Clothes Bin® is a for-profit, franchise that allows individuals across the country to earn money, while doing right by the planet. We often get asked how Clothes Bin® compares to “the competition,” so we’ll use this space to clarify a few common misconceptions. There are many ways to go green and combat textile waste. There are charities, businesses, entrepreneurs, recyclers, and boutiques all moving toward the same objective, though the business models and quality of program may differ.
Despite the fact that Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos have been to outer space, we currently only have one habitable planet to live in, so we’ve got to take care of it. Currently, 85% of textiles produced end up in landfills. The average American discards more than 81 pounds of textile waste each year, sending the equivalent of a full garbage truck to a landfill site every second. By 2030, we are expected to needlessly throw away 268 billion tons of clothing, shoes, and other textiles a year worldwide. This trajectory is unsustainable and will reach crisis proportions if something isn’t done today.
We are NOT a charity.
Organizations like the Salvation Army collect used textiles for resale. They oversee donation intake, sorting all items, and reselling or discarding what cannot be used.
Clothes Bin® is a green, for-profit recycling franchise that does not compete directly with charities. Textile contributions are not tax-deductible. We target the 85% of textiles that ordinarily end up in landfills, not the amount already donated to charity.
Clothes Bin® does offer fundraising programs by helping schools and other organizations raise money for their respective interests. We provide the Bins free of charge, and then pay the organization for the Bin contents based on a set price per pound.
We are NOT a recycling company.
Communities or businesses that are looking to partner with green initiatives can partner with large recycling companies within their state or that operate across state lines. They put up a donation receptacle, as they would have a trash receptacle, and the company arrives to cart the items away. Recycling companies can be a way to attract customers to a business or demonstrate stewardship for the Earth, but it generates profit for the company only, and not the community partner.
By contrast, Clothes Bin® is an independently-owned franchise meaning:
- YOU own a flexible, part-time business with virtually no overhead.
- YOU collect the profits of textiles collected and sold through your Bin.
- We provide full franchise support covering all aspects of management and operations.
Our brand attracts veterans, teachers, executives, firefighters, police officers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for a side hustle that can enhance their livelihood.
What Makes Clothes Bin® Different?
You may have seen other collection containers in your area, but Clothes Bin® offers the latest technology.
- The custom-designed Bins are constructed from galvanized steel to resist corrosion and warping.
- The powder-coated paint is pre-mixed with a solution that wipes away graffiti with one ingredient.
- The mailbox-style chute secured with a heavy-duty, tamper-proof master lock prevents theft.
- BLIP technology monitors the fill levels of the Bins and proactively notifies franchisees at service time.
Our franchise has been in business since 2014, run by executives with deep experience in textile recycling and management. We are listed among Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 franchises” and are among INC’s “Top 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America.” If you’re looking for a way to go green and earn supplemental income, consider starting a local, SBA-approved Clothes Bin® franchise.
Learn more about opportunities near you.
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Textile Recycling
Recycling your old clothes, shoes, and textiles is a simple way for everyone to make a difference and keep the world green. Textile recycling is the modern, responsible alternative to get rid of those old items.
Before throwing away your unwanted clothes and shoes, think again. According to the Council for Textile Recycling, the average U.S. citizen throws away 70 pounds of textiles annually, accounting for nearly 5% of all landfill space. These numbers are not encouraging as sustainability becomes more widely understood and important to those who would rather be part of the solution than the problem.
Clothes Bin® is a national franchise of independently owned and operated Bins. With conveniently placed drop-off Bins, we are making it easy for folks to recycle their unwanted textiles. Find your local Clothes Bin® and start doing your part to preserve our planet.
What To Do with Old Clothes
All good things must come to an end, including your relationship with the clothing and shoes you know you will never wear again. Selling these items is a great option for those pieces that you never wore, rarely wore, or that have some real value to them. Donating your textiles is another option. Though, donation centers aren’t always reliable as they often are at capacity or not accepting new donations for whatever reason.
Franchisees who join Clothes Bin® have a unique opportunity to promote sustainability and reduce textile waste in communities all over the country. Our signature bright green drop-off Bins are easy to spot and make it convenient for locals to contribute their textiles and practice sustainability. Our management team combines over 125 years of experience in the recycled textiles and franchise industries, providing franchisees a process for collecting and distributing the contents of their Bins.
