Steam Brothers vs KCS Applications Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
KCS Applications Franchise
Investment $22,000 - $53,500$15,500
Franchise Fee $16,000$15,000
Royalty Fee 5-6.5%$350/yr.
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19771992
Year Franchised 19841994
Term Of Agreement 10 years3 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years3 years
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
KCS Applications Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
KCS Applications Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
Equipment No/YesNo/No
Inventory No/NoNo/No
Receivables No/NoNo/No
Payroll No/NoNo/No

Training & Support

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
KCS Applications Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsMeetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
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)

Franchise can be run from home.

1% of all franchisees own more than one unit

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


Expansion Plans

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
KCS Applications Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

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 KCS Applications

Started in 1992, KCS Applications Inc. specializes in acrylic asphalt sealing. Based in Hastings, New York, it began franchising two years later.