Q&A: Does RAFT Furniture Franchise in the UK?

Lily Sweeney, writer

Published at 23/03/2022, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Q&A: Does RAFT Furniture Franchise in the UK? — Photo © Q_A-Does-RAFT-Furniture-Franchise-in-the-UK.jpg

If you’re interested in starting your own business and you also have a love of high-quality, stylish furniture and home design, a franchise investment with RAFT Furniture would be a great option. As a RAFT franchisee, you’d tap into a thriving consumer market and receive plenty of support and training, fully equipping you for profit and success. Keep reading, and find out more about a potential investment with RAFT.

The home furniture market is expected to grow by $8 billion in the next four years [Business Wire], and more than ever post-pandemic, customers are ready to splurge on making their living spaces picture perfect. If a furniture franchise investment opportunity sounds right up your street, it’s going to be hard to beat the amazing package offered by RAFT Furniture.

>> Read more:

Does RAFT Furniture franchise in the UK?

Prospective investors dreaming of opening a RAFT Furniture showroom of their own will be thrilled to learn that yes, RAFT Furniture does franchise in the UK. Having launched several successful franchise locations already since 2011, the retail franchise is currently searching for five more “capable, like-minded business people” [RAFT Furniture] to launch RAFT locations in key areas across the UK.

Being part of the RAFT franchise family has enabled me to develop a great business that provides a stimulating, fun and profitable enterprise combining the freedom and fulfilment of owning a business coupled with the support and guidance of a tried and tested formula. - James Brown, RAFT Furniture

The history of RAFT Furniture

RAFT Furniture was founded by Mick Quinn and Heinz Frye in 1999, and from day one the brand was dedicated to sustainability and quality, well ahead of the current eco-conscious curve. For Mick and Heinz, it was always all about “challenging modern furniture manufacturing techniques, moving away from clichés and stereotypes of what it means to be eco, to produce a chic and sophisticated furniture design” [RAFT Furniture]. They found a gap in the market, and their business was soon able to thrive.

As mentioned earlier, RAFT entered the world of franchising just over a decade ago in 2011. The company has always been proud to value the opinions of every single employee, and this focused dedication carried over to franchising extremely well. If you choose to become a RAFT franchisee, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive programme of support and the safe knowledge that your voice is heard within the RAFT family. In an ever-changing, ever-innovating sector like retail, this kind of support paired with a trusted brand name is invaluable.

The knots, filling and tool marks left by our artisans are testament to the originality and handmade nature of reclaimed teak. We also hand make all our sofas in London and Manchester to the highest specifications. Our fabrics are predominantly produced in Belgian and Italian weaving sheds and the leather we use is hand-selected from the best natural hides produced in European tanneries. - RAFT Furniture

Start a franchise in the furniture sector with a RAFT Furniture store

If everything you’ve learned thus far about RAFT Furniture’s franchise programme and history has left you increasing keen to invest, keep reading. The three questions answered below will equip you with all the knowledge and information you need in order to make a fully informed franchise investment with RAFT and start your own retail franchise in 2022...

1. How do you go about opening a retail franchise with RAFT?

For further information about franchising with RAFT/to register your interest, you can visit the page dedicated to franchising on RAFT Furniture’s website. Note, before you do, that you don’t need direct experience in the furniture industry in order to thrive as a franchisee with RAFT. Instead, the business is largely on the hunt for franchisees who are:

Business-minded and financially savvy
Friendly and personable, able to work well with others
Self-motivated and driven
Ready to become a part of something big/follow RAFT’s established processes
Willing to learn
Happy to dedicate their time
Passionate about launching and running a successful franchise business

>> Read more:

2. How much do you need to invest?

In order to become a franchisee with RAFT furniture, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £50,000. This will cover costs such as shop fit-out and equipment, preparing you perfectly for franchise success. To place this cost in the wider world of franchising, note that the average cost of starting a franchise, as of 2018, was £42,200 [British Franchise Association]. This is very much an average, of course, with the actual cost being impacted by factors like industry of investment and associated brand name. For further context, here are some cost examples from within the furniture sector:

BoConcept - In order to become a BoConcept franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £100,000, with a total investment cost of £500,000.
Gautier - In order to become a Gautier franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £250,000.
Raison Home - In order to become a Raison Home franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £10,000, with franchise fees of £12,500 and a total investment cost of £22,495.

3. What do you get for your investment?

In return for your investment with RAFT Furniture, you’ll receive full backup from a highly skilled management team, access to an exceptional start-up and initial training programme and access to quality 100% reclaimed teak product ranges and bespoke leather and fabric upholstery. Plus, when you invest with RAFT, you’ll become part of an established, experienced network. You’ll benefit from an environmentally sound concept, a trusted brand name and a simple operational model. In short: You’ll come to profit and find franchise success in no time!

Buying a RAFT Furniture franchise was a very good decision for us. It’s a great lifestyle choice with high earnings potential. They are really good people to deal with, the training is very comprehensive and the backup and support from every member of the RAFT team has been superb from day one. - John Westbrook, RAFT Furniture

Raft Furniture franchise opportunities are an excellent way to start running your own business

Hopefully, you now have a strong sense of whether or not running your own RAFT Furniture business as a franchisee sounds perfect for you. If you’re still on the fence, stick around on Point Franchise and research other avenues. If you have an eye for design, for instance, why not consider becoming an interior designer? Acquaint yourself with a day in an interior design franchise owner’s life, check out the top interior decorating trends right now and discover whether this career might be a better fit.