Find Your Nearest Textile Recycling Bin
Clothes Bin® franchise owners are all over the U.S. Drop-off Bins are usually located in:
- parking lots outside
- busy lifestyle centers
- shopping malls
- convenience stores
Look for our bright green Bins and bring all your old, outdated, worn-out, worn-down clothes and shoes. Our franchise owners will sell them to local, regional, national, and international buyers who will recycle them responsibly.
How To Reduce Clothing Waste in Your Community
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the textile recycling industry recycles nearly 3.8 billion pounds of post-consumer textile waste (PCTW) each year. That is about equal to 15% of all PCTW. That means approximately 85% of our national PCTW ends up in our landfills. Folks want to help bring this statistic down, and they need access to more Bins.
Become a Clothes Bin® Franchise Owner
Clothes Bin® is an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to supplement their earnings as a semi-absent franchise owner. You work from home while your Bins work 24/7. Each Bin is equipped with our proprietary BLIP® technology, enabling franchise owners to map out their Bin locations and receive an alert whenever a Bin approaches capacity or requires service.
Ready to turn your passion for the environment into your own business? Learn more about our franchise opportunities here.
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A Part Time Franchise Business Opportunity That Works Full Time
According to the Recycled Textiles Association, in 2012 about 85% of textile waste ends up in landfills where it occupies unnecessary landfill space. This overwhelming statistic is rooted in the lack of a convenient way for people to properly recycle or dispose of clothes, shoes and textiles.
How Does This Textile Recycling Business Opportunity Stack Up?
The average American discards approximately 70 pounds of clothes, shoes and textiles each year. Most of these items end up in local landfills, which amounts to an astounding 16.9 billion pounds of preventable waste each year.
Unlike other typical recyclables such as bottles, cans and paper goods, most local municipalities do not offer a convenient way for their citizens to properly recycle textiles.
Current recycling trends according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency
- TEXTILES: Most people don’t know that textiles can be recycled making them the greatest opportunity for future growth: 85% Growth Opportunity
- NEWSPAPERS: Paper recycling is one of the most popular form of recycling: 28% Growth Opportunity
- SODA CANS: Recycling remains a popular preference for consumers as long as it is convenient: 50% Growth Opportunity
Why Should You Own a Clothes Bin Franchise?
- Proven Business Concept
- Strong Franchise Support Program
- State Of The Art Technology
- Hands On Business Opportunity
Clothes Bin® is a national franchise system made up of independently owned bins that are operated by franchisees.
You’re looking to be a part of an experienced team of industry professionals by joining a franchise system with a proven concept. That’s why we created a strong franchisee support program backed by state-of-the-art technology and our Clothes Bin® Corporate Buy Back Program, so that the items you collect are easier to monetize.
This affordable franchise offers a flexible work schedule, low overhead and competitive margins, making it the ideal opportunity for veterans, firemen, teachers, entrepreneurs, part-time workers and anyone looking for a hands-on business.
The part-time nature and flexibility of owning and operating a Clothes Bin® franchise also makes it a great fit for existing franchisees in other systems who are looking to diversify and expand their interests into another industry.
Compliment Your Other Franchises or Part-time Job With Clothes Bin Franchise Opportunity
Clothes Bin® compliments your other franchises or part-time job. The flexibility of the Clothes Bin® franchise makes this the perfect opportunity for individuals who own other franchises, are looking to capitalize on their free time or supplement their part-time job or profession.
- Open 24 hours a day. Bins act like cash machines by making money while you sleep.
- Help others do their part for the environment. Your Clothes Bin® franchise will play an important part in keeping clothes and textiles out of your local landfills.
- No sales experience needed. The Bin® does all of the selling by compelling your customers to fill the bins. Simply place each bin in a convenient location and your customers will do the rest.
- Consistent sales. Our Clothes Bin® Corporate Buy Back Program provides an option for the Company to purchase your collected clothes, shoes and textiles at wholesale prices: How it works
What makes Clothes Bin Franchise the “Best Business Opportunity” for You?
Clothes Bin® is a part-time franchise opportunity that works full-time:
- The Bin® is your hardest working employee. They work 24/7/365 without overtime pay and they never call in sick. For them, HR stands for “Happily Recycling.”
