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Updated RecentlySteam Brothers vs Ductbusters Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Steam Brothers vs Ductbusters including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $22,000 - $53,500 | $30,000 - $81,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $16,000 | $7,500 - $24,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5-6.5% | 5.5-7% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1977 | 1985 |
| Year Franchised | 1984 | 1992 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | $1K | - |
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/Yes | 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 | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | - |
| Marketing | Ad slicks | - |
| Operations |
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 |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | No |
Company Overviews
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.
About Ductbusters
One day an air conditioning service company received a call from a customer who wanted her system cleaned. When the servicemen explained how it could be done, the customer insisted they come and do the job. After receiving a thank you call and a referral from the customer the next day, the company decided to go into the air duct cleaning business.
Ductbusters was founded in Clearwater, Florida, in 1985 and cleans all sizes and types of heating and air conditioning ducts.