Stanley Steemer Franchise Deep Dive: Units, Costs and Earnings

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 275+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $139,210 - $410,195

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1.7 million (Average Gross Sales for FY 2022)

Company history

Stanley Steemer was founded in 1947 as a carpet cleaning company. Over the years, it began to grow its system through franchising while developing proprietary cleaning tools and techniques that enable owners to differentiate themselves and their services even further.

There are currently over 275 Stanley Steemer locations across 49 states, owned and operated by both franchisees and the corporate team. With nearly 80 years of business experience, Stanley Steemer has become well-known across the U.S.

Stanley Steemer is a mobile franchise concept that began with carpet cleaning services and has since expanded to include cleaning services for:

• Air ducts

• Tile and grout

• Cars, boats and RVs

• Natural stone

• Specialty rugs

Because of its mobile model, Stanley Steemer has a lower initial investment requirement and offers a more flexible model, allowing owners to grow with additional vehicles as the time comes and maintain a minimal home or rented office.

Financial performance

According to the brand’s 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document, average annual gross sales per unit in 2022 was $1,715,720. The highest-grossing outlet exceeded $12 million, and the lowest-grossing outlet reported $18,374.

The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Stanley Steemer franchise ranges from $139,210 to $410,195. This includes the following costs:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $20,000 - $100,000

• Real Property: Stanley Steemer notes that franchisees are encouraged to begin operations out of a home office, but the need for office space will depend on a range of factors. Should owners choose to lease a small office space, they can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,500 per month.

• Stanley Steemer Vehicle: $41,000 - $60,000

• Stanley Steemer Cleaning Platform and Accessories: $27,000 - $56,000

• Water Restoration Equipment: $8,000 - $30,000

• Air Duct Cleaning Equipment: $8,000 - $82,000

• Inventory: $5,000 - $8,000

• Telephone Deposit: $0 - $250

• Comprehensive Liability Insurance (Per Year): $7,500 - $15,000

• Computer Equipment: $2,500 - $5,000

• Local Market Advertising Listings: $600 - $7,000

• Internet Connection: $40 - $200

• Data Hosting/Backup: $75 - $250

• Advertising: $8,500 - $14,000

• Travel, Room, and Board to Attend Training Program: $500 - $2,000 per person

• PowerMagic® and Nimbus Mobile™ Software Set Up / Conversion Fee: $495 per person per day

• Additional Funds (6 Months): $10,000 - $30,000

Stanley Steemer requires a franchise fee of $20,000 to $100,000 but says the exact amount can be negotiated between the franchisor and franchisee.

• Wesley Bates — Chief Executive Officer

• Justin Bates — President

• Philip Ryser — Executive Vice President and General Counsel

• Mark Bunner — Vice President / Chief Financial Officer

• Ryan Jankowski — Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer

• Eric Smith — Vice President of Human Resources

• Joy Molinari — Vice President of Marketing

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