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Updated RecentlySteam Brothers vs Bath Fitter Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Steam Brothers vs Bath Fitter 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 | $120,000 - $175,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $16,000 | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5-6.5% | 0 |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1977 | 1984 |
| Year Franchised | 1984 | 1992 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 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 | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations |
| Marketing | Ad slicks | 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) |
Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | 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 Bath Fitter
In 1984 Bath Fitter created its first bathtub liner, an acrylic bathtub that fit over an existing tub. The company soon added one-piece acrylic bath walls and accessories to its product line.
Bath Fitter franchisees now also install accessories such as soap dishes, towel racks and shelves.
Liners are made to measure, fitting around existing plumbing fixtures. Walls can be installed to cover existing tile.