Steam Brothers vs CRATE Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
CRATE Franchise
Investment $22,000 - $53,500$100,424 - $177,999
Franchise Fee $16,000$22,000 - $46,000
Royalty Fee 5-6.5%2%-4%
Advertising Fee -$38,500 - $42,000 annually
Year Founded 19772011
Year Franchised 19842015
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
CRATE Franchise
Experience -

We're looking to partner with motivated entrepreneurs who have liquid funds amounting to at least 150% of the figures listed in Item 7 of CRATE's Franchise Disclosure Document, and proper licensing.


Financing Options

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
CRATE Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
CRATE Franchise
Training -

Ongoing

Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations

CRATE franchisees receive ongoing training and support with everything from lead screening, marketing, sales, project management, field implementation, and security/safety procedures. CRATE's 24/7 support team offers contractors the benefit of warmed up leads and setting up initial walk-throughs.

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)

Our time-tested business model equips contractors with the necessary tools to offer a residential construction business which offers affordable remodeling for kitchens and bathrooms to customers wishing to implement a high-end renovation to an existing kitchen or bathroom layout. Our system is designed to maximized efficiency, as well as profit-per-workday.


Expansion Plans

 
Steam Brothers Franchise
CRATE Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion 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 CRATE

CRATE Franchise Systems -- the franchisor of kitchenCRATE and bathCRATE -- offers home improvement specialists industry-leading solutions in lead generation and maximizing profit-per-workday while helping them deliver organized, efficient remodeling services. Each signature crate, an 8' x 16' x 8' tall container, includes all the necessary tools and materials contractors need to complete a quality remodel in as little as seven days. CRATE Franchise Systems is now expanding through a targeted franchise program. Immediate opportunities are available in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon.