Source: FranopolisChem-Dry
Chem-Dry is a residential and commercial cleaning franchise that provides professional floor and surface care services. Its local teams serve homeowners and businesses with carpet, upholstery, hard-floor, rug, urine, and odor cleaning. Hard-floor services cover materials including tile, stone, wood, laminate, and concrete. The business uses proprietary cleaning solutions, equipment packages for diverse floor types, and truck-mounted hot carbonated cleaning systems.
The Business
SourcesThe current franchisor began offering franchises in 1978.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read More About The Business
The franchisor’s parent, BFG Holdco, Inc. is a Delaware corporation formed on August 10, 2011.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor grants franchises for the establishment and operation of a business that provides carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, hard surface cleaning, spot removal, and other services to residential and commercial customers.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We began offering franchises under the name and trademarks “ Chem - Dry ” beginning in 1994, after our predecessors began offering franchises in 1978.
Our parent, BFG Holdco, Inc. (“BFG Holdco”) is a Delaware corporation formed on August 10, 2011.
Source NotesWe grant franchises for the establishment and operation of a business that provides carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, hard surface cleaning, spot removal, and other services to residential and commercial customers (the “Services”).
What It Costs
SourcesWhere Your Startup Money Goes
| Cost | Disclosed Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Costs - Small Territory | $600 to $6,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Installation Costs (3) $600 $6,000 |
| Security Deposits / Utility Deposits - Small Territory | $0 to $3,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 28 Security Deposits / Utility Deposits $0 $3,500 |
| Vehicles - Small Territory | $0 to $75,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Vehicles (3) $0 $75,000 |
| Total Initial Investment - Small Territory | $74,150 to $231,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 28 TOTALS $74,150 to $231,500 |
| Miscellaneous Pre-opening Expenses - Standard Territory | $400 to $4,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Miscellaneous Pre-opening Expenses (11) $400 $4,000 |
| Vehicles - Standard Territory | $0 to $75,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Vehicles (3) $0 $75,000 |
| Rent - Standard Territory | $0 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Rent (7) $0 $5,000 |
| Rent - Small Territory | $0 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Rent (7) $0 $5,000 |
| Miscellaneous Pre-opening Expenses - Small Territory | $400 to $4,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 28 Miscellaneous Pre-opening Expenses (11) $400 $4,000 |
| Full time Service Technician - Small Territory | $6,000 to $8,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Full time Service Technician (5) $6,000 $8,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee - Standard Territory | $36,000 to $42,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Initial Franchise Fee (1) $36,000 $42,000 |
| Costs Incurred While Attending Training - Standard Territory | $1,250 to $3,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Costs Incurred While Attending Training (9) $1,250 $3,000 |
| Initial Package Fee - Small Territory | $44,000 to $78,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Initial Package Fee (2) $44,000 $78,000 |
| Additional Funds - 3 months - Standard Territory | $2,500 to $9,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Additional Funds – 3 months (12) $2,500 $9,000 |
| Initial Package Fee - Standard Territory | $44,000 to $78,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Initial Package Fee (2) $44,000 $78,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements - Standard Territory | $0 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Leasehold Improvements (8) $0 $5,000 |
| Total Initial Investment - Standard Territory | $92,150 to $249,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 TOTALS $92,150 to $249,500 |
| Technology System / Computer, Software, Telephone, and Electronic Mail - Small Territory | $800 to $4,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Technology System / Computer, Software, Telephone, and Electronic Mail (6) $800 $4,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee - Small Territory | $18,000 to $24,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Initial Franchise Fee (1) $18,000 $24,000 |
| Costs Incurred While Attending Training - Small Territory | $1,250 to $3,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 28 Costs Incurred While Attending Training (9) $1,250 $3,000 |
| Installation Costs - Standard Territory | $600 to $6,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Installation Costs (3) $600 $6,000 |
| Insurance - Standard Territory | $600 to $7,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Insurance (4) $600 $7,000 |
| Insurance - Small Territory | $600 to $7,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 Insurance (4) $600 $7,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements - Small Territory | $0 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 28 Leasehold Improvements (8) $0 $5,000 |
| Full time Service Technician - Standard Territory | $6,000 to $8,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Full time Service Technician (5) $6,000 $8,000 |
| Technology System / Computer, Software, Telephone, and Electronic Mail - Standard Territory | $800 to $4,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Technology System / Computer, Software, Telephone, and Electronic Mail (6) $800 $4,000 |
| Security Deposits / Utility Deposits - Standard Territory | $0 to $3,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 Security Deposits / Utility Deposits $0 $3,500 |
| Additional Funds - 3 months - Small Territory | $2,500 to $9,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 28 Additional Funds – 3 months (12) $2,500 $9,000 |
Line items are shown as disclosed. Some costs overlap or apply to different formats; do not add them together without reviewing the source.
