At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $75K | $105K |
| Max Investment | $175K | $145K |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $28K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $300K | $400K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 3,000 | 1,500 |
| Annual Growth | -30.0% | -20.0% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 67/100 | 67/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | N/A |
| Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Merry Maids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | N/A |
| Training Weeks | N/A | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chem-Dry or Merry Maids a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Chem-Dry has 3,000 total units and a 67/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Merry Maids has 1,500 total units and a 67/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Chem-Dry franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Chem-Dry franchise requires an initial investment of $75K – $175K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 4.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Merry Maids franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Merry Maids franchise requires an initial investment of $105K – $145K. The franchise fee is $28K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Chem-Dry vs Merry Maids?
Chem-Dry's royalty rate is 4.0%. Merry Maids's royalty rate is 5.0%. That means Chem-Dry has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Chem-Dry or Merry Maids?
Chem-Dry has 3,000 total units. Merry Maids has 1,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Chem-Dry or Merry Maids semi-absentee friendly?
Chem-Dry is typically run as a owner-operator model. Merry Maids is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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