The Molly Maid Franchise Cost is best understood as a mix of upfront launch requirements (Item 7), ongoing fees (Items 5–6), and market-driven variables like territory size, staffing, and local marketing.

The Molly Maid brand is a long-established residential cleaning franchise built around repeat customers and an executive ownership model (you lead teams rather than clean homes). As part of Neighborly’s home service network, the Molly Maid franchise targets management-minded owners who want a systems-driven business built on recurring customer relationships.

This article is sponsored by Molly Maid and created in partnership with the brand to provide accurate, compliance-safe information about its business model and franchise opportunity. Nothing here is legal, financial, or tax advice. Always review the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with qualified advisors before making an investment decision.

Key Facts at a Glance.

• Founded: 1979 in Mississauga, Canada; entered U.S. market in 1984 (Ann Arbor, Michigan).
• Headquarters: Waco, Texas (Neighborly); Ann Arbor, Michigan (Molly Maid LLC).
• System Size: 448 open U.S. franchises as of December 31, 2024, owned by 204 franchise owners.
• Business Model: Residential cleaning services with optional commercial opportunities; executive ownership model (owner manages teams, does not perform cleaning).
• Owner Snapshot: Often corporate professionals with management experience seeking recurring-revenue businesses.
• Training Highlight: Sure Start program (6–12 weeks) with classroom and hands-on training, plus ongoing Franchise Business Coach support.
• Territory Structure: Exclusive territories sized by Target Households (typically 45,000–70,000 TH).

Who Owns Molly Maid, and How Did the Brand Get Started?

Molly Maid was founded in 1979 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada by Adrienne and Chris Stringer. The brand entered the U.S. market in 1984 when entrepreneur David McKinnon brought the system to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In 2015, Molly Maid was acquired by Neighborly (formerly Dwyer Group), a Waco, Texas-based company that operates a family of 14+ home service franchise brands.

Integration into the Neighborly platform is often described as providing access to shared marketing resources, vendor programs, technology, and a broader brand network.

How Much Does a Molly Maid Franchise Cost? (Item 7)

Item 7 explains estimated startup and early operating needs—not outcomes. The total estimated initial investment for the Molly Maid Franchise Cost range is $139,900 to $197,200, including a $14,900 initial franchise fee plus a territory fee of $45,000 to $70,000 (calculated at $1 per Target Household in your assigned territory).

The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7) provides a detailed breakdown of startup costs and early operating expenses. Prospective franchisees must also demonstrate at least $50,000 in available liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $250,000 to qualify financially.

Startup Costs & Fees (Item 7)

Category	Low Estimate	High Estimate	Notes
Initial Franchise Fee	$14,900	$14,900	One-time fee for franchise rights
Territory Fee	$45,000	$70,000	$1 per Target Household; standard territories 45,000–70,000 TH
Initial Startup Package	$8,000	$9,000	Initial materials and business setup
Software Enrollment and Training Fee	$1,500	$1,500	Proprietary CLEO system enrollment
Auto Lease Deposit and Lease Expense (3 months)	$3,900	$5,500	Branded vehicle lease for business use
Computer Hardware	$2,200	$4,500	Office technology and equipment
Leasehold Improvements	$1,000	$5,000	Office space setup (if applicable)
Real Estate, Utility Deposits, and 3 Months’ Rent	$4,000	$7,000	Office space (small footprint; many start from home)
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment	$2,500	$3,500	Office furniture and fixtures
Permits and Licenses	$100	$1,000	Local business permits and registrations
Insurance Deposit and 3 Months’ Insurance Expense	$2,800	$5,300	Business liability and related insurance
Training Expenses for Travel, Food, and Lodging	$4,000	$5,000	Travel to training in Waco/Irving, TX and regional training center
Professional Fees	$0	$5,000	Legal, accounting, and advisory services
Additional Funds for 3 Months (Working Capital)	$50,000	$60,000	Operating capital for initial months
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$139,900	$197,200	—

Disclaimer: Data based on the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Fees, costs, and figures are estimates and may vary by location and other factors.

Ongoing Fees & Support (Items 5–6).