SourcesKey Franchise Fees
- Royalty
- Royalty Between 4% and 7% of Gross Sales
View Disclosed Terms
- Marketing & Advertising
View Disclosed Terms
Up to 3% of Gross Sales, beginning in month 13 of franchise operation. Brand Marketing Fee payments are subject to a minimum monthly payment of no less than $150 for the Standard Territory and $75 for the Small Territory.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 · Item 6
Review Fee Sources
Fees And Payment Terms
| Fee | Disclosed Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Fee | Presently, the Technology Fee is $450 per month | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Renewal Term Fee | 10% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee, which is currently $3,600, if applicable | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Initial Franchise Fee - Small Territory | Upon signing the Franchise Agreement, you must pay an initial franchise fee of $36,000 for a Standard Territory and $18,000 for a Small Territory | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Ongoing Purchases | Product Costs, generally between $5,000 and $50,000 annually. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Interest Fee | 18% per annum or the maximum permitted by law | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Collection Fee | Up to 35% of gross amounts collected on your behalf. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Administrative Fee | Currently, $500 per transaction. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Regional Meetings and/or Additional Training | $0 to $500 per person per event for Regional Meetings and/or Additional Training | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 |
| NORA Fee | you will pay up to 5% of Gross Sales | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| NSF Fee | Presently $50 per NSF | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Convention Non-Attendance Fee | Our then current fee, which is presently $1,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Late Report Fee | $50 per week | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Royalty | Royalty Between 4% and 7% of Gross Sales | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Broker Fee - Resale or Other Transfer | there will also be a broker fee, which is approximately $30,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Initial Package Fee | Initial Package Fee You must also obtain an initial package (“Initial Package”) that will cost between $44,000 and $78,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 |
| Late Payment Fee | Then current fee which is currently 5% of amount due or $50 per week, whichever is greater | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Additional Training or Hosting Fee | $100 per person, per day, of any training conducted at our headquarters | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 |
| Convention Fee | $850 maximum per person to attend the Convention | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 19 |
| Audit Cost | Cost of inspection or audit estimated at $2,500 to $6,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Initial Franchise Fee - Standard Territory | Upon signing the Franchise Agreement, you must pay an initial franchise fee of $36,000 for a Standard Territory | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Transfer Fee | Our then-current fee, which is presently $9,900 per Territory; or $3,600 per Territory if transfer is to an existing Chem-Dry franchisee | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 |
| Marketing Fee | Up to 3% of Gross Sales, beginning in month 13 of franchise operation. Brand Marketing Fee payments are subject to a minimum monthly payment of no less than $150 for the Standard Territory and $75 for the Small Territory. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 |
| Non-Compliance Fee | Presently $5,000 or, for out-of-territory infractions, the greater of $1,000 or 50% of the total invoice for the job, whichever is greater. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
Some fees apply only to a specific event or service. These are not all monthly expenses.
SourcesYour Role As An Owner
SourcesThe Designated Manager is not required to have an ownership interest in the Chem-Dry Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 58 · Item 15 · View Source
Read The Disclosed Requirements
The franchisor requires that you actively participate in the operation of the Chem-Dry Business. If you will operate the Chem-Dry Business through a business entity, you must designate at least one managing owner.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 58 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
The Designated Manager is not required to have an ownership interest in the Chem-Dry Business.
