Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Chem-Dry Franchise

Ready to become your own boss? Franchising is an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking for a relatively stable new business venture. 

The International Franchise Association reports that franchise opportunities are more popular and successful than ever, with approximately 8.45 million franchise employees in 2022 and production output totaling $826.6 billion. 

More franchise owners equate to more growth, so if you’re ready to get in on the revenue, keep reading to see if the franchise industry is the right business opportunity. 

Reasons to become a franchise owner 

Franchising is an avenue that allows you to become your own boss without the usual headache and struggle of a startup. 

Becoming a franchisee is still full of hard work and requires determination, but an added level of security comes from partnering with an established company. Your franchisor will provide you with a business roadmap, resources and the brand recognition you need to promote success. 

When you start a new business from scratch, it takes time, money, strategy and a little luck to build your brand name and customer base. One of the biggest reasons to become a franchise owner is you get to bypass that struggle. 

Partnering with a franchise means immediate visibility and a built-in customer base. Chem-Dry has been around since the 70s and is now the world’s leading carpet cleaner. That recognition guarantees you’ll start at an advantage. 

Related: 7 Things You Need to Know Before Becoming a Franchise Owner

Pros and cons of becoming a franchise owner

Starting a new business can be a long road filled with uncertainty, but entering into a new franchise agreement certainly has some added perks. See below for both sides you should consider before entering into an agreement. 

Related: 3 Key Considerations for the Modern Franchisee

Pros of becoming a franchise owner 

Some of the positives that come with owning a franchise include the following: 

• In most cases, there is no experience required.
• The franchisor provides training and support.
• The established business will bring trusted systems that are proven to work.
• Customer loyalty and brand awareness come with the territory.
• Franchisors have national and local marketing reach.

Cons of becoming a franchise owner 

When it comes to business decisions, you never want to think negatively. However, it is always important to look at the “what ifs” and the downsides so you are best prepared for any situation that may arise. 

One of the most significant cons of becoming a franchise owner is the lack of freedom. While you may own the location, this is not your business. Think of owning a franchise as leasing an apartment. 

While you pay to own that apartment and the space, your landlord — the franchisor — decides the rules and regulations of that space. If at any time your landlord decides you are not within the terms of your lease, they reserve the right to evict. 

Another thing that falls in the lack of freedom category is a limit on creativity and operations. If you love coming up with new ideas and playing with design, that will not fly in a franchise agreement. 

You will follow a pre-established system that mandates marketing, aesthetics, products and everything in between. 

Other cons of being a franchise owner include the following: 

• Limits of building structures and franchisor restrictions.
• Costs: Initial investment, franchise fees, royalty fees, license fee.
• Giving franchisor access to finances.

Related: The 10 Commandments of Franchise Ownership

A little Chem-Dry history 

Before entering a franchise agreement, it’s essential to know the company’s story.  

Robert Harris founded Chem-Dry in the 1970s. As a BYU student in Utah, Harris worked for a small carpet cleaning company. During his time as a cleaner, he realized he didn’t like the company's products, as they left chemical residue and other unattractive things around the houses. 

As Robert Harris was looking for an alternative way to clean carpets, an idea fell into his lap — literally. While on a flight, he spilled on his tie and the flight attendant used club soda to remove the stain without damaging the material of his tie. 

This incident sparked his idea of using carbonation to clean carpets rather than harmful chemicals. In addition to eliminating harsh chemicals, Chem-Dry’s method uses less water than other cleaning products, resulting in a more eco-friendly process and shorter drying times. 

While this seems like a simple concept, there was nothing else on the market like this at the time. 

Because of Harris’ innovative idea, Chem-Dry is now the world’s number one low-cost carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning brand with over 3,000 franchises. They recently moved their headquarters from Logan, Utah, to Nashville, Tennessee.

Everything you need to know about Chem-Dry

Now that you’ve got the history, it’s time to get into the process, costs and everything else you need to know about franchising with Chem-Dry. 

Why choose the carpet cleaning industry? 

While the carpet cleaning industry might seem niche, it is a vast market. Think about it: how many people do you know with carpets in their homes? 

Over ten billion square feet of new carpet are installed each year in American homes, all of which need regular cleaning. In recent years, carpet cleaning has seen massive growth, exceeding $5.5 billion in 2020 at a 3% growth.

The science behind Chem-Dry 

Chem-Dry owns a proprietary cleaning process called the Hot Carbonating Extraction Process. This precise chemistry emulsifies dirt, debris, oils and allergens for a more efficient, less toxic removal with a faster drying time. 

Their carpet cleaning solution, called The Natural, does not contain soap, detergents, solvents, enzymes or other harsh chemicals. 

If you are looking for a company that cares about the footprint it leaves, Chem-Dry offers the answer. The Natural is their non-toxic pride and joy because it:

• Has been Chem-Dry Green Certified.
• Is included on the Food and Drug Administration’s G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized as Safe) list, deeming it safe and non-toxic for children and animals.
• Does not leave behind a sticky or dirt-attracting residue like other toxic chemicals.
• Is allergy friendly.

Chem-Dry’s facts and figures 

One of the most important parts of researching a franchise system is understanding the financial commitment to enter it and your potential profit. See below for the key facts and figures of partnering with Chem-Dry. 

• Initial investment: $68,145+
• Initial investment cost includes: Initial license fee, turn-key New Business Set, equipment package and working capital.
• Monthly franchise fee: $414.32 per month.
• Franchise financing: In-house with for the cost of the license fee, free from interest and payment until the fourth month of operation.
• National ad fund: None.

Related: How to Be A Wealthy Franchisee

How much can you earn as a Chem-Dry franchise owner? That number is primarily up to you. However, to give you a better idea of the range franchisees make, here is the median revenue of franchise owners:

• Top 5%: $1,202,497
• 1st Quartile: $722,902
• 2nd Quartile: $302,274
• 3rd Quartile: $177,868
• 4th Quartile: $101,085
• Bottom 5%: $101,085

Related: The Role and Responsibilities of a Franchisee, Defined

Reviews of Chem-Dry

Chem-Dry does 80% of its cleaning service in residential homes, with the remaining 20% in offices and commercial spaces. Their target demographic is women, with 70% of their customers being upper-middle class, educated, fully employed and married mothers of multiple children. 

Chem-Dry’s website boasts positive reviews from customers who report excellent experiences with:

• Technicians.
• Prices.
• Professionalism.
• Knowledge.
• Customer service.
• Products.

Next steps with Chem-Dry

If you like what you’ve read so far and think Chem-Dry could be a good fit for you, then the next thing to do is continue your research process and begin the recruiting funnel with the company. 

1. Request for information from Chem-Dry.
2. Meet and greet phone call.
3. Introductory webinar.
4. Review of Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
5. Talks with Franchisees, Field Visits and Additional Research.
6. Sign agreement with Chem-Dry.

Related: Ready to Commit? - Franchise License Agreement 

How you can open a Chem-Dry franchise

If owning a Chem-Dry carpet cleaning franchise sounds like the right business opportunity for you, then it's time to start. The Chem-Dry business has over 2,500 worldwide locations and 45 years of success, so you will undoubtedly be in good company. 

Related: Are You an Ideal Franchisee? Here's How to Find Out.

Remember to weigh the pros and cons and picture yourself as the owner of your very own franchise. 

If you can envision that future, continue researching franchise information, gather your financials and reach out to Chem-Dry to get the process started.