The foundation of the Stained Glass Overlay business is the multi-patented process used to manufacture solid, seamless, one-piece decorative glass in any design or pattern.
Developed in 1974, the Overlay process can be applied to windows (without removing them from their mountings), mirrors, skylights, ceiling panels, shower doors, etc. In its development, the original SGO objective was to achieve a top quality alternative for traditional cut glass. After many years of research, this objective was not only accomplished, but also a wonderful new product emerged. Now, even many traditional glass artisans are joining SGO’s franchise network.
They recognize the obvious advantages over working with cut glass including unlimited design and color capability, substantial cost savings, increased product strength, lighter weight, ease of application, reduced project completion time, product and territory exclusivity and a broader consumer base. The finished product offers the end user an excellent return on their investment.
Commercial -
It’s Pretty - But It’s Strong and Practical, too! If your specs call for safety glass where you want decorative glass, just specify Overlay on safety glass. It’s that simple!
Safety and Security Overlay is applied directly to any glass surface, including safety glass, tempered glass and insulated glass, without affecting the structural integrity of the glass. In fact, Overlay actually strengthens the glass surface.
Create The Mood In restaurants, hotels, retail shops or professional buildings, versatile Overlay takes the cold look out of glass. It can set any mood you want to portray - romantic, happy-go-lucky, ethnic, wild disco, family, serene, trusting, whatever
Commercial Applications -
-Logos & Signage
-Booth dividers
-Buffet sneeze panels
-Entry windows
-Frontage windows
-Light boxes
-Room dividers
-Ceiling light panels
-Skylights
-Windows everywhere
-Mirrors
Residential -
Any glass or acrylic surface becomes a decorating asset when Overlay is added.
-Front-door sidelights
-Skylights
-Ceiling light panels
-Shower enclosures
-Light boxes
-Sliding glass doors
-Cabinet & furniture doors
-Table tops
-Room dividers
-Windows everywhere
-Mirrors
SGO began franchising in January 1981. Since that time, over 350 franchises have been awarded. Through a concentrated effort, SGO is positioned in thirty-seven countries around the world. In the US and Canada franchises are sold to individuals, who in turn establish their own business within a defined geographic area.
Outside of North America, Master Licenses are awarded to individuals or Companies that understand the market of the given country. Several of the Master Licensees are in related businesses, such as window or door manufacturers.
Stained Glass Overlay franchisees are industrious, ambitious individuals from all walks of life, with the common goal - to own their own business. They are attracted to the franchise concept because they prefer teaming up with a progressive company, rather than starting from scratch. Being part of the decorative glass industry with the SGO product line is appealing to many people.
As part of the investment in a franchise or a license, SGO provides an intensive training program, business management materials, application tools and a inventory of materials to start producing the initial sales of the product. A software program, custom tailored for the management of the SGO business, has recently been introduced.
SGO, Inc. provides ongoing support for the franchise network through monthly newsletters, regional and international meetings and introduction of new materials. The franchisees have the assurance that the parent company is there when they need them.
URL: http://www.stainedglassoverlay.comEmail: info@stainedglassoverlay.com
Tel: 800-452-3782 Fax: 770-455-4422
Company: STAINED GLASS OVERLAYCity: AtlantaState: GAZip: 30341
K on October 13th, 2004 at 9:15 pm
I am writing this to warn others before they join this franchise!
From the get go I should have knows that this business was a joke, but I went against my better judgment and invested my money anyway.
I was told coming into this that set up would be easy, cost low, and earnings would be VERY good. I was told this by the representative I spoke to, Sarah Willis. She introduced me to this business, and the opportunity. I met with her and spent time asking questions, and she had the answer at the ready for every one. The rules they set up cannot work for anyone! The business is a waste!
They say there is no competition, but I ran in to 2 other franchise owners in the field.
The investment was more than expected! Over $200,000 set up and store fees.
The training was a waste of my time. I could have learned what they told me out of a book and spent $15.50! The store I had to rent out cost me too much, and I had to set it up the way they wanted!!! I hired 2 people to work with me, and then had to let one go because I could not afford to pay him, and the other got the pink slip on Friday. I hated to do it, but I had to. I marketed to churches & places in my community and still made no money. Their proven method is trash! What a waste!
There are no buyers interested in the product! Buyers say it looks cheap. Sarah told me you do not need to have too much merchandised on hand, because it turns around so fast. YEAH RIGHT!
There is no support once you are out running business; you are virtually on your own.
I am now in the process of fighting off the bank for the money owed, and thinking of asking for my investment back. I would sell the company, but who would buy?!
SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE DON’T GET INTO BUSINESS WITH STAINED GLASS OVERLAY
k
LA, California
U.S.A.
H.T. on October 20th, 2004 at 10:48 pm
Here are some things that I was told when speaking to my contact…. Yes, I took good notes.
First of all I was told that I would need is a “small studio”, maybe about “1000-1500 sq ft.
One third used for show room, two thirds used for office and production.
I was also told that I would need 1 full time people working for me.
Total start up investment…. approx $100,000.
So that is exactly what I was told, here is the reality (reality being once I signed my contract)…
1.
“small studio”, maybe about “1000-1500 sq ft.” - well I found out that a small studio as such would be good if I were working at 25% capacity. I needed something about 3 times that size….