Source NotesWe require that you actively participate in the operation of the Chem-Dry Business. If you will operate the Chem-Dry Business through a business entity, you must designate at least one managing owner.
Territory
SourcesYour protected Territory will consist of specific zip-code(s) that have been awarded to you.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 49 · Item 12 · View Source
Read The Disclosed Requirements
If the Chem-Dry Business fails to achieve the required Minimum Gross Sales Requirement during any consecutive three-month period, the franchisor reserves the right to terminate the Franchise Agreement, or reduce the size of your Territory.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 53 · Item 12 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Your protected Territory will consist of specific zip-code(s) that have been awarded to you.
Source NotesIf the Chem-Dry Business fails to achieve the required Minimum Gross Sales Requirement during any consecutive three-month period, we reserve the right to terminate the Franchise Agreement, or reduce the size of your Territory.
A disclosed territory policy does not confirm that your preferred area is available. Ask the franchisor about the specific area you are considering.
Training & Support
SourcesThe estimated typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement and payment of any consideration for the Chem-Dry Business, and the opening of the Chem-Dry Business, is approximately 60 to 120 days.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 40 · Item 11 · View Source
Read The Disclosed Requirements
You are also required to use the franchisor’s then-current designated accounting software which is currently QuickBooks Online.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 42 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
The estimated typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement and payment of any consideration for the Chem-Dry Business, and the opening of the Chem-Dry Business, is approximately 60 to 120 days.
Source NotesYou are also required to use our then-current designated accounting software which is currently QuickBooks Online.
Franchisor Financing
SourcesIf the franchisor grants you the right to open and operate a Chem - Dry Business for a Franchise, the franchisor may offer you financing for a portion of the Initial Franchise Fee if you meet the franchisor’s qualifications.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 36 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesIf we grant you the right to open and operate a Chem - Dry Business for a Franchise, we may offer you financing for a portion of the Initial Franchise Fee if you meet our qualifications.
Inside The FDD
SourcesPlain-language summaries of the available FDD information. Each summary links to its source, with original excerpts available to review.
Sources
The Franopolis report provides the source research. FDD page references identify the supplied excerpts when available.
01The Business And Its Ownership
The current franchisor began offering franchises in 1978.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor’s parent, BFG Holdco, Inc. is a Delaware corporation formed on August 10, 2011.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor grants franchises for the establishment and operation of a business that provides carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, hard surface cleaning, spot removal, and other services to residential and commercial customers.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 8 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We began offering franchises under the name and trademarks “ Chem - Dry ” beginning in 1994, after our predecessors began offering franchises in 1978.
Our parent, BFG Holdco, Inc. (“BFG Holdco”) is a Delaware corporation formed on August 10, 2011.
Source NotesWe grant franchises for the establishment and operation of a business that provides carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, hard surface cleaning, spot removal, and other services to residential and commercial customers (the “Services”).
08Suppliers And Required Purchases
You must purchase the Initial Package from the franchisor, the franchisor’s affiliate(s), or a designated supplier.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 30 · Item 8 · View Source
You will be required to purchase your inventory of cleaning solution and any and all other cleaning products you will use to perform the Services from the franchisor or the franchisor’s designated supplier.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 · Item 8 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
You must purchase the Initial Package from us, our affiliate(s), or a designated supplier.
Source NotesYou will be required to purchase your inventory of cleaning solution and any and all other cleaning products you will use to perform the Services from us or our designated supplier.
10Financing Offered By The Franchisor
If the franchisor grants you the right to open and operate a Chem - Dry Business for a Franchise, the franchisor may offer you financing for a portion of the Initial Franchise Fee if you meet the franchisor’s qualifications.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 36 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesIf we grant you the right to open and operate a Chem - Dry Business for a Franchise, we may offer you financing for a portion of the Initial Franchise Fee if you meet our qualifications.