Ongoing fees shape unit economics and marketing responsibilities, so the most useful approach is confirming what’s required, what’s optional, and how fees are collected in practice.

Category	Rate/Amount	Notes
License Fee (Royalty)	3% – 6.5% of Gross Sales	Percentage varies; minimum license fees apply; excludes certain “roll-in” sales; due by automatic debit weekly
Marketing, Advertising, and Promotion (MAP) Contribution	2% of Gross Sales	National marketing fund; due by automatic debit weekly
Local Marketing Requirement	$1 per TH per year	Declines to $0.15 per TH as Gross Sales increase (if criteria met)
Local Marketing Groups (if applicable)	Up to 3% of Gross Sales	Optional participation in regional marketing cooperatives
Software/Technology Fees	Included in License Fee	CLEO system and related technology support

Disclaimer: Data based on the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Fees, costs, and figures are estimates and may vary by location and other factors.

Important context: These figures reflect startup and early operating needs only. They do not indicate financial performance or outcomes. The franchisor may provide financial performance information in Item 19 of the FDD; consult the document with a qualified advisor.

What Tends to Move the Total Up or Down?

Several factors influence where your initial investment lands within the $139,900 to $197,200 range:

• Territory size and demographics: Larger territories with higher Target Household counts mean higher territory fees. Urban territories with denser populations may change customer density, but costs still vary by market.
• Real estate decisions: Many franchisees start with home-based offices or minimal office space, keeping costs toward the low end. Leasing office space increases costs.
• Vehicle acquisition: Item 7 estimates a lease deposit and three months of lease expense. Existing vehicles or favorable lease terms can change this line item.
• Existing equipment and systems: Business-grade computers, office furniture, and equipment you already own may reduce certain startup needs.
• Professional service needs: Legal and accounting costs vary widely; some franchisees invest more in advisory support than others.

Molly Maid uses a Target Household (TH) metric to size territories. Standard territories typically contain 45,000 to 70,000 TH, translating to territory fees of $45,000 to $70,000. Some markets may qualify for mid-size designations (30,000 to 45,000 TH, or $30,000 to $45,000) depending on demographics and franchisor evaluation.

For territory availability and market specifics, consult with Molly Maid’s franchise development team.

What Is the Molly Maid Business Model—and What Does Day-to-Day Look Like?

The Molly Maid business model centers on recurring residential cleaning services delivered by trained teams, with the franchise owner functioning as the business executive who manages staff, customer relationships, marketing, and operations—not as a cleaner.

The brand positions itself around professional residential cleaning, flexible scheduling options (one-time deep cleans, move-in/move-out services, and recurring maintenance), and a service guarantee backed by Neighborly’s “Done Right Promise®.” Owners may also explore commercial opportunities—such as small offices—depending on local demand and strategy, though residential cleaning remains the primary focus for most locations.

What does a typical day look like for an owner?

Molly Maid promotes an executive ownership model, meaning the franchisee is responsible for leadership, team management, and business growth rather than performing cleaning tasks. A typical day may include:

• Scheduling and dispatch: Reviewing jobs, assigning teams, managing customer changes using the CLEO system
• Team leadership and quality control: Team huddles, coaching, feedback, occasional ride-alongs for standards and service recovery
• Customer communication: Responding to inquiries, providing estimates, handling service questions, maintaining retention with recurring customers
• Marketing and business development: Monitoring lead generation, local advertising, community visibility, Neighborly referral opportunities
• Administrative tasks: Payroll, vendor coordination, financial tracking, compliance
• Hiring and training: Recruiting Home Service Professionals (HSPs), onboarding, maintaining team culture

Many franchises operate Monday through Friday, aligning with a family-friendly rhythm and typically avoiding emergency work requirements. As operations scale, owners may add administrative or supervisory staff to support multiple teams.

What Training, Support, and Technology Does Molly Maid Provide?

Support can sound similar across brands, so focus on specifics: duration, required attendance, tools included, and what help looks like after launch. Molly Maid describes a structured onboarding program called “Sure Start” (spanning 6 to 12 weeks and described as 15 to 17 weeks in some updated materials), ongoing training through webinars and regional events, Franchise Business Coach support, proprietary CLEO business management software, and access to Neighborly vendor programs and marketing resources.

