#46
At a Glance
Products & Services: Carpet, drapery & upholstery cleaning; tile & stone care
Number of Locations: 3,581
Total Investment: $27.85K - 122.65K
Founded: 1977
Began Franchising: 1978
Private Owned
About Chem-Dry Carpet Drapery & Upholstery Cleaning
Robert Harris worked as a carpet cleaner to pay for his law school tuition. He found the cleaning methods being used were not getting the job done and set about developing new solutions to get carpets cleaner. Harris started using his new solution to clean carpets for family and friends, and demand for his services quickly grew. In 1977, Harris founded Chem-Dry to bring his new cleaning methods to more customers.Chem-Dry began franchising in 1978 and now has locations in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom. In 2006, Chem-Dry was acquired by The Home Depot.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 2,165 | 77 | 1,339 | 0 |
| 2010 | 2,198 | 83 | 1,588 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2,309 | 95 | 1,600 | 0 |
| 2008 | 2,531 | 100 | 1,500 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $27,850 - $122,650
Franchise Fee: $10,950 - $12,950
Ongoing Royalty Fee: $350/mo.
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $10,950 - $12,950
Ongoing Royalty Fee: $350/mo.
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $15,000
Liquid Cash Available: $9,000
Operations
Franchise can be run from home. 35% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 5 days. Video training
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: Video/radio commercials
Franchise Ranking History
Fastest-Growing: #34 (2008),