Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner
Stanley Steemer franchises offer professional carpet cleaning and restoration services using proprietary methods and equipment. Known for effective indoor surface cleaning, including flooring, upholstery, and HVAC systems, Stanley Steemer operates in the cleaning and restoration industry.
Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Stanley Steemer franchise ranges from $175,685 to $509,745 for a Stanley Steemer cleaning business using a single Stanley Steemer Cleaning Platform capable of cleaning flooring, upholstery, HVAC systems, air ducts, and related items. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for acquiring a Stanley Steemer franchise typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000. This fee can be paid in a lump sum or financed under plans offered by the company [p.25].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is based on a percentage of customer-level revenue generated from services like carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, hardwood cleaning, carpet sales, and water restoration and mitigation services. For the National Advertising Fee, you are required to pay up to 4% of your Gross Sales each month for participation in the national advertising program. These fees are due and payable on the 15th day of each month, along with your royalty payment [p.19, p.103].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial term of the franchise agreement is not specified in the excerpts. However, you have the option to renew your franchise for one additional term of ten years upon meeting certain conditions, including paying a $10,000 renewal fee and demonstrating substantial compliance with the Franchise Agreement [p.20].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
To sell or transfer your franchise, a $10,000 Transfer Fee must be paid, along with meeting other transfer conditions. The franchisor has a right of first refusal on any proposed transfer to a third party. Additional details are provided in Item 17 of the FDD [p.20].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement if the franchisee fails to comply with lawful provisions of the franchise agreement and does not cure such failure within a reasonable time, which cannot exceed 30 days [p.299]. Additionally, the franchisor may terminate the agreement for good cause before the expiration of its term [p.5].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
Yes, you are granted an exclusive territory where you will operate your Stanley Steemer Business, though this exclusivity is limited to specific service categories as detailed in Exhibit A of your Franchise Agreement. This exclusivity applies only during the Authorized Period and does not protect against requests for services directed to you directly by customers, which you must then refer to the Authorized Provider. [p.47, p.49]
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training for franchise owners in operating Stanley Steemer Cleaning Platforms and running a Stanley Steemer Business [p.162]. This training can be provided on-line, via electronic communications, or in-person, depending on SSI's discretion. However, the franchisor does not provide direction, control, or supervision over employment practices, hiring, firing, customer scheduling, or other personnel-related decisions [p.162]. Ongoing support includes contact center services for customer appointment scheduling and marketing services to franchisees [p.103], though these are provided on a fee-for-service basis.
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
The FDD does not specify the number of franchised outlets currently open. It only states that as of December 31 (refer to [p.99]), both company-owned and franchised locations numbers are provided, but these specific numbers are not given in the excerpts. There is no information on closed or terminated franchises in the provided excerpts either ([p.156] discusses disapproval criteria for franchisees but does not mention terminations).
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor, Stanley Steemer, does not make any financial performance representations either orally or in writing [p.77]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, they may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.77]. The document also specifies that the information disclosed in Item 19 relates to the historical performance of franchised Stanley Steemer Businesses for calendar year 2025 and does not include company-owned branch locations [p.74].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to offer services and products authorized by the franchisor, which include cleaning, maintenance, restoration, and repair of various systems and surfaces within your designated Service Categories. You may have to buy or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers they designate, as these items might be more expensive than those you could purchase on your own [p.3].