Rolling Suds Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD
Looking to invest in the power washing industry? Rolling Suds offers a scalable franchise model with 30+ years of experience, proven techniques, and comprehensive support. Explore the investment breakdown, franchisee insights, and revenue potential in this detailed analysis!
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Rolling Suds is a growing franchise in the commercial cleaning industry, founded by entrepreneur Brian Wendling Sr. in 1990. Starting with just one truck and a power washing machine, Brian built the business from his parents’ home, relying on a strong work ethic and a commitment to customer satisfaction. With over 30 years of experience in the power washing industry, Rolling Suds has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality residential and commercial cleaning services. In 2021, Brian took the business to the next level by franchising it, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to tap into his successful business model.
At the core of Rolling Suds is its power washing service, utilizing top-of-the-line equipment and advanced techniques to deliver both residential and commercial cleaning solutions. Their “Professional Wash Method” is designed to handle everything from home exteriors and patios to large commercial properties. The franchise primarily targets homeowners, property managers, and businesses looking to maintain pristine exteriors. Whether it’s removing dirt, mildew, or graffiti, Rolling Suds provides an effective and environmentally friendly cleaning solution.
As of today, Rolling Suds is expanding rapidly across the U.S. With each new franchise location, they continue to build a strong presence in the power washing industry. Though still growing, their established reputation and scalable business model have attracted a range of entrepreneurs eager to join. The company has gained a steady customer base that spans residential properties to large-scale commercial contracts.
Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training and support, learning the ins and outs of the “Professional Wash Method” as well as how to manage their own Rolling Suds location. The franchise offers ongoing assistance in areas such as marketing, operations, and equipment use, ensuring that new owners are well-prepared for success.
Rolling Suds Franchise Insights
- Rolling Suds has over 30 years of industry experience, giving franchisees access to a proven business model and a wealth of knowledge in power washing.
- The “Professional Wash Method” is a proprietary technique that delivers consistent, high-quality results, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Rolling Suds franchises require relatively low initial investment compared to other service-based businesses, with the benefit of high demand for exterior cleaning services.
Rolling Suds Franchise Key indicators
Growth YOY (%)
0%
vs industry 4%
Total U.S. Franchised Units
7
How much does it cost to open a Rolling Suds franchise?
Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Rolling Suds franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.
Min & Max Investment
Opening a Rolling Suds franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). You can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Rolling Suds below from the most recent Item 7 below:
| Type of Expenditure | Minimum Investment | Maximum Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $54,900 | $54,900 |
| Your Training Expenses | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Down Payment on Service Vehicle | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Down Payment on Sales Vehicle | $0 | $10,000 |
| New Business Set | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Premises Lease Deposit and First Month’s Rent & Utilities | $4,000 | $8,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements, Construction, and/or Remodeling | $0 | $1,000 |
| Business Licenses and Permits | $150 | $500 |
| Technology Systems | $100 | $1,200 |
| Shop Kit Inventory Package | $12,500 | $16,000 |
| Cleaning Solutions | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Service Vehicle Financing Monthly Payment | $4,500 | $7,500 |
| Sales Vehicle | $0 | $1,500 |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Local Advertising (3 months) | $7,500 | $8,500 |
| Insurance | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| Operating Expenses / Additional Funds (3 months) | $30,000 | $55,000 |
| Total Investment | $182,650 | $291,100 |
Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.
Required Capital
When looking to open a Rolling Suds franchise or a similar business in the power washing industry, it’s essential to understand the financial requirements involved. Here’s an estimate based on industry standards and their total investment range:
- Total Initial Investment The estimated total investment for Rolling Suds ranges from $183,000 to $291,000, which typically includes equipment, vehicle costs, initial inventory, and marketing expenses. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
- Liquid Assets Requirement For a service-based franchise like Rolling Suds, you can expect to need approximately $75,000 to $100,000 in liquid assets. This ensures you have sufficient cash on hand to cover startup costs and working capital.
- Net Worth Requirement Most franchises in this industry recommend a minimum net worth of $250,000 to $350,000. This demonstrates financial stability and helps secure financing if needed.
How much does a Rolling Suds franchise owner make?
Calculating the salary of a Rolling Suds franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Rolling Suds franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.
Rolling Suds Revenue & Gross Sales
The median gross sales for Rolling Suds are not publicly available at the moment. However, as a franchise in the power washing industry, performance can vary significantly depending on factors like location, local demand, and the effort put into marketing and customer service. Generally, franchises in the exterior cleaning sector have the potential for strong returns due to low overhead costs and high demand for both residential and commercial services. The ability to serve a wide range of customers—from homeowners to large businesses—gives franchises like Rolling Suds the opportunity to scale and grow their revenue as they establish their presence in a market.
Most importantly, a franchisee’s success often depends on building a solid client base and maintaining repeat customers, particularly for seasonal and recurring contracts.
Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Rolling Suds franchisees?
The performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for Rolling Suds is likely influenced by several key factors. First, demand for exterior cleaning services is consistent across both residential and commercial markets, creating opportunities for steady income. The franchise’s “Professional Wash Method” ensures high-quality results, which drives customer satisfaction and repeat business, further boosting sales. Additionally, effective local marketing strategies and the ability to secure contracts with property managers, homeowners, and businesses play a significant role in maintaining strong sales. Location also matters, as areas with high population density or a large number of commercial properties offer a larger potential customer base. Finally, franchisees who invest in building relationships within their communities often see higher sales through word-of-mouth referrals and local partnerships.
