Specialty Rug Cleaning & Repair

The Industry: Over 35% of American families own one or more woven rugs which cannot be cleaned in place without damaging the floor. Higher income households have a much greater percentage– especially of large Persian, Oriental and other specialized rugs. Recently, sales of these rugs has been growing more than 20% per year as the result of Americans’ love of hardwood floors with area rugs.

All of these rugs should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the foot traffic in the room and the presence of pets. Because most are on hardwood or synthetic floors, these rugs cannot be cleaned in the home.

Highlights: Franchisees pick up customers' rugs, clean them, moth-proof them, and return them to the homeowner–
reinstalling the furniture, if necessary. In addition, shops repair binding, serging, fringe and moth-proof the rug while they have it. They also sell pads to extend the life of the rug and prevent slipping.

Buyer Profile: Those with a good customer-service orientation.

Job Description: Advertise to consumers, handle cleaning & repair work, and oversee marketing and the company's finances.

Seeking Franchisees: Nationwide.

Investment Requirements: $50,000 to $90,000.