If you’re considering joining the lucrative and profitable world of the cleaning industry, it might be tempting to own a cleaning franchise instead of starting your business from the ground up. After all, buying into a cleaning franchise gives you a template that you can easily follow and can be a sure investment. Or is it?
Before you sign that contract, think about it for a second. There are many pros and cons to owning your own cleaning franchise. Take the time to weigh the options and then see if buying in to a cleaning franchise is for you.
Yes, although buying into a cleaning franchise can be an easy solution for you, you might want to take a step back.
PROS: A cleaning franchise is a contracted type of business wherein you buy into a brand name or another person’s company. Think of it like the 7/11 franchise, there is an overall owner of the business and people just buy into the company. You are contracted to fulfill certain obligations when you buy into any kind of franchise. This can cover anything from number of employees to how much money you should hand over in a month. Cleaning franchises will provide the equipment and also give you a set list of pricing that you can use a guide. This gives you an easy template to follow.
CONS: Cleaning franchises normally require a larger investment from you. It may sound easy but you have to plunk down a larger amount of money for the provided equipment. You are under obligation to fulfill the contractual terms. Plus, you’re not your own boss. You have to answer to a larger corporation that deems you responsible for everything that occurs with that particular franchise.
These are some of the various things you should consider when you think of buying into a cleaning franchise. If you actually start your own cleaning service (no franchise included), you have all the benefits of above without the contract to fulfill, unless to yourself.
What is the difference between a cleaning franchise and starting your own smaller cleaning business? You are your own boss, you make your own hours, and you decide when to hire, expand or train. We don’t normally recommend buying into a cleaning franchise, especially if you live in a smaller community. You can easily turn your small cleaning business into a profitable one without the help of a larger corporation. It may sound easier to have someone else lay all the groundwork for you but in the long run it is much simpler to start your own business. Your community doesn’t need the large franchise and your potential clients may not be able to afford the prices that the franchise will set for you.
Although buying into a cleaning franchise is not a bad idea, consider the long term effects on your business and your community. Why not start your own business that you can eventually franchise? It’s cheaper, easier and has a bigger profit margin in the long run.
