The Cleaning Authority

The franchise fee of $20,000 is significantly lower than the typical range of $30,000-$60,000 for cleaning franchises. What accounts for this difference, and are there any additional upfront costs not listed in the fee structure?

What were the specific nature and outcomes of the 2 pending litigation cases, and what business practices or disputes led to the franchisor initiating 1 case as plaintiff?

The 2023 exit data shows 16 units exited (10 closed + 6 ceased other) from a system of 224 units. Can you explain what caused the spike in closures that year and what measures were implemented to prevent recurrence?

Your initial contract term of 15 years is 50% longer than the typical 5-10 year range for cleaning franchises. What is your rationale for this extended term, and are franchisees permitted to exit early without penalty?

The renewal conditions list contains 11 specified requirements. Can you provide the complete list of these conditions and clarify whether the franchisor has discretionary authority to deny renewal even if all conditions are met?

Your termination causes list contains 25 separate grounds, well above the typical 14-22. Which of these grounds allow for immediate termination without a cure period, and which require advance notice?

The non-compete clause restricts franchisees from operating cleaning services for 2 years within 40 miles post-termination. How is this enforced, and have there been any legal challenges to this restriction?

Financial performance data shows median gross sales of $1,264,579 with bottom quartile at $638,071. What percentage of your franchisees fall into the bottom quartile, and what factors distinguish top performers from underperformers?

Your system mandates use of approved suppliers for 5 categories including software and payment processing. How does the franchisor determine which suppliers are approved, and can franchisees propose alternative suppliers?

The renewal fee is listed as $0. Does this mean franchisees can renew for 10 years at no cost, or are there other costs associated with renewal beyond the base royalty and ad fund rates?

Pending litigation is listed as 2 cases. What is the estimated resolution timeline for these cases, and could adverse outcomes materially impact the franchise system or franchisor operations?

The technology fee of $158.88 per month appears to cover software only. Are franchisees required to separately contract with approved payment processors, and if so, what are the typical monthly costs?

Your dispute resolution clause mandates JAMS arbitration in Columbia, Maryland. What is the estimated cost for franchisees to pursue arbitration, and are there any restrictions on recoverable damages?

Personal guarantees are unlimited for all owners with 5% equity and above. If a franchisee defaults on equipment loans or employee lawsuits, can the franchisor pursue personal assets under the franchise agreement?

The contract contains 11 renewal conditions versus the typical 5-8. Beyond good standing and working relationship, what specific operational metrics or performance thresholds must be met for renewal eligibility?

Transfer fee is $10,000. Does this fee apply if a franchisee sells to a family member, and does the franchisor have approval rights over the new owner's qualifications?

System growth shows 12 net new units in the past year, but 2023 had significant closures. Are you experiencing challenges in specific geographic markets or franchisee demographics, and how does this affect territory availability?

The franchisor scored 100/100 on Territory protection, which is above typical. What specific encroachment protections exist, and have any franchisees complained about overlapping service territories or franchisor-operated units?

Termination rate is low at 0.4%, but are you tracking the reasons franchisees are exiting voluntarily (transfers/closures)? What percentage cite inability to achieve financial projections versus personal/family reasons?

Given the 15-year initial term and extensive renewal conditions, what is the average tenure of your franchisees, and what percentage have renewed or transferred their units after completing the initial term?