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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Commercial Water & Energy Franchise Corp. vs CFO Today including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $66,700 - $181,700 | $24,400 - $40,000 |
Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $24,000 |
Royalty Fee | 5% | Varies |
Advertising Fee | - | - |
Year Founded | 1994 | 1989 |
Year Franchised | 2000 | 1990 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee | $12K | $4.8K |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | - | - |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
Start-up Costs | No/No | No/No |
Equipment | No/No | No/No |
Inventory | No/No | No/No |
Receivables | No/No | No/No |
Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | - |
Support | Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising |
Operations |
Franchise can be run from home.
Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. |
Franchise can be run from home. 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | - | - |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Water & Energy is a full-service company providing water saving solutions and billing services throughout the United States. We read all makes of utility meters. Then, we bill the tenants and collect the money for you. Our main concern is conserving water and improving the bottom line for the property owner.
John Harrison felt that many small businesses were failing because they couldn't afford accountants, so he began providing 'professional services at bookkeeper's rates.' In 1989, Harrison established Accountant's Choice, which has since changed its name to CFO Today.
Franchising started in 1990, and there are now locations across the United States offering accounting services to local small businesses.