Window Genie Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Discover if Window Genie is the right investment for you. Learn about its services, potential earnings, and franchise support system in this comprehensive analysis. Explore why this brand stands out in the home services industry.

Last updated 19 Sep 2024 Time 10 min read
Diseño sin título (41)

Window Genie is a standout in the home services industry, founded in 1994 by Rik Nonelle. The franchise focuses on essential exterior cleaning and maintenance, filling a niche in the rapidly growing home improvement sector. As a part of the Neighborly family of brands, Window Genie has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality services with a customer-first approach. What started as a small business aimed at improving curb appeal has grown into a trusted name in residential and commercial cleaning services.

Window Genie’s core services include window cleaning, pressure washing, and gutter cleaning, with ancillary services like holiday light installation and window tinting, providing year-round value for clients. Their main market consists of homeowners and small business owners who want to maintain the exterior appearance of their properties. Their services target middle to upper-income households and small businesses, making them a staple in suburban and urban areas.

Today, Window Genie operates over 200 locations across the U.S., serving thousands of customers daily. Their expansive reach across major cities and towns highlights their scalability, and their affiliation with Neighborly gives them access to a large, established customer base. This wide scope, combined with a reputation for reliability, makes them a strong contender in the home services franchise industry.

When it comes to support, Window Genie offers comprehensive training programs for franchisees, including both in-house and on-site training, covering everything from technical skills to customer service. They provide ongoing marketing support, business coaching, and a network of fellow franchisees to ensure long-term success. Franchisees also benefit from a tried-and-true operational system, plus tools for customer management and service efficiency.

Window Genie Franchise Insights

  1. As part of the Neighborly franchise network, Window Genie franchisees have access to a large, trusted customer base and extensive resources that help drive growth.
  2. The franchise’s focus on routine maintenance services ensures a steady stream of repeat customers, which can create a reliable, ongoing revenue flow.
  3. Window Genie’s wide range of services, from pressure washing to window tinting, provides franchisees with multiple ways to meet customer needs and grow their business.

Window Genie Franchise Key indicators

Growth YOY (%)

-6%

vs industry 4%


Total U.S. Franchised Units

106


3-Year Failure Rate

57%

vs industry 13%


Sales-to-Investment ratio

1.6:1

How much does it cost to open a Window Genie franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Window Genie franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.

Min & Max Investment

Opening a Window Genie franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). You can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Window Genie below from the most recent Item 7 below:

Type of Expenditure  Minimum Investment  Maximum Investment 
Initial Franchise Fee  $62,500  $70,560 
Start-up Package  $27,500  $30,000 
Office Package  $0  $3,000 
Initial Training  $0  $5,000 
Advertising and Promotions  $3,500  $6,000 
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses, and Prepaid Expenses  $1,200  $2,000 
Vehicle  $2,000  $40,000 
Real Estate  $0  $6,000 
Professional Fees  $0  $5,000 
Additional Funds (Initial 3 months)  $45,000  $100,000 
Total Investment  $141,700  $267,560 

Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.

Required Capital

For Window Genie, or similar franchises in the home services industry, the typical investment requirements generally fall within certain ranges.

  • Initial Capital Investment The total initial investment usually ranges from approximately $142,000 to $268,000, depending on factors like location, market size, and equipment needs. This figure can fluctuate based on franchise fees, startup costs, and local conditions. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
  • Liquid Assets Most home services franchises, including Window Genie, typically require franchisees to have around $50,000 to $75,000 in liquid assets to ensure sufficient working capital during the initial phase of the business.
  • Net Worth For this type of franchise, the minimum net worth required is often around $200,000, as this demonstrates financial stability and the ability to sustain operations during the growth period.

These are general estimates based on industry standards, and it’s always best to check directly with the franchisor for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.

How much does a Window Genie franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a Window Genie franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Window Genie franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.

Window Genie Revenue & Gross Sales

Based on the most recent analysis, Window Genie franchises have a median gross sales of $333,991, reflecting the consistent demand for home services and exterior maintenance. This solid financial performance highlights the franchise’s potential for steady revenue generation and its appeal to a growing customer base in the home services industry.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Window Genie franchisees?

Several factors likely contributed to Window Genie franchisees’ median gross sales performance in recent years. First, the increased demand for home services, especially exterior maintenance and cleaning, as more homeowners prioritize property upkeep, likely played a key role. The ongoing trend of home improvement, fueled by both rising home values and the desire for well-maintained outdoor spaces, likely boosted service requests. Additionally, Window Genie’s ability to offer multiple, year-round services—like window cleaning, pressure washing, and seasonal holiday light installation—ensured a steady flow of income. The brand’s strong reputation and its affiliation with Neighborly likely enhanced consumer trust and brand visibility, further driving sales growth.

Window Genie Franchise Operational Costs

Operational costs for a Window Genie franchise are the ongoing expenses required to run the day-to-day operations of the business. These costs are essential for maintaining the franchise’s functionality and ensuring smooth operations. For a Window Genie franchise, operational costs include:

  • Labor Costs Wages, salaries, and benefits for technicians and employees who perform the core services, including window cleaning, pressure washing, and holiday light installation.
  • Equipment Maintenance and Replacement Regular upkeep and replacement of essential tools like pressure washers, ladders, and cleaning supplies, which are used daily and wear down over time.
  • Vehicle Expenses Costs for maintaining and fueling service vehicles, as the business is highly mobile and relies on transporting technicians and equipment to customer locations.
  • Supplies and Inventory This includes cleaning solutions, window tinting materials, and other supplies necessary to deliver the franchise’s services.
  • Insurance Coverage for vehicles, employees, and liability, ensuring that the franchise is protected from potential risks related to on-site services.
  • Local Marketing and Advertising Ongoing efforts to promote the business in your specific territory, ensuring customer acquisition and brand visibility in the local market.

