Franchising Since: 1980
Headquarters: Omaha, Nebraska
Estimated Number of Units: 1,640
Franchise Description: The franchisor is The Maids International, LLC. The franchisor grants the personal right and license to establish and operate a The Maids Business household maintenance and home services business. The primary service provided is household cleaning.
Training Overview: Training includes a pre-opening program (SMART Start Set-Up) to teach the franchisee about The Maids business system and the operation of a The Maids business and coach the franchisee through the setup of the business. Once franchisees have completed the SMART Start Set-Up, the franchisor will provide up to five days of training in Omaha, Nebraska for franchisees to teach and familiarize them with the methods and procedures of operating a The Maids business. The franchisor expects the SMART Start Set-Up and SMART Start Training to take franchisees approximately 5-7 weeks to complete depending on the amount of time they devote to training. Within 90 days of franchisees opening their franchise, the franchisor will provide a training program (Power Training) that consists of a minimum of one on-site visit by one of its staff members to provide on the job training for the manager. The franchisor may also provide additional requested on-site training for franchisees or their manager during the term of the Franchise Agreement. At the franchisor’s discretion, online training may be provided for management staff via webinar at no charge. Optional fee-based courses may also be provided. In addition, numerous self-paced pay-per-use courses are available via the online catalog on the franchisor’s e-learning platform. After franchisees begin operating their franchise, the franchisor’s staff will provide support by telephone or other means of communication. Franchisees and/or an approved team member must attend each of The Maids National Conventions which held periodically but not more than once a year.
Territory Granted: The designated market area may consist of one or more territories and will range in size depending on the number of territories. Franchisees may qualify and elect to purchase one or more territories upon the signing of the Franchise Agreement. The number of households in a single franchise territory ranges from 90,000 to 150,000 households. The number of households may be higher or lower based on the local demographic data of the franchise territory. If franchisees are in compliance with the terms of their Franchise Agreement, and subject to the franchisor’s reserved rights as disclosed, the franchisor will not operate, or grant to any other The Maids franchisee the right to operate, a The Maids business within the designated market area without the franchisee’s written permission.
Obligations and Restrictions: Franchisees do not have to participate in the operation of their The Maids business; however, the business must be managed by a person who has completed the training program. Franchisees, their spouse and all individuals with an equity stake in The Maids business must also promise in writing that during the term of the Franchise Agreement, they will not participate in any business that is in any way competitive with a The Maids business and that, for 18 months after the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, they and their spouse and all individuals with an equity stake in The Maids business will not participate in any competitive business located within the designated market area or any other designated area granted by the franchisor or within 20 miles of any of the above described areas. Franchisees may only sell the products and services the franchisor specifically approves in writing.
Term of Agreement and Renewal: The length of the initial franchise term is 10 years. Two renewal terms of five years each are available, if requirements are met.
Financial Assistance: The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing. The franchisor does not guarantee a franchisee’s note, lease, or other obligation. If franchisees are a veteran of the United States Armed Services, their initial franchise fee will be discounted by $1,000 total, regardless of the number of territories purchased.
Estimated Initial Investment
| Name of Fee | Low | High |
| Initial Territory Fee | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| SMART Start Package | $19,900 | $19,900 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Office Security Deposit | $0 | $2,150 |
| Office Fixtures, Decorating & Furniture | $500 | $2,000 |
| Auto Down Payments or Lease Payments and Paint or Wrap Installation | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Telephone and Internet and Computer Systems | $900 | $1,800 |
| Insurance Deposit | $2,200 | $3,200 |
| Washer and Dryer | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Start-Up Professional Services | $500 | $1,500 |
| Wages, Travel and Living Expenses During SMART Start Training | $1,040 | $4,650 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $24,880 | $34,500 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL (single territory) | $117,720 | $141,200 |
Other Fees
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Continuing License Fees | From 6.9% down to 3.9% of gross revenues depending on weekly gross revenues (minimum continuing license fees may apply). |
| Technology Innovation Fund Fee | Currently 0.25% of gross revenues. |
| Advertising Fund Fee | 2% of gross revenues. |
| Software and Support Fee | Currently $140 (Additional $85 per month per additional office). Subject to change with 30 days’ notice. |
| The Maids International National Convention | The then-current fee. The current registration fee is up to $750 per person. If franchisees fail to attend the national convention, they will be charged an additional non-attendance fee of $1,000. |
| Renewal Fee | $3,750 |
| National Sales Center Fees | Sales Calls: $60 per week $36 per sold quote $7.50 per unsold quote |
| Audit Fees | Amount incurred by franchisor to audit the franchise. |
| Transfer Fee | $15,000 |
| Collection Costs for Unpaid Fees | Amount the franchisor incurs to collect fees. |
| Interest Charges for Unpaid Fees | 18% per annum or the maximum legal rate allowable in the state in which the franchisee’s business is located. |
| ACH Draft – Insufficient Funds | Currently up to $25 per insufficient fund draft. |
| Non-Compliance Fee | Up to $500 per occurrence. |
| Requested Training and Consulting Service Provided by Franchisor | Currently up to $250 per day plus travel expenses. |
| Territory Infringement Fee | Varies depending on the type and severity of the infringement. |
| Cost of Alternative Supplier | The franchisor’s costs of alternative supplies and/or equipment which may vary under the circumstances. |
| Local Marketing | Varies depending on the number of territories purchased. |
| Costs and Attorneys’ Fees | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Insurance | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Indemnification | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Cost of Enforcement or Defense | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Liquidated Damages | Varies. |
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