Maid Service: Are There Any Franchises?

The British Cleaning Council’s latest industry trends report states that the cleaning industry contributes £24.4 billion to the UK economy, with over 3 million households spending their well-earned money on maid service of some sort each year.

Even when times get tough financially, for many households, spending a bit of cash each week on a maid service to tidy, clean and iron, is more than worth it. Because of this mindset amongst busy families working full-time hours, there will always be a demand for cleaning services.

This makes it a great time to think about starting up your very own maid service business.

Why you should consider starting a maid cleaning service

Here are just five compelling reasons to invest in a cleaning franchise and become your own boss.

1. There's money to be made

Traditionally, the salary that a cleaner earns is low in comparison to other skilled jobs. However, as a business owner, once you've established your cleaning franchise, you should receive money from clients on a rolling basis.

With a positive cash flow, you’ll be in control of growing your business as and when you choose to do so.

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2. Low investment costs

You can start a cleaning franchise with very little money. Cleaning franchises offer a very affordable way to become your own boss and provide you with all the equipment and products you need to get your business off the ground.

You’ll also have very few overheads as a franchisee of a maid service business. With no need to rent or buy premises, you can start your business on a budget with minimal ongoing costs too. The fewer overheads you have, the more profit can be made.

3. Your business can be as big (or as small) as you want it to be

You can run your franchise on your own taking a hands-on approach to the cleaning side of the business, or you can choose to take on employees and play a more managerial role.

The point is, it’s up to you. You could start your business as a ‘one-man-band’ and build up your client base before you decide to grow. This way you’ll have a good grasp of how the business works and what sort of employees you’ll need to recruit.

4. It’s flexible

Running a franchise offers you freedom and flexibility. As your own boss, you’re ultimately in control of your schedule. With no office, shop floor or warehouse you can run your franchise from the comfort of your own home, working the hours you choose.

5. It's a rewarding career

Unlike many other services on offer, cleaning provides instant gratification. You’ll gain satisfaction from knowing that you’re making people’s busy, stressful lives that little bit easier by providing a valuable maid service.

Maid service cost

The cost of investing in a cleaning service franchise is one of the most affordable of all franchise opportunities. Here are three popular low-cost maid service franchises for you to consider:

Maid2Clean

Franchise fee: £9,999 plus VAT

With over 100 franchises all across the UK, employing more than 18,000 people, Maid2Clean is a cleaning franchise that has a reputation for quality and professionalism. Since it was established in 1993, Maid2Clean has continued to improve by continually researching the most effective cleaning methods and only using environmentally-friendly products and equipment.

Clients get to interview their permanent cleaner which gives them peace of mind regarding who they’re allowing into their property. All cleaners are reference checked and insured which inevitably results in repeat business.

As a franchisee, you’ll attend a five-step training programme covering the core elements of the business such as pre-launch activities, processes and operations. Alongside training you’ll also receive help with developing your business plan, setting growth targets and tips on how to acquire and retain both clients and cleaners.

Molly Maid

Franchise fee: £16,975 plus VAT

Molly Maid was founded in Canada in the late 1970s and came to the UK in 1984. Since then, the distinctive pink and purple branding of Molly Maid has helped it to become a globally recognised cleaning franchise.

You don’t need to have any previous experience in the cleaning industry or as a business owner to become a Molly Maid franchisee. Once you've made your investment, you'll attend a week of training so that you fully understand the proven Molly Maid franchise system. Following training, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Business Advisor who will spend the first week at your offices supporting you with any concerns that you may have. After your launch, help is only ever a phone call, email or text away.

Merry Maids

Franchise fee: £19,995 plus VAT

Merry Maids is a national cleaning franchise with nearly 100 franchise locations across the UK. Established in the US in 1979, the brand came to the UK in 1990. Now part of the ServiceMaster Group, Merry Maids investors benefit from a franchisor with a nearly 60 years of experience franchising in the UK.

As a Merry Maids franchisee, you’ll attend a ten-day training programme at head office followed by support from the franchise development team and hands-on help from an experienced franchise owner. This three-part training programme prepares you for running a successful business as well as all familiarising you with all the procedures and systems necessary to make the most of the proven business model.

In addition to your training, the franchise fee also covers all the equipment and products needed to supply up to four cleaning teams. Along with their exclusive products, the Merry Maids systems, software and support package made them the number one cleaning franchise in the country. All Merry Maids cleaners are insured, professional-looking and thoroughly trained meaning that both you and your clients can be sure that they’ll receive the highest of cleaning standards.

Conclusion

If you’re independent, self-motivated, and comfortable going into people’s homes, then becoming a maid service franchisee could be for you. It may also help if you enjoy cleaning too.