Sure Start is commonly described in phases:

• Pre-training preparation: planning, online modules, territory review, insurance/permits, vehicles, vendor coordination
• Classroom and hands-on training: three days of classroom training (Waco or Irving, TX; sometimes virtual), then five days at a designated training center observing live operations in an established location

After launch, ongoing support includes coaching, first-year consulting support, continuing education through webinars and meetings, and access to the CLEO Knowledge Base.

Support & Systems Overview.

Support Area	What’s Provided	Notes
Training Program	Sure Start (6–17 weeks): prep, 3-day classroom, 5-day hands-on	Travel/lodging/meals are franchisee’s responsibility (budgeted $4,000–$5,000)
Ongoing Training	Webinars, calls, annual Reunion, regional meetings, Knowledge Base	Refresher/advanced training may be required
Business Coaching	Franchise Business Coach + first-year Sure Start Consultant	Ongoing guidance for strategy and troubleshooting
Technology Systems	CLEO software; recruiting platform	Software enrollment fee: $1,500
Marketing	2% MAP fund; local tools; digital programs; Neighborly resources	Local marketing requirement applies
Vendor Programs	Neighborly vendor network for discounts/rebates	May simplify procurement
Operational Manuals	Standards, HR, compliance, customer service	Updated regularly
Franchise Community	Peer network and regional groups	Collaboration opportunities

Note: Support details are based on the 2025 FDD and franchise marketing materials. Offerings may evolve; confirm current programs with the franchisor.

What Should You Confirm During Due Diligence?

The best diligence conversations focus on operational reality: how staffing works, how marketing is executed locally, how support shows up when challenges happen, and what owners wish they knew earlier. Use these prompts when speaking with current and former franchisees (the FDD includes a list of franchisees you can contact):

• How effective is the CLEO software day-to-day—any workarounds required?
• How responsive is your Franchise Business Coach, especially during challenges?
• How has the MAP fund and local marketing requirement worked in your market?
• How long did it take to build recurring customers, and what mix is typical (recurring vs one-time)?
• Biggest operational challenges: hiring/retention, pricing, local competition, or something else?
• If you renewed or expanded, what did that process require (fees, steps, upgrades)?

Also confirm current fee structures, any recent changes, and how consistently system standards are enforced.

How Do Territories, Real Estate, and Equipment Requirements Typically Work?

These operational mechanics influence overhead and complexity. Molly Maid franchises typically operate with exclusive territories sized by Target Households (often 45,000 to 70,000 TH), require minimal office space (many owners start from home), and use branded leased vehicles—supporting a service-based business model without large retail footprints.

Real estate profile.

Molly Maid is not a storefront business. Many owners operate from a small office or home-based setup for administrative work, team meetings, and supply storage. The FDD estimates $4,000 to $7,000 for real estate expenses, deposits, and three months’ rent, consistent with modest space needs.

Territory protection.

Territories are typically defined by ZIP codes and sized using the Target Household calculation (a demographic formula that considers factors like income, density, and market characteristics). Standard territories often include 45,000 to 70,000 TH with fees of $45,000 to $70,000 at $1 per TH. Mid-size markets may range from 30,000 to 45,000 TH with fees of $30,000 to $45,000.

Territory protection applies during the 10-year term as long as the franchisee remains in good standing. If an owner wants to expand into adjacent ZIP codes, additional areas may be offered at the prevailing rate.

Equipment and vehicles.

Owners typically lease branded vehicles for cleaning teams. Item 7 includes $3,900 to $5,500 for a lease deposit and three months of lease expenses. Historically, Molly Maid has used compact, fuel-efficient vehicles suited for branding and transporting cleaning supplies.

Other equipment requirements are modest:

• Computer hardware: $2,200 to $4,500
• Furniture/fixtures/equipment: $2,500 to $3,500
• Cleaning supplies: initial startup package $8,000 to $9,000, plus ongoing purchases through approved vendors

Who Is the Ideal Molly Maid Franchise Owner, and What Time Commitment Is Typical?

