Buddy’s: Redefining Rent-to-Own with Flexibility and Quality

Founded in 1961, Buddy’s Home Furnishings has become a prominent name in the rent-to-own sector, providing furniture, electronics, appliances, and computers. Based in Tampa, Florida, Buddy’s has expanded to more than 300 locations across the U.S., combining corporate stores and franchises.

The brand is known for offering payment plans designed to suit a wide range of customer needs. What sets Buddy’s apart is its strong customer-centric philosophy, highlighted by its lifetime reinstatement program that safeguards customer investments.

Buddy’s showcases a wide variety of brand-name products, giving customers access to the latest trends and innovations. The company also features discounted pre-leased merchandise and promises 24-hour delivery on available items, making convenience and affordability a cornerstone of its service.

Training

Buddy’s Home Furnishings offers franchisees a comprehensive training program designed to prepare them for successful operations:

1. Initial Training Program
   Before opening, at least two individuals, including the General Manager and another designated person, must complete an initial training program. This includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training covering topics such as point-of-sale software, daily operations, management reports, inventory, auditing, financials, and the ordering system. Training is typically held at corporate offices or company-owned stores in Tampa or Orlando, Florida, with up to 42 hours of classroom and 60 hours of on-the-job training.
2. Ongoing Training
   Buddy’s Home Furnishings may require the Principal Owner, General Manager, or other key employees to attend ongoing training, not exceeding ten days per year. This can include refresher courses, operational updates, or new program rollouts, with all travel and related expenses covered by the franchisee.
3. Default-Related or New Manager Training
   If the franchise receives a notice of default related to operational standards, the franchisor may require retraining of the General Manager or other staff. Additionally, any newly appointed General Manager must complete the initial training program to the franchisor’s satisfaction, with training slots provided based on availability.

Territory Protection

Buddy’s Home Furnishings offers its franchisees a defined Territory that is determined and documented in the Franchise Agreement before signing, usually covering 4,000 to 7,000 households within a 1- to 3-mile radius. During the agreement term, the franchisor agrees not to establish or franchise another Buddy’s location in that Territory, and this protection does not depend on sales volume or market penetration.

However, the franchisee does not receive an exclusive territory and may face competition from other Buddy’s franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels.

The franchisor retains broad rights, including operating or franchising competitive businesses under different names both inside and outside the Territory. Franchisees cannot sell Buddy’s products outside their assigned area, including via internet or telemarketing, without written consent.