Cleaning · head-to-head

Jim's Cleaning vs Chem-Dry Australia

A Jim's Cleaning franchise costs $25,000–$35,000 all-in, versus $47,400–$70,500 for Chem-Dry Australia. Jim's Cleaning has the lower entry cost. Jim's Cleaning is the larger network (800 vs 76 Australian outlets). On ongoing fees, Jim's Cleaning charges an undisclosed royalty and Chem-Dry Australia charges an undisclosed royalty.

Figures as at July 2026 (Jim's Cleaning) and August 2026 (Chem-Dry Australia). Confirm both against the disclosure document.

Side by side

FeeJim's CleaningChem-Dry Australia
Total investment (all-in)$25,000–$35,000$47,400–$70,500
Initial franchise fee$17,500$23,500
Fit-out & equipment——
Working capital$5,000$10,000
Royalty——
Marketing levy——
Term5 years5 years
Australian outlets80076
CategoryCleaningCleaning

Establishment ranges include working capital. Every figure is dated to its source, see each brand’s profile for the full breakdown and provenance.

Which is cheaper to get into?

Jim's Cleaning is the cheaper way in, its establishment range starts at $25,000 against $47,400 for the other. Remember the all-in figure includes working capital; the gap can narrow or widen once you cost fit-out for a specific site.

Both in context

Jim's Cleaning and Chem-Dry Australia are both cleaning systems. Across the category, the Fee Index shows a median all-in cost of $27,000–$80,000 (56 systems) and a $12,000 median initial fee (5 systems). See where each sits against the field in the Cleaning Fee Index.

Common questions

Is Jim's Cleaning or Chem-Dry Australia cheaper to buy?

Jim's Cleaning has the lower entry cost. Jim's Cleaning costs $25,000–$35,000 all-in versus $47,400–$70,500 for Chem-Dry Australia. These are establishment ranges including working capital, always verify against the disclosure document.

Which has more locations, Jim's Cleaning or Chem-Dry Australia?

Jim's Cleaning is the larger network, with 800 Australian outlets versus 76 for Chem-Dry Australia.

What royalty do Jim's Cleaning and Chem-Dry Australia charge?

Jim's Cleaning charges an undisclosed royalty. Chem-Dry Australia charges an undisclosed royalty. Both are ongoing percentages of gross sales, confirm the current rates with each franchisor.

Should I choose Jim's Cleaning or Chem-Dry Australia?

It depends on your budget, which territories each has available near you, and the format you want to run. This comparison uses each franchisor's published figures; before deciding, request both disclosure documents, check territory availability, and have an accountant review the numbers.

More cleaning comparisons

Keep researching