CLEANBUCKS — FRANCHISE-ALTERNATIVE DECISION CHECKLIST
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Use before choosing between a traditional cleaning franchise and a
licensing model. Score each item honestly.

1. UPFRONT COST
   [ ] Have I read Item 7 of the franchise's FDD (total initial investment)?
   [ ] Do I have the full launch amount + 6 months of working capital?
   [ ] Am I comparing FDD Item 7 vs the license setup fee — not "franchise fee" vs setup?

2. LIFETIME COST
   [ ] Have I modeled royalty × projected revenue × contract years?
   [ ] Have I added the marketing fund %?
   [ ] Have I factored required-vendor markups?
   [ ] Have I compared that number to a flat / defined license fee?

3. OWNERSHIP
   [ ] Do I own the customer book if I exit?
   [ ] Can I sell the business to any qualified buyer without franchisor approval?
   [ ] Is there a non-compete on exit, and how wide is it?

4. CONTROL
   [ ] Can I set my own pricing?
   [ ] Can I choose my own suppliers?
   [ ] Can I run my own local marketing?
   [ ] Can I change my service mix without corporate approval?

5. EXIT
   [ ] What is the transfer fee?
   [ ] What is the renewal fee?
   [ ] Is there a liquidated-damages clause?
   [ ] Am I on a month-to-month or a 5–10 year term?

6. TERRITORY
   [ ] Is my territory exclusive, and in writing?
   [ ] Can the franchisor place another unit inside my area?

7. VALIDATION
   [ ] Have I called at least 5 current franchisees / operators?
   [ ] Have I looked at FDD Item 20 (turnover) for the past 3 years?

SCORING
If you can check every box under FRANCHISE with confidence and you
are comfortable paying 5%–7% of every dollar of revenue for the life
of the agreement — the franchise is doing its job for you.

If two or more items in Ownership, Control, or Exit are unsatisfying
— compare a licensing model. CleanBucks is built as a structural
alternative to those specific issues.

See: https://cleanbucks.com/cleaning-franchise-alternative
See: https://cleanbucks.com/license-vs-franchise

Educational only. Not legal or financial advice.