Merry Maids vs The Cleaning Authority Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merry Maids Franchise
The Cleaning Authority Franchise
Investment $89,619 - $125,023$76,011 - $169,044
Franchise Fee $37,500 - $51,500$15,000 - $20,000
Royalty Fee 5-7%4-6%
Advertising Fee 1.3%1%
Year Founded 19791978
Year Franchised 19801996
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Merry Maids Franchise
The Cleaning Authority Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Management experience

  • General business experience
  • Personality, people person

  • Financing Options

     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    The Cleaning Authority Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment Yes/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory Yes/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    The Cleaning Authority Franchise
    Training Additional training in Memphis, Tennessee and regional locations On-The-Job Training: 37 hours Classroom Training: 52 hours Additional Training: Ongoing
    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 Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicks, National mediaAd Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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)

    5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 30

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Merry Maids Franchise
    The Cleaning Authority Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    International Expansion YesNo

    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 The Cleaning Authority

    The Cleaning Authority is a superior green home-cleaning company that is offering franchise opportunities across the United States. Top 3 Reasons to Franchise with The Cleaning Authority
        1. Home cleaning is a recurring cash-based business that is becoming more of a necessity for time-strapped families.
        2. Green cleaning is a rapidly expanding sector of the $46 billion cleaning services industry. 

        3. Receive unparalleled business management and operations support.

    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a THE CLEANING AUTHORITY® franchised business for an Enterprise Market is $101,572 to $169,044. This includes approximately $55,697 to $93,794 that must be paid to the franchisor.
    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a THE CLEANING AUTHORITY® franchised business for a Hometown Market is $76,011 to $121,021. This includes  approximately $34,511 to $53,271 that must be paid to the franchisor.

    Veteran Incentives   30% off franchise and territory fees


    "Entrepreneur

    #214 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #289 in Franchise 500 for 2021.