- Getting started is easy. No build-out, construction inspections or soft openings to worry about. Your bins are ready to get to work the moment you place them in the field and if the location isn’t working for you, you simply relocate the bin to another location. It’s that simple.
- Rain or shine, day and night your bins are working for you. BLIP® will monitor each bin and tell you when they need to be serviced. Our unique system will even layout the most efficient collection route.
- Simple to manage. Unlike many other franchise opportunities, Clothes Bin® franchisees never have to worry about food costs, spoilage or ongoing inventory management and holding costs.
- Affordable franchise. Third-party financing and affordable franchise options make it easier to get started. We even provide discounts for the military, veterans, police and firemen.
- Financing is available* Qualified franchisees may receive third-party financing with approved credit.
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For interested candidates concerned about financing their Clothes Bin® business investment, there are many ways to secure startup franchise financing.
Financing for Franchises
10-Year SBA Franchise Loans
SBA franchise financing with the SBA 7(A) loan secures you up to $5 million with a 10-25 year repayment term at a prime rate generally ranging from 2.25% – 4.75%. The funds can be used for almost anything startup-related, including the cost of the bins, space and truck rentals, licenses, permits, accounting services, training, computer software, uniforms, and business cards. The only exception is the payment of ongoing franchise fees or royalties. These loans are relatively easy to qualify for, but you’ll need a 10% down-payment on the total cost of the loan to get started.
Third-Party Franchising Loans
Our franchisees can obtain third-party financing through a lender with approved credit. Examples include:
- OnDeck Capital – Short-term loans and lines of credit are available to franchisees who need fast access to cash, even if they’re new to entrepreneurship or lack perfect credit. Loans range from $5,000 to $500,000 with terms of three to 36 months. Interest rates can start as low as 9% but vary up to 99%, depending on the applicant’s qualifications. Funds can be used for anything except for the franchise fee with approval in as little as a day.
- Apple Pie Capital – Apple Pie Capital works exclusively with franchises. Equipment loans start at $15,000, and financing for new units starts at $100,000. Interest rates and terms vary because they work with various lenders, but their industry expertise can be a great asset to new franchise owners or franchisees looking to expand.
- CAN Capital – CAN Capital provides short and medium-term loans ranging from $2,500 to $250,000, subject to equally wide-ranging terms. While the requirements can be lofty, CAN Capital’s fast application process and willingness to work with franchisees who have current debt makes them worth considering.
- Funding Circle – This alternative lender offers $25,000 to $500,000 loans with terms from six months to five years at 4.99 to 22.99% APR. Qualifications include a minimum credit score of 620 and at least two years in business. There is no annual revenue requirement. Applications are quick, easy, and approved in as little as three days. Like CAN Capital, Funding Circle works with franchisees who have other debts, which can be conveniently consolidated.
These lenders also offer affordable franchise equipment financing.
401k Rollovers
401k business financing, or Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS), is a common method of funding franchise businesses. With this financing method, you draw money out of your retirement account without incurring an early withdrawal fee or tax penalty. Unlike loans, there is no interest charged to access this capital. You won’t need collateral, business experience, or a credit score. You can borrow up to 50% of your account balance, up to a maximum of $50,000. As you earn money and pay yourself a salary, you can put money back into your account to grow your nest egg. It could take up to three weeks to access cash this way, but you can use the funds for any business-related purpose.
Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC)
Homeowners can borrow funds against the equity invested in your home. Use the funds any way you want, including to pay franchise fees. A home equity line of credit can be repaid in monthly installments over several years. Once the loan has been repaid, you may be eligible to borrow more.
Get More Information on Franchise Financing
There are many ways to make your dream of franchise ownership come true. Fill out the form below to request more about third-party financing options for franchisees.
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Small Business Opportunity for Veterans
Veterans comprise roughly 7 percent of the U.S. population, but they account for 14 percent of franchise business owners. More than 238,000 former military and their spouses have capitalized off franchise opportunities for veterans in the last five years alone. Financial incentives like investment discounts and small business grants make it easier for veterans to make the transition.
Why a Franchise Makes the Perfect Small Business for Veterans
When it comes to small business for veterans, few opportunities are as suitable. Here’s why:
- Freedom – A franchise, particularly the semi-absentee franchise, can be managed in less than 40 hours per week, leaving room to spend time with family and pursue a civilian career or other investments.
