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Description

What is the Initial Investment for a Roto-Rooter Franchise?

To become a Roto-Rooter franchisee, you will need to prepare for a range of initial investment costs. The total investment can vary significantly, with a low end of approximately $103,980 and a high end reaching up to $273,700. This range includes the initial franchise fee, which can be between $25,000 and $75,000. Additionally, you should account for ongoing costs such as a royalty fee of $9,720 and a marketing fee set at 15% of revenue. It’s essential to ensure you have enough cash on hand to meet these financial requirements, with a minimum cash requirement of $103,980.

What Are the Revenue Potential and Financial Performance Indicators?

Roto-Rooter franchises have demonstrated strong financial performance, with an average annual revenue per unit of approximately $949,352. This figure reflects the brand's robust market presence and demand for its plumbing and drain cleaning services. The median annual revenue aligns closely with this average, indicating stability across franchise units. Notably, the breakeven time is estimated at 12 months, offering a relatively quick path to profitability. Franchisees can expect an investment payback period of around 30 months, making it a potentially lucrative venture for those committed to operational excellence.

What Are the Operational Costs Involved in Running a Roto-Rooter Franchise?

Running a Roto-Rooter franchise involves various operational costs that franchisees must manage effectively. Key expenses include salaries and wages, which average around $215,036 annually, and administrative costs estimated at $47,283. Additionally, advertising expenses can range from $18,980 to $84,700, depending on the marketing strategies employed. Office rent and utilities contribute further to the operating expenses, which total between $536,607 and $602,027 annually. Understanding these costs is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning.

What Support and Resources Does Roto-Rooter Offer Franchisees?

Roto-Rooter provides extensive support and resources to its franchisees, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in the competitive plumbing industry. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training programs that cover operational procedures, marketing strategies, and customer service excellence. Additionally, ongoing support from the corporate team helps franchisees navigate challenges and optimize their business operations. With a network of over 340 franchised units and a history of successful operations, new franchisees can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience, enhancing their chances of building a profitable business.

Roto-Rooter Franchise Financial Requirements

Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.

A broad sector defining similar types of franchise businesses.

Industry

Home Services Franchises
A more specific division within the broader industry.

Category

Plumbing
Available financing options to help start the franchise.

Funding Year

1936
The main organization that owns the franchise brand.

Parent Company

Chemed Corporation
The key individuals guiding the franchise’s strategy and growth.

Leadership

Robert P. Goldschmidt
The official business address of the franchisor’s headquarters.

Corporate Address

300 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
The total amount required to launch the franchise.

Initial Investment

$103,980 - $273,700
The initial fee paid to join the franchise system.

Franchise Fee

$25,000 to $75,000
Ongoing percentage of revenue paid to the franchisor.

Royalty Fee

$9,720
Regular contribution toward the franchise’s advertising fund.

Marketing Fee

15%
The minimum liquid capital you must have on hand.

Cash Required

$103,980 - $273,700
The minimum total assets (minus liabilities) you must possess.

Net Worth Required

$500,000 - $1,000,000
The typical yearly revenue generated per franchise location.

Average Revenue

$949,352
The middle value of yearly revenue among franchise locations.

Median Revenue

$949,352
The smallest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

Lowest Revenue

$933,399
The largest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

Highest Revenue

$949,352
The estimated timeframe to recover your initial costs.

Breakeven Time

12 Months
The estimated period to recoup your total investment.

Investment Payback

30 Months

Roto-Rooter Franchise Unit Growth Summary

A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes shown in the chart and table.

The overall number of operating franchise locations.

Total Units

458
The number of locations owned by independent franchisees.

Franchised Units

341
The number of locations owned and run by the franchisor.

Corporate Units

117
Units 2021 2022 2023
Total Units 474 463 458
Net Change YoY -11 -5
Franchised Units 353 348 341
Net Change YoY -5 -7
Corporate Units 121 115 117
Net Change YoY -6 2

Initial Investment

The Roto-Rooter franchise requires an initial investment ranging from $103,980 to $273,700. This includes a franchise fee that varies between $25,000 and $75,000, alongside other costs such as equipment and initial marketing expenses. Prospective franchisees should prepare for a substantial financial commitment to ensure a successful launch.

Ongoing Fees

Franchisees are subject to a royalty fee of $9,720 for each new unit. Additionally, there is a marketing fee set at 15% of revenue, which helps support the brand’s national advertising efforts. These ongoing fees are crucial for maintaining brand recognition and driving customer traffic.

Financial Performance

Roto-Rooter franchises report an average annual revenue of $949,352 per unit. The financial metrics indicate a healthy gross profit margin of 53.1%, with operating expenses accounting for 23.8% of revenue. This strong financial performance underscores the potential for profitability within the franchise model.

Breakeven and Payback

Franchisees can expect to reach breakeven within approximately 12 months of operation. The investment payback period is estimated at around 30 months, making Roto-Rooter an attractive option for those seeking a relatively quick return on investment in the home services sector.

Franchise Growth

As of 2023, Roto-Rooter operates a total of 458 units, with 341 being franchised and 117 corporate-owned. The franchise has seen a slight decline in the number of franchised units over the past few years, indicating a need for strategic growth initiatives to attract new franchisees and retain existing ones.

Average Operating Expenses

The average annual operating expenses for a Roto-Rooter franchise range from $536,607 to $602,027. Key expenses include salaries and wages, office rent, and administrative costs. Understanding these expenses is vital for franchisees to effectively manage their operations and maximize profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

The initial investment for a Roto-Rooter franchise ranges from $103,980 to $273,700, including a franchise fee that varies between $25,000 and $75,000.