Vanguard Cleaning Systems is a leader in commercial cleaning services, operating in the United States and Canada. In addition to their janitorial services with over 8,000 commercial accounts, the company provides franchise opportunities for new entrepreneurs to start a cleaning business of their own. If you are interested in this opportunity, use this guide to learn more about how to open a Vanguard Cleaning franchise.

Serving office buildings, medical offices, schools, churches, auto dealerships, fitness centers, restaurants and a variety of other clients, Vanguard Cleaning Systems operates over 1,400 locations, each committed to customer satisfaction.http://www.vanguardcleaning.com/cleaning-services

The company uses green chemicals and equipment in their cleaning, including microfiber cleaning products and high-filtration vacuums.http://www.vanguardcleaning.com/cleaning-services/green-cleaning Their business practices have been honored several times, including by Entrepreneur magazine as the #30 franchise in the U.S. for it's rapid and successful growth.http://www.vanguardcleaning.com/about-us/press-releases/117-vanguard-cleaning-systems-achieves-highest-franchise-500-ranking

While the company is lauded, opening a Vanguard Cleaning Systems franchise is not for everyone. To make an educated decision about opening a cleaning business of your own, you should learn about the company history and find out if you meet the minimum requirements for a franchise owner. Once you make the commitment to the opportunity, you can fund and start your business.

Before you begin thinking about applying to open a Vanguard Cleaning Systems franchise, it's a good idea to know as much about the company as possible, including their history and background.

Vanguard Cleaning Systems was founded in 1984 in San Mateo, California, with a single commercial cleaning location. After their initial success they began franchising that same year. The growth of their franchises was initially slow, but increased rapidly in the 2000s.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/vanguardcleaningsystems/282919-0.html

After topping the 500-mark for franchises in 2006, they brought that number up to over 1,100 within the next 24 months. An additional over 300 locations were added in 2009, and 200 more in early 2010.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/vanguardcleaningsystems/282919-0.html

Franchise locations can be opened in two types, their master franchises or janitorial franchises. A Vangard master franchise acts as a regional hub, overseeing their geographical area of janitorial franchises, recruiting new owners and signing new commercial clients. A Vangard janitorial franchise does the actual cleaning services, working with the master franchise for details like billing, training, supplies and equipment. This two-tiered system allows both new entrepreneurs to start a small business as well as welcomes seasoned business owners to the company, allowing them to use their experience and knowledge to act as a regional manager.http://www.vanguardcleaning.com/about-us/faq

Before you go any further in the process, it's crucial that you make sure you meet the minimum requirements to start a Vanguard Cleaning Systems franchise, be it a janitorial franchise or a master franchise.

1. For either option, franchise owners should have a minimum cash liquidity of between $3,300 and $15,000. There are no minimum requirements for net worth.
2. General business experience is required to start a franchise. Extensive experience in business management and owner is also required to start a master franchise.
3. Each janitorial franchise owner must pay an upfront franchise fee ranging from $8,800 and $37,000. This number varies by type of franchise opened and other factors. Franchise fees for master owners range from $100,000 to $250,000.http://www.vanguardcleaning.com/about-us/faq
4. An initial investment of $8,125 to $38,100 must be made. Vanguard Cleaning Systems can help with some of the financing for these fees.
5. Franchise licenses are for 10 years at a time and are renewable.
6. Ongoing royalty fees of 5% must be paid to the company during the length of the franchise license. This covers a variety of support including help with operations, materials, equipment, payroll and accounting.
7. Janitorial franchises can be started from home if desired, however each franchise must employ at least one other person.
8. Absentee ownership is not permitted, with each franchise owned and operated by the same person.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/vanguardcleaningsystems/282919-0.html

This last step is perhaps the most exciting part, where, if you meet the minimum requirements, you can get the ball rolling and actually open your Vanguard Cleaning Systems franchise.

1. Before you start, you'll need to have a minimum of $3,300 cash on hand. This will go towards your franchise fee, with the fees varying for the type of franchise you wish to open and the remainder of the fee financed through the company.
2. Contact the company by completing the contact form on their official website, calling them or contacting a master franchise owner in your area.
3. A company representative will explain the franchise options available and the respective costs and responsibilities. They will work with you to decide which plan is best for you and how you can best be used by the company.
4. You will also be asked to complete a full application to start the process of opening your franchise, which includes information on your business plan, financial means and experience.
5. Should your application be approved, the company will advise you about the next steps of the process, which include training, purchasing of supplies and equipment and hiring of employees.
6. You will also work closely with an existing master franchise owner in your area, who will provide support for billing, signing clients and materials.
7. Once you have everything ready to go, you can begin to provide your cleaning services, working with your master franchise owner to grow your clientele and expand your business.http://www.vanguardcleaning.com/franchise/janitorial-franchise#concept