#66
At a Glance
Products & Services: Residential cleaning
Number of Locations: 1,597
Total Investment: $55.35K - 73.85K
Founded: 1979
Began Franchising: 1980
Private Owned
About Merry Maids
Dallen W. Peterson founded Merry Maids in 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska. The company cleans more than 300,000 homes, apartments and condominiums each month in North America. It has franchises in Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan and the United Kingdom. In 1988 Merry Maids joined the ServiceMaster Quality Service Network, which includes franchise companies AmeriSpec, Terminix and Furniture Medic. Merry Maids is based in Memphis, Tennessee.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 658 | 70 | 623 | 246 |
| 2010 | 714 | 71 | 607 | 236 |
| 2009 | 727 | 71 | 610 | 212 |
| 2008 | 748 | 71 | 438 | 202 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $55,350 - $73,850
Franchise Fee: $33,500 - $43,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5-7%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $33,500 - $43,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5-7%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $60,000 - $70,000
Liquid Cash Available: $60,000 - $70,000
Operations
60% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (98% 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: 8 days. At franchisee's location: As needed. Additional training in Memphis, Tennessee and regional locations
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations,
Marketing Support: National media,
Other marketing support: Yellow Pages ads and placement support; internet ad composition site