How Much Does a Chem-Dry Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$78K – $248K
Franchise Fee
$24K
Royalty
$491.40 per month
Ad Fund
$160 per month
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Chem-Dry is $24K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Chem-Dry franchise requires a total investment of $78K – $248K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $3K to $9K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Chem-Dry franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty structure is: $491.40 per month. The ad fund contribution is: $160 per month. There is also a technology fee of $349.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Chem-Dry requires working capital of $3K – $9K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Chem-Dry's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $215K
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Chem-Dry?
SBA Loans Issued
98
Default Rate
29.7%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Chem-Dry has 98 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 29.7%, which is near the franchise industry average. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current Chem-Dry franchise owners
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See full Chem-Dry research
Risk analysis, unit growth, contract terms, and more
Compare Chem-Dry to similar franchises
Side-by-side investment, revenue, and risk comparison