11Support, Training And Advertising
The estimated typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement and payment of any consideration for the Chem-Dry Business, and the opening of the Chem-Dry Business, is approximately 60 to 120 days.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 40 · Item 11 · View Source
You are also required to use the franchisor’s then-current designated accounting software which is currently QuickBooks Online.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 42 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
The estimated typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement and payment of any consideration for the Chem-Dry Business, and the opening of the Chem-Dry Business, is approximately 60 to 120 days.
Source NotesYou are also required to use our then-current designated accounting software which is currently QuickBooks Online.
12Territory
Your protected Territory will consist of specific zip-code(s) that have been awarded to you.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 49 · Item 12 · View Source
If the Chem-Dry Business fails to achieve the required Minimum Gross Sales Requirement during any consecutive three-month period, the franchisor reserves the right to terminate the Franchise Agreement, or reduce the size of your Territory.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 53 · Item 12 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Your protected Territory will consist of specific zip-code(s) that have been awarded to you.
Source NotesIf the Chem-Dry Business fails to achieve the required Minimum Gross Sales Requirement during any consecutive three-month period, we reserve the right to terminate the Franchise Agreement, or reduce the size of your Territory.
14Patents, Copyrights And Proprietary Information
The franchisor’s affiliate, CDI, owns patents for certain technologies, equipment and products that you may be licensed to use during your operation of your Chem-Dry Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 55 · Item 14 · View Source
The franchisor does not own any registered copyrights which are material to the franchise; however, the franchisor claims copyrights in the Operations Manuals, System Standards, advertising materials, Chem-Dry Software, business forms, videos, CDs and other printed and advertising material used in operating the System.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 56 · Item 14 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Our affiliate, CDI, owns patents for certain technologies, equipment and products that you may be licensed to use during your operation of your Chem-Dry Business.
Source NotesWe do not own any registered copyrights which are material to the franchise; however, we claim copyrights in the Operations Manuals, System Standards, advertising materials, Chem-Dry Software, business forms, videos, CDs and other printed and advertising material used in operating the System.
15Owner Participation
The Designated Manager is not required to have an ownership interest in the Chem-Dry Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 58 · Item 15 · View Source
The franchisor requires that you actively participate in the operation of the Chem-Dry Business. If you will operate the Chem-Dry Business through a business entity, you must designate at least one managing owner.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 58 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
The Designated Manager is not required to have an ownership interest in the Chem-Dry Business.
Source NotesWe require that you actively participate in the operation of the Chem-Dry Business. If you will operate the Chem-Dry Business through a business entity, you must designate at least one managing owner.
16Products And Services You Can Sell
You may not market or perform any other services, except the Services, without the franchisor’s express, prior written approval.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 59 · Item 16 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesYou may not market or perform any other services, except the Services, without our express, prior written approval.
18Public Figures
The franchisor says it does not use public figures to promote this franchise.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 64 · Item 18 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not use any public figures to promote our franchise.
Find The Right Business For The Life You Want.
You don’t have to compare every brand on your own. A franchise consultant can help narrow your options and work through what ownership would ask of you.
Bring your questions about this brand, your priorities and the kind of business you want to run.
Your Role
Understand the hours, sales and people responsibilities behind the ownership model.
Your Shortlist
Spend less time sorting through brands and more time on options worth exploring.
Your Market
Check territory options with franchisors and identify the next questions to ask.
Keep Exploring
More Brands To Explore
Lawn Doctor
Lawn care and seasonal holiday-lighting services for local customers.
- Estimated Startup Cost
- $150,070 to $177,052
- Median annual revenue per operator
- $659,073
- Franchised businesses
- 653
2025 FDD · 2024 reported results
Merry Maids
Residential cleaning and cleaning for small commercial offices.
- Estimated Startup Cost
- $126,880 to $170,110
- Median annual gross sales
- $427,425
- Franchise territories
- 802
2025 FDD · 2024 reported results
Real Property Management
Property management, rent collection and maintenance coordination for property owners.
- Estimated Startup Cost
- $91,796 to $234,150
- Median revenue per managed property
- $4,392
- Franchised Locations
- 447
2025 FDD · 2024 reported results