Merry Maids vs 1-800-Water Damage Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merry Maids vs 1-800-Water Damage including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merry Maids Franchise
1-800-Water Damage Franchise
Investment $89,619 - $125,023$57,613 - $211,537
Franchise Fee $37,500 - $51,500$31,000 - $84,500
Royalty Fee 5-7%5%-10%
Advertising Fee 1.3%2%
Year Founded 19791988
Year Franchised 19802002
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merry Maids Franchise
1-800-Water Damage Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Management experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    1-800-Water Damage Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/NoYes/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoYes/Yes
    Equipment Yes/NoYes/Yes
    Inventory Yes/NoYes/-
    Receivables No/NoYes/-
    Payroll No/NoYes/-

    Training & Support
     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    1-800-Water Damage Franchise
    Training Additional training in Memphis, Tennessee and regional locationsOn-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 150 hours Additional Training: Training videos, webinars, seminars
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicks, National mediaCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    Operations 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (98% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 1

    Expansion Plans
     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    1-800-Water Damage Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Merry Maids

    Dallen W. Peterson founded Merry Maids in 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska. The public company cleans more than 300,000 homes, apartments and condominiums each month in North America. It has franchises in Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan and the United Kingdom. In 1988 Merry Maids joined the ServiceMaster Quality Service Network, which includes franchise companies AmeriSpec, Terminix and Furniture Medic. Merry Maids is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

    Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee
    ""   "Entrepreneur
    #62 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #113 in Franchise 500 for 2021.



    About 1-800-Water Damage

    1-800 WATER DAMAGE  is a low overhead, recession proof, and simple to operate water damage restoration franchise. When water damage occurs, we use modern technology and equipment to dry customers' homes or businesses in just a matter of days. The majority of jobs we perform are emergency service and most often are paid for by the insurance industry. Insurance companies prefer to professionally dry out a water damage related mess and avoid future mold mitigation, then to deal with expensive rip out or a job poorly done. This and other factors make this a truly recession resistant business, which is certainly an important consideration when choosing your new business in today's economy! No Experience, No Problem Previous industry or related experience is not required. Our best franchise partners come from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Franchise partners receive personalized training and hands-on experience in each skill area of their business--marketing, administration, and technical. Our operations manual, active coaching programs, and growing database archive of support webinars on various topics keep you on track and focused. 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Franchise Highlights
    * $5 Billion Recession Resistant Industry
    * LARGE Exclusive Territories
    * 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Branded Phone Number & Web Site
    * 24 Hour Technical Support
    * Low Investment Requirements
    * Third Party Financing & Leasing Programs
    * Median Price per Job $3,000
    * Few Employees to Manage
    * Unique B2B Marketing Program
    Learn more about the 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise opportunity by tuning into our weekly webinar!

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Business in a single Territory ranges from $70,822 to $211,537. This includes $31,000 to $123,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates..
    The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a conversion 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Business is $57,613 to $175,637. This includes $31,000 to $88,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
    Veteran Incentives  $7,900 off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #130 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #196 in Franchise 500 for 2021.