Maids (The) vs Merry Maids
Maids (The) vs Merry Maids: Maids (The) costs $33K to $179K to open; Merry Maids costs $30K to $512K. Maids (The) has 54 units, Merry Maids has 107. SBA loan history: Maids (The) = 56 loans (21.4% default); Merry Maids = 124 loans (3.2% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Maids (The) vs Merry Maids: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Merry Maids requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($30K vs $33K for Maids (The)), a 8% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $38K for Maids (The) versus $29K for Merry Maids, Merry Maids has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Merry Maids operates 107 units to Maids (The)'s 54.
SBA Lending Profile
Merry Maids has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 124 7(a) approvals compared with 56 for Maids (The). Maids (The)'s peak SBA year was 1996 (12 loans); Merry Maids's peak was 2023 (17 loans). Merry Maids's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Maids (The) has the most SBA funded units in MA, with 10. Merry Maids leads in CA, with 14. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Maids (The) deals is $101K vs $273K for Merry Maids, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 21.4% for Maids (The) and 3.2% for Merry Maids, Merry Maids has the cleaner SBA loss record by 18.2 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 24 (Fair) for Maids (The) and 78 (Strong) for Merry Maids, giving Merry Maids the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 24/100 | 78/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Stable |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 56 | 124 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 21.4% | 3.2% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $33K to $179K | $30K to $512K |
Franchise Fee | $38K | $29K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 7% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 2% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $50K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $100K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 54 | 107 |
Franchised Units | 54 | 107 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1979 |
Franchising Since | N/A | N/A |
Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Headquarters | BROCKTON, MA | Memphis, TN |
Category | Janitorial Services | Janitorial Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | 2026 |
Which Is Better, Maids (The) or Merry Maids?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Maids (The): $33K starting · Merry Maids: $30K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Merry Maids
Maids (The): 56 SBA loans · Merry Maids: 124 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Merry Maids
Maids (The): 21.4% · Merry Maids: 3.2%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Maids (The): 54 units · Merry Maids: 107 units
More lender financing options
Merry Maids
Maids (The): 26 unique lenders · Merry Maids: 61 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Maids (The) vs Merry Maids: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Maids (The) and Merry Maids is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $30K to $512K.
Maids (The) has 56 SBA loans on record and Merry Maids has 124. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Maids (The) vs Merry Maids, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Maids (The) or Merry Maids?
How much does a Maids (The) franchise cost compared to Merry Maids?
Can I finance Maids (The) or Merry Maids with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Maids (The) or Merry Maids?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman