Cleaning Franchises in Canada: Your Commonly Asked Questions Answered

The cleaning business is booming in Canada. IBISWorld reports that this industry has grown in Canada by 1.4 percent over the last five years, and it is currently worth more than $6 billion. If you're wondering about franchises in the cleaning sector, you've probably got some common questions you need answers to so you can make an informed decision.

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Is experience usually required?

While there are well-known ins and outs to the cleaning business in terms of products, techniques and safety concerns and regulations, many cleaning franchises do not require you to have prior cleaning experience. Many brands will train you, provide you with products and offer ongoing support. You can also choose to invest in a cleaning franchise and have staff with the skills needed do the daily work for you, but this will depend on your finances and goals.

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Do I have to have a physical location?

Any location requirements will depend on the brand, but cleaning usually isn't like a typical nine-to-five job. Your work is done on-site and on call so an actual storefront might not be necessary, and you may be able to run your service from your home or a branded mobile unit. A physical location is expensive, and typically, franchises that are mobile or based from your home are less costly in terms of the initial investment and operating overhead than a franchise that requires a brick-and-mortar office. Confirm your franchise's requirements for a location, if any, before you sign an agreement.

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Are all cleaning services the same?

Cleaning services may offer similar things to clients on the surface--such as carpet cleaning--but they often operate in different niches. Some services focus on residential homes, while others work in the commercial sector. There are franchises that focus on cleaning specific things or handling particular situations. A floor cleaner, for example, focuses on services such as hardwood cleaning and restoring and deep carpet cleaning. A disaster cleaner comes in when a home or business is affected by events such as a fire, flood or tornado.

As with any other franchise opportunity, the key to finding the right cleaning franchise for you will be research. Look at the needs in your area and what brands would be able to fill those needs. Don't forget to consider the franchise's model, too, as this will impact your experience and your chances at success.

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