Cleaning franchises can look simple from the outside, but they’re people-intensive. The ideal Molly Maid franchise owner is typically a seasoned professional with corporate or management experience who wants a leadership-focused business built on systems and scalable operations—not hands-on cleaning.

Molly Maid is generally not positioned as passive or absentee early on. Owner involvement is expected in day-to-day operations, especially during startup and growth phases, including hiring, training, scheduling oversight, marketing execution, and financial controls. The operating rhythm is commonly positioned around weekday hours without emergency on-call work, which can appeal to owners who want more predictable weekends.

How Does Molly Maid Compare to Similar Franchise Options?

Comparisons are most useful when you compare models, not hype. Molly Maid competes in the residential cleaning franchise segment alongside brands such as Merry Maids, The Cleaning Authority, Two Maids & A Mop, and others. Commonly cited differentiators include brand tenure, national footprint, Neighborly network integration, the CLEO software platform, executive ownership positioning, and an emphasis on recurring service relationships.

When comparing options, consider:

• Brand recognition and scale
• Platform/network benefits (vendor programs, marketing resources, cross-referrals)
• Owner role expectations (executive ownership vs owner-operator service delivery)
• Technology for scheduling/estimates/customer management/reporting
• Local marketing requirements and lead generation in your market
• Total investment and ongoing fee structure

FAQ About the Molly Maid Franchise

How much does a Molly Maid franchise cost?

The total estimated initial investment is $139,900 to $197,200, including the $14,900 franchise fee, a $45,000 to $70,000 territory fee, and startup costs for equipment, training, working capital, and early operating expenses. Financial qualifications include $50,000 liquid capital and $250,000 net worth.

What are the ongoing fees for a Molly Maid franchise?

Ongoing fees include a license fee (royalty) of 3% to 6.5% of Gross Sales, a 2% MAP contribution, and a local marketing requirement that begins at $1 per TH per year (declining to $0.15 per TH as gross sales grow if criteria are met). Optional local marketing group participation may add up to 3%.

Does Molly Maid provide financial performance data (Item 19)?

Item 19 exists in the FDD and is based on historical reporting periods with defined inclusions/exclusions. Item 19 is not predictive; results vary by market, operator execution, pricing, staffing, and customer mix. Review Item 19 with a qualified advisor and validate assumptions with franchisees.

How long is the Molly Maid franchise agreement, and is it renewable?

The franchise agreement has a 10-year term and is renewable, subject to meeting renewal criteria and paying a renewal fee. Confirm renewal requirements and any system upgrade obligations during evaluation.

What kind of training and support does Molly Maid provide?

Sure Start training is described as 6 to 17 weeks depending on materials and includes pre-training preparation, classroom training, hands-on experience at a training center, and ongoing support through coaching, webinars, meetings, and the CLEO Knowledge Base.

Can I run a Molly Maid franchise part-time or as an absentee owner?

Molly Maid is generally not structured as a part-time or absentee franchise, especially early. Owners are expected to be actively involved in operations, particularly during startup and growth.

Compare Options, Build Skills, and Validate Fit.

The Molly Maid Franchise Cost becomes clearer when you treat Item 7 as assumptions, confirm The Molly Maid franchise cost is easiest to evaluate when you treat it as a set of assumptions and obligations, not a prediction of outcomes. Item 7 outlines what it typically takes to open and operate during the early months, while Items 5, 6, and 11 explain the ongoing financial and operational commitments that shape the owner experience.

A strong evaluation focuses on alignment:

• Whether the investment range fits your capital plan and risk tolerance
• Whether the ongoing fees and local marketing requirements match your comfort with reinvesting into growth
• Whether the executive ownership model fits your leadership style and willingness to manage people-intensive operations
• Whether your local market can support the territory size, staffing needs, and pricing structure disclosed in the FDD

Instead of asking, “Is this a good franchise?”, a more useful question is:
“Does this franchise’s cost structure, operating model, and owner role fit how I want to run a business?”

When those pieces align—and when assumptions are validated through franchisee conversations and professional review—the Molly Maid franchise cost becomes clearer and easier to assess within a broader portfolio of franchise options.

This article is educational and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always rely on the current Franchise Disclosure Document and qualified advisors before making a decision.