Steam Brothers vs Ductz Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
Ductz Franchise
Investment $22,000 - $53,500$42,954 - $187,830
Franchise Fee $16,000$14,900 - $74,900
Royalty Fee 5-6.5%10%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19772001
Year Franchised 19842005
Term Of Agreement 10 yearsRenewable
Term Of Agreement 10 yearsRenewable
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
Ductz Franchise
Experience -Net worth requirement: $100,000 Cash liquidity requirement: $10,000 - $30,000

Financing Options

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
Ductz Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoYes/-
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
Ductz Franchise
Training -Available at headquarters: One week Technical; One week Business Administration On-The-Job Training: 21 hours Classroom Training: 30 hours
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Ad slicksCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
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 * 17% of all franchisees own more than one unit * Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: One * Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed

Expansion Plans

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
Ductz 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 Ductz

DUCTZ is America's largest duct-cleaning franchise. DUCTZ International is owned by BELFOR, the world's largest property restoration company with $1.3 billion in sales. DUCTZ franchise owners across the country participate in and profit from the work "pushed down" from BELFOR to their local business and also from the opportunity to work on large scale National Service Team projects. There is a growing demand for DUCTZ franchising as families and employers encounter increasing wellness costs and decreasing productivity associated with indoor air pollution. As an indoor air quality franchise business, DUCTZ franchise owners can operate in formats ranging from a home-based, owner-operator model to our investor model where, as an investor, you may hire a General Manager to run the day-to-day operations of your business while you keep your day job. DUCTZ franchisees benefit from the latest equipment, established business systems, comprehensive training for both commercial and residential projects, cutting-edge computer programs, and a seasoned franchise support network. To learn more about DUCTZ franchising, call 877-382-8987 to speak with a DUCTZ franchise development manager, or click here to submit your contact information. DUCTZ is a division of BELFOR, the world's largest property restoration company, with nearly 3,200 employees in approximately 160 locations across 27 countries, including 72 offices in North America.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a DUCTZ Business is $73,237 to $187,830. This includes $58,983 to $143,481 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a conversion DUCTZ Business is $42,954 to $177,830. This includes $28,700 to $128,481 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

#133 on Entrepreneur's ranking of the top 150 franchises offering incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees
Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee