Chem-Dry Franchise Complaints: 3 Things You Need to Know

Chem-Dry has been one of Entrepreneur magazine’s top-rated franchises for 26 straight years. Here’s what you should know.

Chris Novy, Ken Novy and Robert Purviance of Orange County, California, participate in Cleaning for the Cause — an annual fundraising event in which Chem-Dry owners raise money for breast cancer research.

Chem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet cleaning company with over 3,500 locations in more than 40 countries. Our vast global network of franchisees cleans an estimated 10,000 homes a day, providing thousands of happy customers with drier, cleaner, and healthier carpet cleaning. But just as every successful person or business in history, we are not without our critics. In fact, a quick internet search can turn up some less-than-kind comments about the Chem-Dry franchise system. While we don’t let the criticism deter us from continuing to build a network of strong franchises, we think it’s important to keep a few things in mind when reading through these reviews. Here are the three things you need to know about Chem-Dry Franchise Complaints:

1. Outdated information.

Most of the information found in these negative reviews is based on data prior to 2011 and is no longer applicable to Chem-Dry in 2014. In 2011, we came under new ownership, marking the beginning of new era for Chem-Dry. From powerful cleaning products to groundbreaking technological advances in equipment, our research and development team has worked to produce the best tools on the market. Additionally, our newly designed training program provides top-notch educational opportunities for franchisees well beyond their first year of business. We also have a knowledgeable team of Business Coaches who work diligently with franchisees to develop individualized marketing plans designed to drive revenue and build a loyal customer base. From our streamlined Point-of-Sale process to an easily accessible application available to assist franchisees in the field at all times, Chem-Dry is on the forefront of innovation in the world of carpet cleaning.

Ed and Veronica Ramia own Chem-Dry Carpet Tech. “You don’t have to be a wealthy guy to start a Chem-Dry,” Ed says. “If you can put together enough money to buy a van, your first franchise license and a cellphone, you can work your way up, which is basically what we did. I started out with one territory, working out of a spare bedroom. Now we have a 5,000-square-foot office building, run 12-15 vans and have between 30 and 35 people working for us.

2. Proven success.

Our advances and dedication to supporting our franchises have proved successful. Unlike the statistics presented by some critics, our franchisees have experienced record growth over the last several years. In 2013 alone, the average annual revenue for a franchise grew to $263,779, up from $250,297 in 2012.

And 2014 is shaping up to be another banner year for Chem-Dry franchisees, who are benefiting from value-added services that allow franchisees to generate more revenue while making customers even happier.

Chem-Dry is more than just carpet cleaning. Our franchisees benefit from a variety of different revenue streams including upholstery service, rug cleaning, and tile and grout cleaning. Additionally, franchisees are able to offer their customers a unique pet urine removal treatment that can successfully rid carpets of urine crystals deposited within the last five years.

3. Check your sources.

Over the past decade, the internet has become our primary source of information. Whether we’re seeking the latest world news, or researching potential business opportunities, the first place we go for information is online. But that doesn’t mean everything you read online is trustworthy. As everyone from celebrities to CEOs have come to understand, the internet can be as much a foe as it is a friend. Don’t believe everything you read online, as you can never truly know just how trustworthy the source is. It’s best to put the information you find to test.

Talk with us directly and get your questions answered by those who know the business best. Additionally, read the interviews with our franchisees provided on our site. As you will quickly learn, our franchisees are happy about their decision to join the Chem-Dry team and believe this is a company with integrity and potential.

Have questions? Let’s talk

Chem-Dry has built a stellar reputation within the franchise industry, within the carpet cleaning industry, and among customers who know and trust the Chem-Dry brand. If you’re thinking about starting a business, it’s natural to be curious, cautious and to do your research. We’re happy to help. Give us a call at 1-877-392-0272 or fill out the “free franchise report” form at right to start a conversation. We’ll answer your questions and can even put you in touch with Chem-Dry franchisees so you can ask them questions, too. We hope to hear from you soon!