Rolling Suds Franchise Operational Costs
When opening a Rolling Suds franchise, it’s important to be aware of the key operational costs that will impact your day-to-day business. These costs are essential to keep the business running smoothly and maintain a high level of service. Here are some of the primary ongoing operational costs you should consider:
- Employee Wages Hiring skilled workers to operate the power washing equipment and manage customer service will be a regular expense, along with any training or certification they might need.
- Equipment Maintenance Power washing machines and vehicles require routine upkeep to stay in top condition, ensuring that services are consistently delivered to a high standard.
- Fuel and Vehicle Expenses Since this is a mobile business, fuel and vehicle maintenance for service trucks will be ongoing costs to account for.
- Cleaning Supplies and Chemicals Stocking environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and detergents will be essential for each job, and restocking these supplies will be a recurring expense.
- Insurance Liability and business insurance to protect your operations, equipment, and staff will be a significant ongoing cost, ensuring peace of mind as you run the franchise.
By keeping these operational costs in mind, you’ll be better prepared to manage your finances and ensure the long-term success of your franchise.
Rolling Suds Franchise Fees
When considering the financial commitments of owning a Rolling Suds franchise, it’s essential to factor in the recurring fees that contribute to the overall operational costs. These fees help maintain brand consistency, provide access to resources, and ensure you have the support needed to grow your business. Below is an outline of the key fees involved:
- Royalty Fee Franchisees are required to pay 8% of their monthly gross revenue as a royalty fee. However, if a franchisee doesn’t meet the minimum gross revenue threshold, a minimum royalty fee may still be collected, ensuring that the franchisor receives consistent revenue from all locations.
- Local Marketing and Advertising Rolling Suds emphasizes the importance of local marketing with a requirement of either 4% of gross revenue or $2,500 per truck per month—whichever is higher. This fee ensures franchisees are investing in promoting their services, keeping the brand visible and competitive in the local market.
- Brand Fund Contribution Franchisees must contribute 2% of their monthly gross revenue to the brand fund. Like the royalty fee, if the minimum gross revenue isn’t reached, a minimum brand fund contribution may be collected, supporting national marketing and brand-building efforts.
- Additional Fees Franchisees may also encounter fees for specialized training programs, technology systems, and other resources provided by Rolling Suds.
Understanding and planning for these fees is critical to ensuring your business remains profitable and continues benefiting from the resources Rolling Suds offers to its franchisees.
Rolling Suds Franchise Earnings
While specific earnings data for Rolling Suds franchises is not publicly available, we can provide an informed overview based on industry standards and franchise characteristics. Generally, franchises in the power washing industry benefit from a high demand for both residential and commercial cleaning services, which can translate to strong revenue potential. Success in this sector often depends on factors such as effective local marketing, customer retention, and operational efficiency. Businesses that build a solid client base and secure recurring contracts are typically well-positioned for steady income growth.
In addition to the demand for exterior cleaning services, the financial performance of power washing franchises is influenced by the initial investment and ongoing operational costs. Effective management of expenses, such as employee wages, equipment maintenance, and marketing spend, plays a crucial role in achieving profitability. Franchisees who leverage their training, adhere to brand standards, and adapt to local market needs are more likely to maximize their earnings and ensure long-term success.
How to Open a Rolling Suds Franchise
Becoming a franchisee involves a series of well-defined steps that guide you from initial interest to starting operations. This process ensures you thoroughly understand the franchise opportunity and are prepared to run a successful business. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved:
- Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
- Franchise Application Submit a formal franchise application to the franchisor. This application typically includes personal and financial information, helping the franchisor assess your suitability as a potential franchisee.
- Discovery Day Attend a Discovery Day, where you meet with the franchisor’s team, tour existing franchise locations, and gain deeper insights into the franchise operations and culture. This is a critical step to understand the day-to-day workings and expectations.
- Financing and Business Plan Secure financing for your franchise investment and develop a comprehensive business plan. This plan should outline your strategy for marketing, operations, and growth, and demonstrate your preparedness for managing the franchise.
- Franchise Agreement Signing Once financing is secured and you’re comfortable with the FDD, sign the franchise agreement. This legal document outlines your rights and responsibilities as a franchisee and the franchisor’s obligations.
- Training and Preparation Participate in the franchisor’s training programs, which cover operational procedures, marketing strategies, and management practices. This training is crucial for a smooth transition into running your franchise.
- Location Setup and Grand Opening Set up your franchise location according to the franchisor’s guidelines. This includes securing and outfitting your premises, hiring staff, and implementing marketing plans. Coordinate with the franchisor for a successful grand opening.
- Start of Operations Launch your franchise and begin operations. Utilize the support and resources provided by the franchisor to ensure you’re adhering to brand standards and delivering quality services to your customers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Established Business Model: Rolling Suds has a proven business model with over 30 years of industry experience, providing a strong foundation for franchisees.
Growing Industry: The power washing industry has a consistent demand for both residential and commercial services, offering ample revenue opportunities.
Scalable Operations: The mobile nature of the business allows for flexibility and scalability, as you can potentially expand to multiple service areas.
Strong Brand: Rolling Suds has built a solid reputation for quality service and customer satisfaction, which can help attract and retain clients.
Cons
Seasonal Demand: Depending on your location, demand for power washing services might be seasonal, affecting revenue consistency throughout the year.
Operational Costs: Regular expenses such as equipment maintenance, fuel, and employee wages can add up, impacting your profit margins.
Market Competition: The power washing industry can be competitive, requiring effective marketing and high-quality service to stand out and succeed.
