Merry Maids vs Molly Maid
Merry Maids vs Molly Maid: Merry Maids costs $30K–$512K to open; Molly Maid costs $30K–$267K. Merry Maids has 107 units, Molly Maid has 147. SBA loan history: Merry Maids = 124 loans (3.2% default); Molly Maid = 185 loans (7.6% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
Merry Maids vs Molly Maid: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from 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
Molly Maid requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($30K vs $30K for Merry Maids), a 0% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $29K for Merry Maids versus $30K for Molly Maid, Merry Maids has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 7% for Merry Maids and 6.5% for Molly Maid, giving Molly Maid the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Molly Maid operates 147 units to Merry Maids's 107. Molly Maid has been operating 47 years (founded 1979) versus 47 for Merry Maids (founded 1979), a 0-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
Molly Maid has the deeper SBA lending track record with 185 historical 7(a) approvals versus 124 for Merry Maids. Merry Maids's peak SBA year was 2023 (17 loans); Molly Maid's peak was 2023 (13 loans). Molly Maid's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Both systems concentrate the most SBA-funded units in CA. Borrowers in that state will find the deepest lender familiarity with either brand. Average SBA loan size on funded Merry Maids deals is $273K vs $187K for Molly Maid, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 3.2% for Merry Maids and 7.6% for Molly Maid, Merry Maids has the cleaner historical loss profile by 4.4 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 78 (Strong) for Merry Maids and 78 (Strong) for Molly Maid.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 78/100 | 78/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Stable | Stable |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 124 | 185 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 3.2% | 7.6% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $30K – $512K | $30K – $267K |
Franchise Fee | $29K | $30K |
Royalty Rate | 7% | 6.5% |
Ad Fund | 2% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $50K | $50K |
Net Worth Required | $100K | $250K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 107 | 147 |
Franchised Units | 107 | 147 |
Company-Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1979 | 1979 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 1960 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | Memphis, TN | Waco, TX |
Category | Janitorial Services | Janitorial Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2023 |
Which Is Better, Merry Maids or Molly Maid?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Merry Maids: $30K starting · Molly Maid: $30K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Molly Maid
Merry Maids: 124 SBA loans · Molly Maid: 185 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Merry Maids
Merry Maids: 3.2% · Molly Maid: 7.6%
Larger system & brand presence
Molly Maid
Merry Maids: 107 units · Molly Maid: 147 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Molly Maid
Merry Maids: 7% · Molly Maid: 6.5%
More lender financing options
Molly Maid
Merry Maids: 61 unique lenders · Molly Maid: 76 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.
Need Funding for Merry Maids or Molly Maid?
PeerSense connects you with 500+ SBA lenders and capital sources. Our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing.
SBA Lenders & Capital Sources
Retainers or Consulting Fees
10% Down Franchise Loans
About These Franchises
Merry Maids vs Molly Maid: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Merry Maids and Molly Maid is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $30K to $512K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, Merry Maids with 124 SBA loans and Molly Maid with 185. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
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.
Merry Maids vs Molly Maid, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Merry Maids or Molly Maid?
How much does a Merry Maids franchise cost compared to Molly Maid?
Can I finance Merry Maids or Molly Maid with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Merry Maids or Molly Maid?
Financing a franchise? Get matched to an SBA lender.
Tell us which brand and your budget. We route you to lenders who have already funded deals in these systems.
Franchise / SBA 7(a): Response within 24–48 hours. No obligation.