Molly Maid vs Window Genie
Molly Maid vs Window Genie: Molly Maid costs $30K–$267K to open; Window Genie costs $50K–$150K. Molly Maid has 147 units, Window Genie has 86. SBA loan history: Molly Maid = 185 loans (7.6% default); Window Genie = 122 loans (28.7% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Molly Maid vs Window Genie — 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 $50K for Window Genie), a 40% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $30K for Molly Maid versus $75K for Window Genie — Molly Maid has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 6.5% for Molly Maid and 7% for Window Genie, giving Molly Maid the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Molly Maid operates 147 units to Window Genie's 86. Molly Maid has been operating 47 years (founded 1979) versus 32 for Window Genie (founded 1994) — a 15-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 122 for Window Genie. Molly Maid's peak SBA year was 2023 (13 loans); Window Genie's peak was 2019 (17 loans). Molly Maid's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Geographically, Molly Maid concentrates in CA (26 SBA-funded units) while Window Genie leads in TX (14) — pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Molly Maid deals is $187K vs $154K for Window Genie — useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 7.6% for Molly Maid and 28.7% for Window Genie — Molly Maid has the cleaner historical loss profile by 21.1 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 78 (Strong) for Molly Maid and 51 (Moderate) for Window Genie, giving Molly Maid the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 78/100 | 51/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Stable | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 185 | 122 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 7.6% | 28.7% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $30K – $267K | $50K – $150K |
Franchise Fee | $30K | $75K |
Royalty Rate | 6.5% | 7% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 2% |
Liquid Capital | $50K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $250K | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 147 | 86 |
Franchised Units | 147 | 86 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | N/A | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1979 | 1994 |
Franchising Since | 1960 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | Waco, TX | AUSTIN, TX |
Category | Janitorial Services | Janitorial Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2023 | 2026 |
Which Is Better — Molly Maid or Window Genie?
Lower upfront capital required
Molly Maid
Molly Maid: $30K starting · Window Genie: $50K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Molly Maid
Molly Maid: 185 SBA loans · Window Genie: 122 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Molly Maid
Molly Maid: 7.6% · Window Genie: 28.7%
Larger system & brand presence
Molly Maid
Molly Maid: 147 units · Window Genie: 86 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Molly Maid
Molly Maid: 6.5% · Window Genie: 7%
More lender financing options
Molly Maid
Molly Maid: 76 unique lenders · Window Genie: 26 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
Molly Maid vs Window Genie: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Molly Maid and Window Genie is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $30K to $267K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Molly Maid with 185 SBA loans and Window Genie with 122. 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.