informed customers.

You’ll provide a wide range of flooring, kitchen, and bath products to professionals, with a membership business model that provides you with flexible scheduling for the convenience of both you and your clients. Since your clients are the ones doing the installation work, you can focus supplying the best products for your clients.

Join the Home Improvement Industry with ProSource

Our home improvement franchise may present you with the perfect opportunity. With 30+ years of business experience, our brand is well-established as a one-stop-shop for home improvement professionals. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from your opening day through every day after that, providing you with support services and guidance whenever you need it. Submit a franchise form today to learn more about your franchising opportunity with ProSource Wholesale.