Vanguard Cleaning Systems

Founded: 1984 Franchising since: 1984
Vanguard Cleaning Systems was founded in 1984 and began franchising the same year. The private company is based in San Mateo, California. Its franchisees serve approximately 1,000 commercial cleaning accounts. Vanguard offers a Master Franchise program for experienced businesspeople and a Unit Franchise program for beginning entrepreneurs.

Address: 655 Mariners Island Blvd., #303 San Mateo, California 94404

Phone: (800)564-6422/ (650)594-1500

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 20 employee(s); 3 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	1,458	58	0	3
2008	1,144	31	0	3
2007	845	0	0	3
2006	576	0	0	3

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

Total investment: $8,125 - $38,100
Franchise fee: $7,650 - $37,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available

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

Qualifications
Cash liquidity requirement: $2,800 - $9,000
Business Experience:

• General business experience

Operations

• Franchise can be run from home
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 2 weeks
• At regional offices : 2 weeks

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Toll-free phone line
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Regional advertising

Other marketing support

• Initial customer base

Franchise 500® rank:
#30 (2010); #43 (2009); #63 (2008); #81 (2007); #119 (2006);

Fastest-Growing Franchises:
#10 (2010); #10 (2009); #11 (2008); #27 (2007); #33 (2006);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#8 (2010); #9 (2009); #14 (2008); #26 (2007); #29 (2006);

Top Homebased Franchises:
#7 (2010); #9 (2009); #13 (2008); #21 (2007); #28 (2006);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#24 (2010);