Merry Maids vs Duraclean Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merry Maids Franchise
Duraclean Franchise
Investment $89,619 - $125,023$79,600 - $129,900
Franchise Fee $37,500 - $51,500$24,500
Royalty Fee 5-7%2-8%
Advertising Fee 1.3%-
Year Founded 19791930
Year Franchised 19801945
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merry Maids Franchise
Duraclean Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Management experience
    		• -

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

    Training & Support
     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    Duraclean Franchise
    Training Additional training in Memphis, Tennessee and regional locations-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Ad slicks, National mediaCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    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)

    		 Franchise can be run from home.

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    Duraclean Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    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 Duraclean

    When Marjorie Marshall got her rug back from the cleaners, the color was faded and the rug damaged. Upset by the condition of her rug and the fact that no cleaners could guarantee safe upholstery cleaning, Marshall asked her husband if he could develop a process to safely clean carpets and upholstery. He did, and in 1930 Irl Marshall Sr. opened The Home Service Co., parent of Duraclean International Inc., in Racine, Wisconsin. The company originally offered mothproofing service, but eventually switched to upholstery and carpet cleaning. In 1943, the Marshalls began franchising. Today Duraclean has expanded its services to include drapery cleaning, ceiling cleaning, fire and water damage restoration, deodorization, fabric protection and janitorial services. We want you to be able to make a fact-based, informed decision regarding the Duraclean Franchise Opportunity. Ask about our "Quick Start" program and how it would assist you in moving your business from conception into the fast lane. We want you to understand completely how your Duraclean business will be your passport to transport you from where you are today to where you want to be in your life plan.
    * Low-investment start-up costs
    * Financing available to qualified individuals
    * One License Fee opens the door for all Duraclean Services
    * Stability in a recession-proof industry
    * Recognized by major national and regional insurance companies
    * Primary Geographical Marketing Territory
    * Hands-on initial training
    * Program designed around your goals
    * Unequaled marketing and technical support in your territory
    * Solving customers' problems for almost 85 years
    * Unlimited growth potential

    "Entrepreneur
    #414 in Franchise 500 for 2020.