2
“I would need 1 full time people working for me” - well, I hired the one person, and was able to pay her for about 6 weeks…from my own money, not from money I was bringing in. I had to let her go due to lack of sales.
3.
“Total start up investment…. approx $100,000.” - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I paid for the lease of the studio (remember the studio, the one that was supposed to be small), I paid for the investment itself, I paid for advertising, paid my worker, etc, etc, etc….we’re talking about $200,000+…. THATS THE PRICE OF SOME HOUSES IN MY AREA!
Once you are involved, and you try to get your money back, THEY CUT YOU OFF.COMPLETLY!
You are not given any help, assistance…nothing. It’s like, cross this line, and you are out!
So, to sum it all up
BE SMART - BEWARE - BE CAREFUL - DO ALL THE BACKROUND CHECK YOU CAN, ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU WANT - LEARN FROM OTHER PEOPLE’S MISTAKES - AND DON’T WAST YOUR MONEY!
WOW on October 21st, 2004 at 2:49 pm
That is unbelievable!
I was just about to give these jokers my money and join in. I had a “small studio” picked out myself. And a lot of what you said are things I was told also.
That is sad that companies like this get away with this crap!
Thanks HT!
Ted on October 24th, 2004 at 9:57 pm
Keep pressuring these guys for your money back. They want us to go away but if we get together and keep up the press they’ll have to take notice.
Tim on October 25th, 2004 at 9:10 pm
Just what is the “Product” that they want $5-50,000 smackers for a franchise ???
Why can’t you just make the foiled segments and then apply them onto mirror or clear glass for the same effect using a UV glue or other clear drying adhesive.
Do multi layers and it becomes 2-Dimentional.
That’s alot cheaper than paying someone for, what ?
I think I’ll look into this a bit more to see what the hype is really all about.
I’d have to really want to do that, and someone would have to guarantee it in writing, that I’d make a large income before parting with that kind of cash outlay for overlay !
Is stained glass overlay just “film” atop pieces of glass?I’m interested too but like you would rather do it on my own vs. franchise! How can I learn the procedure?
THIS MIGHT HELP on October 25th, 2004 at 9:24 pm
YUP!!!
Same Problems here… Here is what my lawyer told me.
The FTC takes complaints about suspicious or fraudulent business-opportunity schemes all the time. Although the Commission can’t resolve individual problems for consumers, it can act against a company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations. See if there are others out there with a problem similar to yours. File a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center at (877) 382-4357; or by writing Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20580.
Anonymous on October 25th, 2004 at 10:56 pm
Can you believe this company? I spoke to several people before shelling out all the money me and my wife had left in the world….they said they made good money. It took about 3 months till they made money, but they were doing good
nothing here folks..move along
Anonymous on October 25th, 2004 at 11:21 pm
Has anyone checked with the BBB? I think we can talk to them and file a complaint. I spoke to someone also before joining. About 3 peopel to be exact/ Yup. all were happy, all were doing well….
ALL DON’T ANSWER MY EMAILS OR CALLS ANYMORE…so, are they not doing well anymore? Or are they doing so well that they are the owner of this scam
makes you think
Sylvia S on November 16th, 2004 at 1:53 pm
I’m better of in the adult entertainment industry. At least there you know exactly what you’re getting yourself in to!
Listen to this:
“Are you looking for a franchise opportunity that allows you to express your artistic side? With a Stained Glass Overlay franchise, you can let your imagination loose! ”
Right. No matter how hard you try, it looks TERRIBLE! Like a kindergarden art project!! How are you supposed to actually sell that?!?
“Using SGOs multi-patented designer glass process you can turn any surface into a work of art. And being a unique and exclusive product, SGO deals with an untapped market, both in the residential and commercial arenas. Already our organization has grown to a network of more than 300 franchises worldwide.”
Make that 299. It’s just not true. You can’t use it on any surface, it doesn’t take.
The BEST one:
“With SGO, you will have moderate start-up costs and modest royalties. SGO will provide you with extensive training..”
I don’t consider $3000 moderate! Training?!?! There are $15 books at local bookstores that are better than their “training”!!
I tried to get my money back. First with Tom W., then, Denise J. (I don’t think these are their real names), NO RESPONSE! I left several voice messages for the president, Janet McCaslin. Of course, no response.
I don’t know what to do next, because I’ll have to spend more money if I hire a lawyer. At the same time, I feel REALLY cheated and want my money back. I don’t know.
I’m writing all of this as a warning since I heard this site is popular - GUYS, DO NOT throw your money away on this “franchise opportunity”!! STAY AWAY from Stained Glass Overlay!
diana on January 8th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I understand your worry about getting a return on your money. I worked for a SGO franchise for 7 years, and then took over ownership for 3 years. At that time you did get a return for the franchise fees, start up costs etc…sgo did a lot of advertising for us and the training was great if you were in with the right people. I already knew how to do the process before attending training, so I helped to train others in my classes. This was before 9/11. I know the industry and the franchise has since changed. I have not owned a franchise in 10 years, i am however starting the company again. SGO’s patented process, has lost it’s patent several years back. You can now find other companies offering the film and lead materials as well as training videos!! try Decraled.com, decraglo.com, duralead.com, and regalead.com. No franchise fees required! It is a great product, I feel strongly about it’s performance, it is very durable, and beautiful. Good luck.