If you’re an entrepreneur or experienced cleaner, you may have at some point considered starting your own professional cleaning business. Many people in this position decide to invest in a cleaning franchise. But this business model, like any other, has its benefits and drawbacks.
At Cleantastic we are all across the topic, with over 900 current and active commercial cleaning franchisees across Australia. In this article, we discuss the cleaning franchise and whether it might suit you.
For personalised advice on becoming a Cleantastic franchisee, contact our team at Cleantastic today.
What is a Cleaning Franchise?
A franchise is a type of business involving a franchisee, or an individual who purchases the rights to operate that business under an established brand.
The franchisor is the company that owns that larger brand. The franchisee pays an upfront cost and ongoing fees, and in exchange the franchisor delivers training, support, and access to tried-and-trusted business systems and strategies.
Cleaning franchises can offer a wide range of services, including commercial, residential, industrial and various specialised forms of cleaning.
Business owners in the cleaning industry who don’t own a franchise may operate under a range of models, including but not limited to the sole operator model, the contractor model, and the facilities management model.
The Pros of Owning a Cleaning Franchise
At Cleantastic we may be biased, but we believe that owning a franchise, and particularly a cleaning franchise, has more pros than cons.
Here are just 10 of the benefits.
- A reliable market: It’s likely there will always be high demand for cleaning services, as clean and healthy homes and workplaces will always be valued. Commercial cleaning is particularly viable, as businesses, even more than residences, rely on external providers for ongoing cleaning and maintenance.
- Ongoing business: Both companies and households tend to offer repeat business to cleaning services they like. If a service provider can make a strong impression, it’s likely to pay dividends.
- The brand is already established: The franchisor already has a proven record of success. If customers are familiar with the parent brand, they will know what to expect from and are more likely to trust the franchisee.
- The business model already works: The franchisor’s business model is also tried and tested. This means franchisees can avoid the trial-and-error phase that many other businesses go through to reach profitability.
- Fast start with low costs: While starting any business involves effort and money, franchises tend to offer an easier road, as they are not built from scratch. Many franchise programs also offer reduced fees and flexible payment plans.
- Financial benefits: Franchisees may be more likely to receive loans and other financial benefits compared to new, unknown businesses.
- Marketing benefits: Franchisees have access to a recognisable brand name and proven marketing or advertising strategies.
- Training and support: A great franchise program will set you up for success with extensive training, support, and resources. At Cleantastic, we equip our franchisees with comprehensive technical training, operational support, equipment and uniforms, and more.
- Knowledge base: Franchisors offer access to technology, best practices, and proprietary systems that have been developed over time. This is likely to give franchisees a head start on the competition.
- It’s easy to compare and contrast: Franchisees may find it easier to forecast costs and anticipate outcomes by comparing and contrasting their business with pre-existing franchises.
The Cons of Owning a Cleaning Franchise
We believe there aren’t a huge amount of drawbacks to owning a cleaning franchise. But here are four things to note.
- Initial investment and ongoing fees: Franchisees sign up to a long-term financial commitment that may, at times, cut into their profits. This commitment includes the initial franchise fee, typically between a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. It also includes the payment of ongoing royalties or a portion of their revenue to the franchisor.
- Limited control: Franchisees must follow rules and regulations stipulated by the franchisor. Having an established framework to follow helps franchisees save time, effort, and money. However, it also limits their ability to make their own decisions about their service offering, the pricing structure, and how their business will be marketed.
- Location restrictions: Many cleaning franchisees must agree to only operate within one specific geographical area. This can help them avoid competition from other franchisees under the same parent company. However, their opportunities for expansion and growth may be limited.
- Dependence on the franchisor: Franchisees may be either positively or negatively affected by the financial performance and business decisions of their franchisor. If a franchisor experiences legal issues, financial difficulties, or changes in policies or management, there may be a flow-on impact.
Is a Cleaning Franchise Worth It?
We love helping potential franchisees with dreams of operating their own cleaning business. Firstly, the industry they’ve chosen offers a steady market and huge growth potential. But we also find the franchise model suits a lot of people.
While franchising includes some potential drawbacks, including upfront costs and limited costs, it also offers a multitude of benefits. These include extensive training, knowledge sharing, and built-in brand recognition and customer trust.
Every case is different, but if you’re new to the cleaning industry, or interested in entrepreneurship with support, we believe a cleaning franchise is worth it.
Join Cleantastic as a Franchisee
We make people’s business ownership dreams a reality with our franchisee program. When you become a franchisee with us, you gain access to a structured training program for all facets of your business, ongoing operational and technical support, equipment and uniforms, and more.
Get in touch for an info pack and further guidance from our friendly team.
