How do I get started?

The first step is to return the information questionnaire to us. This does not obligate you or Cleaning Doctor Limited in any way. Upon receipt of your enquiry, we will call you to arrange a brief telephone conference. This is simply to determine whether owning a franchise may be right for you. We will also refer you to further information on the www or send information by post. If you and we are satisfied that there is potential for progress, a face to face meeting will be arranged so that you can see our operation at first hand. At this meeting you will be provided with detailed information about the franchise fees and information about the earnings potential. You will also be given a copy of our franchise agreement. This will enable you to diligently investigate our franchise programme.

 

What is the initial franchise fee?

The initial franchise fee is shown at the investment page. It may be reduced for additional franchises based on certain circumstances and conditions.

 

How long is the Franchise agreement for?

Your franchise agreement will have an initial term of 5 years.

 

Can I renew the Franchise Agreement?

Given your adherence to the terms of the franchise agreement, you will have the right of renewal for a further term of the then current contract without any renewal fee.

 

Is there a continuing monthly royalty fee?

We charge a monthly Management Services Fee (MSF), which is a fixed amount per month. We do not charge a percentage of sales turnover.

Is there an advertising fee?

Currently we do not charge an advertising fee. Each franchisee is responsible for managing their own advertising budget. Of course, we give guidance on how this should be used to maximise the benefits.

How long does it take to start a Clean Team franchise?

We hesitate to give time frames due to the number of variables that exist. Usually a new franchise can be operational in 2 to 4 months from the time the franchise agreement is signed, but may vary due to the following factors:

• the number of new franchisees who are on the waiting list for training
• arranging finance
• finding a suitable van and preparing it
• training courses available

 

Can I build my business and sell it some day?

Most certainly yes. It is your business to grow and sell. We however, need to approve any prospective purchaser and be involved in their training in the transitional period.

Can I operate more than one franchise?

Yes. We allow those franchisees who are qualified to operate multiple franchises. Based on your application and financial information, you may be eligible to invest in more than one franchise option. However, our preferred route is for you to invest in a single franchise, become familiar with the business, and then purchase your second or third franchise option or territory.

Can I borrow money for the purchase of my Franchise?

This is dependent upon your individual circumstances. All of the major banks have a Franchise Department and are accustomed to dealing with potential franchisees. Lenders will usually require a sound business plan.

What is the size of my territory and is it protected?

Each territory has been designed around population statistics and post code areas, with sufficient numbers of homes and businesses in order to provide a viable customer base, and to allow for expansion of the business into a multi-team, multi-vehicle operation. A detailed territory map is provided. The territory is protected – no other Cleaning Doctor franchisee operating the same franchise option will be allowed to operate in the territory, except for some large national accounts when a very large job may require the assistance of other franchise branches.

Do I have to live in my territory?

We strongly prefer franchisees to live in the territory that they are operating in.

Can I be sure that the business is in my area?

Think about your local area and the investment option you may be considering. Our existing franchisees have proved beyond any doubt that, when they fully implement our comprehensive marketing plan, there is an abundance of business just waiting to be exploited. People no longer have the time to clean their own homes. There is huge potential domestic market in every area.

Is there good repeat business with The Clean Team?

Experience has shown that when excellence in service is delivered, at least 95% of clients bring repeat and referral business. Our franchisees report similar success. We also have referral programmes that you can put into action as the business progresses.

Do I need to fear the competition?

Absolutely not! We believe that The Clean Team provides the best value-for-money services in the market place. You can be totally confident that given your commitment to follow our guidelines you need not fear any competition. With us, quality and service comes as standard at no extra charge. In the real world customers get what they pay for. We offer our customers a 100% guarantee. This is part of The Clean Team Risk-Free Guarantee on every job. Our customers love it, but many of our competitors really can't bear our unique marketing strategies, which simply give customers all the reasons why they should call The Clean Team first.

How can I survive in the early days?

With our pre-launch programme and joint commitment to implementing our marketing programme, business can be generated quickly and fortunately in 98% of jobs you are paid on completion. However, a personalised Business Plan should be prepared to take account of your specific cash requirements and so ensure that you have in place the capital required, not just for the initial package, but also for the establishment of the business. We will guide you in the preparation of your plan.

Will I need to employ staff?

As the business builds, you will need part-time and eventually full-time staff. Generally, this is on-the-job help; two or three people can do a job much quicker than one. Teamwork with The Clean Team makes the task more enjoyable.

Will I need premises?

Typically not. We do suggest however, that a room in the house be dedicated as an office. This is one of the many advantages of The Clean Team. At the start there are none of the large overheads, such as rent, heating, etc., that strangle other new businesses. As the business grows, and more technicians are employed, you may wish to move from the home-office to fully serviced offices and stores.

What happens when I have a breakdown with my equipment?

In the event of a breakdown, The Clean Team Head Office hold all spare parts and accessories and can ship items to you immediately. In the event of a major breakdown, we can provide a replacement unit speedily.

What training do I receive?

Our current training consists of three segments. The first segment is a minimum of two weeks at head office in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. This involves formal classroom training combined with hands-on training with an experienced field technician. Training covers all aspects of operating the business, such as marketing, delivering the service, accounting, recruiting staff, cash management, customer relations, and other critical business matters. Once the initial course has been completed, the franchisee must spend 3 days with an established franchisee in the territory to gain more hand-on experience. We then assist you to launch your new franchise in your territory.

Is there any further future training involved?

As new products and techniques are constantly being developed, there is an on-going need for further training and refresher training. This is available at cost, as required. Head office run refresher courses, usually a one or two day courses, one or twice per year.

What happens if I have an unusually awkward problem?

Help and advice is always available from Head Office or from your personal mentor. In the unusual circumstance of a problem that we cannot solve, we have immediate direct access to the very best in the industry to provide the answer.

Why should I buy a franchise instead of going it alone?

We have over twenty-one years of learning experience and have acquired a highly valuable know-how. There is no short cut to gaining our know-how other than purchasing our franchise. It comes with the delivery of a full package and is followed with on going support services. You are in business on your own, but not alone. To team up with us enables you to achieve more than could possibly be done in working for 5 – 10 years alone. In addition, we are totally committed to making The Clean Team a household brand name in the country. Indeed, as our network grows, doing joint promotions and joint ventures across the country is very effective and costs each franchisee less. The benefits you gain from being associated with the The Clean Team brand are immense.