Critter Control Inc.

Urban/rural wildlife management

Background

Founded: 1983 Franchising since: 1987
While working as a chimney cleaner, Kevin Clark was often asked to remove animals from chimneys. Seeing the need for such services, Clark formed Clark's Critter Control in 1983 to remove animals from attics, decks and other areas for pest control companies.

Critter Control was incorporated in 1986 to offer businesses and homeowners a variety of wildlife control services. These services include repairing damage made by the animal and performing pest management such as screening vents, installing chimney caps and closing entry holes to make sure animals can't come back.

The company also provides on-call services for cities that do not have their own animal control agencies.

Address:
9435 E. Cherry Bend Rd.
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Phone:
(231)947-2400

Franchisee Association
Franchise Advisory Council (FAC)

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 10 employee(s); 4 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units
Year U.S. Franchises Canadian Franchises Foreign Franchises Company Owned
2009 114 2 0 1
2008 115 2 0 1
2007 106 2 0 2
2006 102 2 0 2

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Based on population

Special Programs
Critter Control offers performance recognition programs for franchisees.

Costs and Fees

Total investment: $12,250 - $80,500
Franchise fee: $5,000 - $47,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available
In-House Third Party
Franchise Fee Yes No
Startup Costs Yes No
Equipment Yes No
Inventory Yes No
Accounts Receivable No No
Payroll No No

Qualifications
Business Experience:
  • Marketing skills
  • Customer service and interpersonal skills

Operations
  • Franchise can be run from home
  • 8% 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. (98% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training and Support

Training
  • Available at headquarters: 1 week
  • At Columbus, OH or Fort Lauderdale, FL franchisees' locations and annual conferences

Ongoing Support
  • Newsletter
  • Meetings
  • Toll-free phone line
  • Grand opening
  • Internet
  • Security/safety procedures
  • Field operations/evaluations
  • Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support
  • Co-op advertising
  • Ad slicks
  • National media
  • Regional advertising

Other marketing support
  • National call center, sporting event sponsorship

Rankings

Franchise 500® rank:
#271 (2010); #335 (2009); #327 (2008); #308 (2007); #361 (2006);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#65 (2010); #77 (2009); #75 (2008); #78 (2007); #98 (2006);

Top Homebased Franchises:
#77 (2010); #96 (2009); #92 (2008); #88 (2007);


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