Ace DuraFlo Systems vs Steam Brothers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Ace DuraFlo Systems vs Steam Brothers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Ace DuraFlo Systems Franchise
Steam Brothers Franchise
Investment $46,200 - $410,100$22,000 - $53,500
Franchise Fee $21,900$16,000
Royalty Fee 6-8%5-6.5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19971977
Year Franchised 20011984
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $1K$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Ace DuraFlo Systems Franchise
Steam Brothers Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Ace DuraFlo Systems Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Ace DuraFlo Systems Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks
    Operations 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchise can be run from home.

    2% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 3

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Ace DuraFlo Systems Franchise
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Ace DuraFlo Systems

    Since 1999, ACE DuraFlo has been successfully using its proven system that has saved building owners and homeowners thousands of dollars, while saving occupants the messy, noisy and destructive experience of a repipe. Until now the only effective long-term remedy for encrusted galvanized steel or rust-corroded copper small diameter piping was the expensive and inefficient method of repiping the whole piping system. This meant the nuisance of dirt, noise, and several weeks of being without water. Building owners, homeowners, property managers and tenants are eagerly seeking an alternative to this old fashioned, expensive and frustrating system.

    About Steam Brothers

    After 16 years in the supermarket business, Adam Leier was looking for a way to go into business for himself. He purchased Steam Brothers, an existing cleaning business, in 1977 and began franchising in 1984. Steam Brothers has locations throughout the Midwest and is based in Bismarck, North Dakota.