The residential cleaning industry shows great promise for investors. According to IBISWorld, the residential cleaning services market in the U.S. is worth $18 billion , expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% including an increase of 1.2% in 2024 alone. However, not all residential cleaning brands are created equal, and choosing the right one to franchise with is the key to your future profit. In this blog we will explore two prominent brands in the residential cleaning industry: the MaidPro franchise and Merry Maids. This detailed comparison should provide insights to help you identify which option aligns best with your goals.
MaidPro Franchise vs. Merry Maids
Understanding each brand’s scope of service and operations is key to your decision-making process, as these factors will have a direct effect on your overall success.
With about 270 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, MaidPro has been franchising for close to 27 years. According to Entrepreneur, the brand provides dedicated sales and marketing coaches to assist franchise owners as well as a four-phase training program that includes an online learning management system called MaidPro University. MaidPro promotes flexibility for franchise owners to have autonomy over their business.
For customers, their website shows that they offer a 49-point checklist for cleaning houses, apartments and condos. MaidPro also provides specialty services like special event cleaning, post-renovation cleaning, and holiday cleanup.
In comparison, Merry Maids, which is part of the well-established ServiceMaster family of brands, has been in business since 1979 with more than 1,600 locations. According to Entrepreneur, 1,000 independently owned and operated Merry Maids franchises in North America clean more than 120,000 homes in the United States and Canada alone.
At Merry Maids, we take care of more than homes—we take care of people. We want our customers’ homes to be a place where they can relax and unwind without worrying about cleaning. Our goal is to provide a tailored experience for every homeowner, so we don’t just follow a checklist; we provide personalized services based on what each customer needs. For example, while we always perform a comprehensive cleaning of all rooms, we also understand that sometimes clients need their space free of clutter, or the refrigerator or oven cleaned. We provide that service and the peace of mind that goes with it, which is why we emphasize our worry-free guarantee.
From a franchising standpoint, we provide 10 days of comprehensive training including an online component plus five days in person at our headquarters. Franchise owners will benefit from in-depth interaction with our franchise development team, a dedicated business development consultant, and assistance from franchise owners.
Side-by-Side Brand Comparison
| Costs | MaidPro | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Initial Investment | $105,560 - $130,800 | $126,880 - $165,610 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | 7% |
*Source: Entrepreneur
When comparing the MaidPro franchise costs and Merry Maids, the financials are fairly competitive. MaidPro's royalty fees are slightly lower, bringing the cost considerations for the two brands very close together. Therefore, it's crucial to evaluate other aspects, like each brand's culture, customer service, and their relationship with franchise owners. These factors can significantly influence your decision on which franchise might be the best fit for your business goals.
Another consideration to keep in mind is that both brands offer renewable five-year agreements and provide exclusive territories to franchise owners. However, while MaidPro provides absentee ownership, Merry Maids does not. Our franchise owners at Merry Maids are dedicated to the success of their business and want to be part of the day-to-day operations.
While the residential cleaning industry as a whole is a lucrative investment, if you’re looking for a low-cost cleaning franchise with name brand recognition, more than four decades as a leader in residential cleaning and the high standards associated with the ServiceMaster family of brands, Merry Maids could be your perfect fit.
To find out more about franchising with Merry Maids, fill out our online form and we’ll be in touch. Let’s get started !