- Structure – It’s easy to feel adrift when transitioning from the rigorous, highly structured military life to civilian life. Franchise operators receive all the information they need to run a successful business.
- Hit the Ground Running – It can take a long time to build a business from scratch. By contrast, franchises are turnkey-ready businesses that allow veterans to put their skills to work immediately.
- No Experience Necessary – Franchise businesses appeal to first-time business owners, as they offer support for planning, operations and marketing. Most brands have name recognition already.
- Special Rates – Over 500 franchise companies openly promote investment opportunities to veterans and offer discounts or incentives to help veterans get their franchises started.
- Executive-Level – It can be frustrating to move from a top rank in military service to the bottom of the ladder. Owning a franchise allows veterans to maintain high status in an executive role.
Why Veterans Make Great Franchise Business Owners
Franchise companies love veterans and promote veteran business opportunities for many reasons:
- Skills – Veterans possess strong management and communication skills. They are well-suited to the highs and lows of running a business and appreciate the structure that franchising provides.
- Referrals – Veterans often keep in contact with other like-minded individuals. If a particular opportunity is working, they are likely to hire veterans as employees and help friends grow the franchise.
- Customers – Veterans spend 16% more than the average U.S. household, and they like to support veteran-owned businesses whenever possible. Also, the general public places great trust in veterans.
- Company Standards – Veterans take great pride in their work and often elevate the company’s standards by working toward a higher mission, acting respectfully and strengthening the franchise.
- Branding – Consumers are choosing businesses based on mission, values, and which causes they support. Providing veterans with business opportunities puts the franchise in a more favorable light.
Business Grants for Veterans
While the V.A. itself doesn’t facilitate a transition to franchise ownership, many other organizations offer business grants for veterans. The U.S. Small Business Administration runs a Veterans Advantage loan program to support veterans looking to start a franchise. Additionally, companies like Clothes Bin® provide a $5,000 discount for veterans opening their first franchise.
Contact Clothes Bin® for Veteran Business Opportunities
Clothes Bin® proudly ranks among the top franchise businesses for veterans to start. The concept is simple: the green bins are located around town; contributors add their used and unwanted clothing to the containers; you send them for recycling. Then, you get paid. Most owners put in less than 40 hours per week managing their franchise, which makes it an ideal opportunity to scale up or pursue on the side of other pursuits.
Entrepreneur Magazine lists us as one of the “Top 100 New Franchises.” The Clothes Bin® team combines over 125 years of experience in collecting and distributing recycled textiles. An astounding 17-BILLION POUNDS of clothing waste ends up in landfills unnecessarily each year, so you can think of us as part of the Green Movement to turn this tide.
Contact us to learn more about mission-driven business opportunities for veterans.
Veteran Resources
https://www.franchising.com/franchiseguide/military_training_franchising_is_a_natural_transition_for_many_veterans.html
https://www.franchisejournal.com/why-veterans-should-consider-franchising
https://www.phoenixmi.com/learn/active-duty-shoppers-todays-u-s-veteran-consumers/
https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/types-7a-loans#section-header-14
https://smallbiztrends.com/2020/09/franchises-for-veterans.html
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Semi-Absentee Franchise
The idea of running a business appeals to many people, as those with multiple income streams are better poised to build long-term wealth. However, many of us are also too busy with our 9-5 jobs to invest much time in entrepreneurship. Franchising, in general, offers an excellent way to diversify in uncertain times. Still, most franchise owners roll up their sleeves, visit the premises every day, and wear many hats in order for the business to thrive. They typically do not have any time outside their current investment to pursue other business opportunities or interests. Fortunately, semi-absentee franchise ownership offers all the benefits of owning a franchise while providing flexibility.
What is a Semi-Absentee Business?
A semi-absentee business gives flexibility to the owner to not need to be “in the business” at all times. After making the initial investment, owners can hire employees to run the operations and they can still focus on building wealth outside the franchise, pursuing hobbies or spending more time with family.
Absentee vs. semi-absentee
Vending machines and movie rental kiosks are considered true “absentee businesses,” as owners are, in no way, involved in the day-to-day operations. When deliberating over absentee vs. semi-absentee, you may find more opportunities available under the “semi-absentee” umbrella. Both types of business hold great potential with a lower amount of oversight.