Careful planning and budgeting for these operational costs are crucial for the financial success of your Window Genie franchise.

Window Genie Franchise Fees

When running a Window Genie franchise, it’s important to consider several ongoing fees that contribute to the overall cost structure of the business. These fees are crucial for maintaining your franchise’s compliance with the franchisor and ensuring access to the brand’s resources and support.

  • License Fee Franchisees are required to pay 7% of gross sales, excluding “roll-in” sales, as part of the ongoing license fee. This ensures continued use of the Window Genie brand and business model.
  • Minimum License Fees In addition to the percentage of gross sales, there are minimum license fees that apply, ensuring that a baseline contribution is met even during slower periods.
  • Potential Additional Fees There may be additional fees for specific services, marketing, or technology support that are not covered under the regular license fee.

It’s important to budget for these ongoing fees, as they are a key part of maintaining the operational relationship with Window Genie.

Window Genie Franchise Earnings

As a Window Genie franchisee, the potential for earnings is tied closely to both median gross sales and your level of involvement in the business. With median gross sales reported at $333,991, franchisees can expect to generate substantial revenue by tapping into the growing demand for home services. This figure reflects typical performance across the franchise network, highlighting the consistent opportunity for growth in residential and commercial markets.

For owner-operators, the estimated operating profit income is around $50,000 based on industry margins, which represents earnings after accounting for operating costs and expenses. As an owner-operator, you’re actively managing day-to-day operations, which allows for better control over expenses and a greater share of the profits. While earnings can vary depending on market size, customer base, and operational efficiency, this income estimate provides a solid benchmark for those looking to be hands-on in their business.

How to Open a Window Genie Franchise

Becoming a Window Genie franchisee involves several key steps, from initial inquiry to the start of operations. Here’s an outline of the process:

  • Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
  • Franchise Application After the initial conversation, you will complete a franchise application, detailing your financial background, goals, and qualifications. This helps the franchisor assess whether you’re a good fit for their system.
  • Discovery Day Next, you’ll be invited to a “Discovery Day,” where you visit Window Genie’s headquarters, meet the team, and get a closer look at the business model, culture, and expectations.
  • Franchise Agreement If both parties are satisfied, you will sign the franchise agreement, solidifying your commitment to the brand.
  • Training After signing, you’ll attend an extensive training program that covers everything from business operations and customer service to technical skills like window cleaning and pressure washing.
  • Site Setup and Launch The franchisor assists with setting up your territory, vehicles, and marketing strategy. Once everything is in place, you’ll be ready to start operations and officially launch your Window Genie business.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Low Overhead: Since Window Genie is a mobile service business, you won’t need a physical storefront, keeping overhead costs low.

Diverse Revenue Streams: Offering a wide range of services, from window cleaning to holiday light installation, allows for year-round income and multiple revenue channels.

Established Brand: As part of the Neighborly network, Window Genie benefits from a strong reputation and brand recognition, which can boost credibility and customer trust.

Scalability: You can easily expand by adding more vehicles and employees as your business grows, allowing for greater revenue potential without significant infrastructure investments.

Cons

Seasonality: Some services, such as window cleaning and holiday light installation, may see fluctuations in demand based on seasonal factors, potentially affecting revenue consistency.

Owner Involvement: While there is strong support, running a Window Genie franchise requires hands-on involvement, particularly in the early stages, which might not suit someone seeking a more passive investment.

Physical Labor: Some of the core services, like window cleaning and pressure washing, can be physically demanding, which may require you to hire skilled labor or manage a larger team.

FAQs

Who owns Window Genie?

  • Window Genie is owned by Neighborly, a global leader in home services franchises. Neighborly acquired Window Genie in 2016, expanding its portfolio of brands. This affiliation gives Window Genie access to Neighborly's extensive resources and network, helping franchisees grow their businesses with a solid support system behind them.
  • Yes, Window Genie is a franchise. It operates as a mobile home services business, offering franchise opportunities to individuals interested in providing window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and other related services within exclusive territories.
  • Window Genie’s biggest competitors include other home service franchises like Fish Window Cleaning and The Grounds Guys (also owned by Neighborly). Alternatives to Window Genie may include independent local businesses that offer similar services, such as window cleaning, pressure washing, or home maintenance companies.
  • The total investment for a Window Genie franchise typically ranges from $142,000 to $268,000. This amount covers franchise fees, equipment, marketing, and other initial startup costs. Additionally, franchisees must have liquid assets and meet net worth requirements to qualify.
  • As of the most recent data, Window Genie has 106 locations in the U.S., which are all franchised locations.
  • The most recent calculated 3-year failure rate of Window Genie was 57% in the U.S. which is quite high relative to other franchise options.
  • Access to unbiased franchise data.

    Use the largest, most up-to-date, and accessible franchise database to empower your sales, purchasing, and investment decisions within the franchise industry.

    Submit
    Feedback