Chem-Dry vs Smash My Trash
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Chem-Dry and Smash My Trash are cleaning & maintenance franchises. Chem-Dry requires an investment of $92K – $250K while Smash My Trash requires $372K – $492K. In terms of revenue, Smash My Trash reports higher average unit revenue at $876K. Note: Averaged per franchisee, not per outlet - not comparable with per-outlet figures. On SBA loan performance, Smash My Trash has a lower charge-off rate (0.0%) compared to Chem-Dry (29.7%). FranchiseVerdict rates Chem-Dry D (Below average) and Smash My Trash A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Chem-Dry | Smash My Trash |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | DBelow averageBelow average | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $92K – $250K | $372K – $492K |
| Franchise Fee | $36K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | Tiered 4%-7% of Gross Sales: 7% on first $500K, 6% on $500K-$1M, 5% on $1M-$1.5M, 4% above $1.5M (Standard Territory); similar tiers at half the thresholds for Small Territory | 8.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $319KPer franchisee, not per outlet | $876KPer franchisee, not per outlet |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 29.7% (98 loans) | 0.0% (101 loans) |
| Total Units | 963 | 520 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1978 | 2018 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$92K – $250K
$372K – $492K
Franchise Fee
$36K
$50K
Royalty Rate
Tiered 4%-7% of Gross Sales: 7% on first $500K, 6% on $500K-$1M, 5% on $1M-$1.5M, 4% above $1.5M (Standard Territory); similar tiers at half the thresholds for Small Territory
8.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$319KPer franchisee, not per outlet
$876KPer franchisee, not per outlet
SBA Charge-Off Rate
29.7% (98 loans)
0.0% (101 loans)
Total Units
963
520
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1978
2018
FDD Year
2026
2025