We hear the word often, but eco-friendly is not just a passing trend. Since the start of the ‘green’ movement, we have seen many companies and individuals successfully reduce their carbon footprint. As this consumer base continues to grow, companies that employ a green cleaning process and effective products, like EcoMaids, are able to flourish.
EcoMaids is an eco-friendly cleaning franchise. They offer a variety of cleaning services, from janitorial to housekeeping, that employs a high-quality cleaning process. The process is not only earth-friendly but also safe for people and animals.
Tell us about EcoMaids.
EcoMaids provides high-quality cleaning services using products, equipment and methods that are safe for people, pets and the planet. We offer residential maid and housekeeping services, commercial and institutional janitorial services, and wash & fold laundry services, all of which are 100% green. We recently began selling franchises of our residential cleaning concept nationwide.
What inspired you to start your business?
It wasn’t until my daughter’s birth that my eyes really opened and I learned what it meant to go green. I started to think more about how my generation’s stewardship of the earth was going to affect my kid. You don’t see the impact in one lifetime; it’s intergenerational. It’s hard to realize that and to be aware of how your lifestyle relates to the overall environment.
So I started to use green cleaning products in the home but again, the switch was motivated more by being healthier for us and for our child. This coincided with my motivation to start a new business and the whole idea of green cleaning seemed like a great niche because it hadn’t really been done on a national scale. I saw it as a major opportunity to build something great.
What separates EcoMaids from the competition?
First, we are truly green, not just in the products we use but also the supplies, equipment, methods of how we clean, and how we operate the back-end of the business. We just do a better job and by and large, we’re very consistent. We deliver in areas that matter to people. We have great customer service, we show up on time, and our cleaning process is a lot more thorough. Customers get more value from our service because we strive to completely clean a home every time.
With regards to the people we employ to clean homes, we look more for people who are conscientious, eager to work hard, and have a positive attitude. They are the people who want a long-term career opportunity.
Our franchise opportunity allows entrepreneurs to get in on the ground floor and take advantage of extremely competitive terms. Our franchise investment and royalties are the lowest in the industry, and early participants are able to claim expanded territories in major markets at incredible savings.
What are some of the eco-friendly cleaning products that are used?
All of the products used by EcoMaids staff are non-toxic, all-natural and biodegradable. The products are Green Seal certified, which means they meet the highest standards in all aspects of environmental sustainability.
An EcoMaids cleaning entails the use of multiple cleansers designed for specific purposes such as multi-surface cleaning, kitchen and bathroom disinfectant, tub and tile cleaning, and glass and windows. Since water is the first ingredient in all of our products, they are all purchased and even resold in concentrate form as well as in bottles that are ready to use. This minimizes the amount of plastics that are thrown away or recycled.
EcoMaids also employs microfiber as its exclusive tool for cleaning, dusting and polishing, with a color-coded system to prevent cross-contamination. Microfiber is specially designed to attract and capture the smallest particulates and can be washed and reused more than 500 times before losing effectiveness. EcoMaids clients receive the most hygienic cleaning possible while reducing waste and their overall consumption of paper products.
When did your company start franchising?
May 2009
What are your franchisee requirements?
Aside from the financial commitment, we’re simply looking for motivated people with an entrepreneurial spirit who have the courage and fortitude to work hard to build a successful business and enjoy the rewards that accompany such an endeavor.
The total minimum investment to open an entry-level EcoMaids franchise is $32,600. Of that amount, only $9,500 goes towards the franchise fee. The rest is required to start and operate the business until profitable. EcoMaids also offers financing for the franchise fee and unlike many competitors, does not require a separate car for the sole purpose of business, which reduces overhead. EcoMaids royalties are the lowest in the industry, starting at 5.25% and decreasing to 3.25% as sales grow. These percentages are significantly lower than our competitors.
Do you have any advice you would like to share with anyone who might be interested in your franchise opportunity?
Be prepared for two things: to work hard and to grow very quickly. While it’s exciting to start your own business, it’s also challenging. Once you open the floodgates, it’s a wild ride. There will be success at the end of the line but it takes a hard work and a strong commitment to your business.
Do you have any goals that you’d like to reach over the next year or two?
My goals are very specific. I’d like EcoMaids to become a household name and the leading brand in green cleaning.
With regards to the franchises, we started selling them at the beginning of May 2009. The plan is to sell 30 units in the first twelve months and expand to 300 over the next five years. That would be three hundred entrepreneurs who can be successful working for themselves, employing people locally, all while helping to clean the environment.
What are some of the most important lessons your business has taught you since it launched just over one year ago?
Opening EcoMaids has taught me that I can achieve any goal I can set for myself. No matter how insurmountable it may seem, I can make it happen. Even if it means going outside of my comfort zone, I can make it a success. That said, good people working with you are also essential. It’s so important to elicit support from people and continually motivate them to share your vision.