Benefits of a Semi-Absentee Franchise
Semi-absentee franchises are attractive business models, as they:
- Allow busy, employed individuals the opportunity to grow a business on the side.
- Make it possible for someone to start a franchise while tending to other business or personal obligations.
- Appeal to retirees who don’t want to be tied to an office, while retaining independence and freedom.
- Present an easy path to scaling up and owning multiple units of the franchise..
- Offer a remote-management option for owners who live in other areas.
- Show young adults the ropes of business ownership, with the chance to sell or passively invest later.
Why Clothes Bin®?
Clothes Bin® is a semi-absentee franchise opportunity that works full-time. Our business builds on Green Movement trends and consumer demands for convenience in recycling clothing, shoes and textiles. Your franchise starts with ideally located green Bins. Contributors Fill the Bins, and the contents are sold by the pound. Learn more about why to chose Clothes Bin® for your semi-absentee franchise business.
Here are a few of the advantages of choosing Clothes Bin® as your semi-absentee franchise:
- Ranked among the “Top 100 New Franchises” by Entrepreneur and INC Magazine.
- The market is hot, as 85% of textile waste ends up in landfills.
- We’re led by a team with over 125 years of textile collection and distribution experience.
- Your franchise comes with proven processes and cost-efficient ways to manage and build value.
- Support programs for Bin servicing and thrift store partnerships take even more off your plate.
- The fees are transparent and flat — $6/Bin/week in royalties and $4/Bin/week for BLIP technology.
- You are not charged any marketing or advertising fees.
- First responders receive a discount on their initial franchise fee.
- Discounts are available for subsequent purchases with 50% off your second territory and 75% off your third.
- You can complete your office work from home with no major overhead commitments.
- The initial investment requirements are relatively low.
- Franchise owners are eligible for third-party financing with approved credit.
- Franchise owners have also used 401k rollovers, SBA and HELOCs to get started.
Contact Clothes Bin® to learn more about this semi-absentee business opportunity. Our mission is to help people attain their entrepreneurial dream of business ownership while acting as good stewards to the Earth and making a difference. The semi-absentee format lends itself to a side business for teachers, firefighters, veterans, executives, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build wealth through multiple income streams.
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Clothes Bin®’s school recycling program helps raise money for your school with a free textile Recycling Bin. With contactless textile recycling Bins for school, you can inspire change in your community while educating students about the environment and the importance of recycling.
A leader in the recycled textiles industry, Clothes Bin® provides for the collection, management and distribution of unwanted shoes, clothing, and other textiles. With conveniently located textile recycling Bins, your school can provide a go-to spot for anyone looking for a convenient way to recycle these items. Your school receives money for every pound recycled in the Bin. Also, ask to find out how you can receive a $100 signing bonus!
How Can Schools Participate in Textile Recycling?
Starting a school recycling program is a free and easy fundraising platform with a positive message. The local community can also recycle using the Bin to generate additional monies for your school. All you need is to engage the student body, teachers, and administrators to get on board, and choose which program you want to support. There is no work or cost for your school.
The program can be promoted on your school’s social media platforms, after-school programs, performing arts and sporting events. Encourage textile contributions in concert with education about our landfills, global warming, and the importance of sustainability for future generations.
All it takes are a few contributions to get the momentum going.
Textile Recycling Bins for Schools
With a Bin placed on your campus, Clothes Bin® makes it easy for schools to fundraise 24-7 365 days a year. Schools receive funds with every pound of textiles recycled. When your Bin starts to reach its fill capacity, our BLIP® technology will alert a Clothes Bin® representative to empty the Bin.
Benefits of Recycling for Schools
According to the U.S. EPA, textile waste accounts for nearly 5% of all landfill space. While approximately 3.8 billion pounds of textile waste are recycled each year, 85% of textile waste ends up in our landfills. One of the main reasons for this figure is the lack of convenient ways for people to recycle clothes, shoes and textiles.
School recycling programs provide a simple, no-cost fundraising opportunity while teaching students about the importance of recycling and practicing sustainability. Clothes Bin also participates in career days. Practicing textile recycling can even help your school qualify for state recycling grants.
By supporting school recycling programs, you can help create meaningful change in your community by providing a convenient, easy-access location for community members to recycle unwanted textiles, and raise monies for your school.
Ready to make a change in your community? Find out how to get started today.
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