Spherion
Spherion Staffing offers general staffing services through franchised locations, providing high-quality talent to clients. Known for comprehensive recruitment solutions, Spherion operates in the staffing and recruiting industry.
Spherion franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Spherion General Staffing franchise ranges from $132,980 to $301,040. This includes a mandatory payment of $34,745 to $65,025 to Spherion or its affiliates [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies and ranges from $35,000 to $40,000. If a Territory Development Agreement is entered into, the fee can be calculated according to a discount schedule based on the number of locations. [p.14, p.203, p.15]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
Under the licensee program, there is no mention of ongoing royalty fees. However, franchisees under this program may contribute to a national marketing and advertising fund, paying 0.25% of their sales as a contribution [p.94]. For area-based franchises, they pay a royalty fee calculated as a percentage of their sales [p.201], but there is no specific mention of an additional advertising fee beyond the contribution to the Marketing Fund.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement is effective and binding for an initial term of 10 years from the effective date [p.203]. It may be renewed for an additional five-year term [p.203].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
The franchisor can refuse to permit a transfer of ownership except for good cause [p.5]. Additionally, Minnesota law requires consent to the transfer of the franchise not be unreasonably withheld, and you must typically provide 180 days' notice of non-renewal or termination [p.227].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
According to [p.5], a franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement prior to its expiration only for good cause, which includes the failure of the franchisee to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and curing such failure after being given written notice and a reasonable opportunity not exceeding 30 days. Additionally, under Virginia law as stated in [p.237], termination without reasonable cause is unlawful.
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD mentions requirements for sufficient capital, business experience, character, financial and managerial capability, but it does not provide specific details on net worth or liquid capital requirements [p.141, p.98].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
Your territory is not exclusively yours; you do not have any exclusive rights to provide Professional Services in your area. The franchisor and its affiliates may also offer these services, even establishing offices in your designated area if necessary [p.43, p.121]. However, the franchise agreement does grant you certain protected rights to provide staffing services under the Spherion® trademark within your specified 'Area' [p.243].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides mandatory initial and ongoing training, which you must personally attend and successfully complete [p.38]. This includes pre-opening training for the Managing Owner within 12 weeks of the Effective Date and post-opening training within six months of opening [p.82]. Additionally, the franchisor offers support services via online chat, telephone, or email from their Support Center [p.36], though they do not handle hardware, software, or peripheral issues unless approved by them.
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
Based on the provided excerpts, as of December 31, 2025, there are 479 franchised outlets [p.62]. The number of closed or terminated outlets includes two Spherion Professional franchised outlets that opened in 2021 and closed in 2023, the consolidation of 11 outlets in 2024 where operations continued but were reflected as ceased operations, and the closures of Spherion franchisees Emmanuel Olanipekun and Dan and Tammy Heinowski in 2023 [p.57]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for a precise count of closed or terminated outlets.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not share specific financial performance or earnings projections with potential franchisees. However, if an existing outlet is being purchased, actual records of that outlet may be provided [p.56]. Additionally, the franchisor can provide financial performance information only if there is a reasonable basis for it and it is included in the Disclosure Document [p.53], but this must not differ from what is stated in Item 19 unless specific conditions are met [p.53].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are not specifically restricted to selling any particular items, but you may be required to purchase certain supplies from a limited group of suppliers designated by the franchisor, which could potentially result in higher costs than if you purchased these items elsewhere [p.3]. For PC hardware, third-party software components, and printers, you must obtain them through the franchisor [p.35].