How much does it cost to open a OpenWorks franchise?

The total initial investment for a OpenWorks franchise ranges from $4,250 to $134,480. This includes the franchise fee of $2,500, buildout costs, equipment, and initial working capital.

What are the ongoing fees for a OpenWorks franchise?

OpenWorks franchisees pay a 15.0% royalty fee and a 2.5% advertising/marketing fund contribution. These are typically calculated as a percentage of gross revenue.

How much money can you make with a OpenWorks franchise?

OpenWorks does not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their FDD. Revenue and profitability figures are not publicly available from the franchisor.

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Cleaning

OpenWorks Franchise Cost Breakdown

Complete investment analysis based on official FDD data

Total Investment

$4,250 – $134,480

Franchise Fee

$2,500

Royalty Rate

15.0%

Initial Investment Range

Low: $4,250 High: $134,480

The total initial investment to open a OpenWorks franchise ranges from $4,250 to $134,480, as disclosed in their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the one-time franchise fee of $2,500.

Midpoint estimate: $69,365

Franchise Fee

$2,500

One-time initial fee

The OpenWorks franchise fee is a one-time upfront payment made to the franchisor when you sign the franchise agreement. This fee grants you the right to operate under the OpenWorks brand and is included in the total initial investment range above.

Ongoing Fees

Royalty Fee

15.0%

of gross revenue

Ad/Marketing Fund

2.5%

of gross revenue

Total Ongoing Fee Burden: 17.5% of gross revenue

Combined royalty and advertising fund contributions before any other fees.

Other Ongoing Fees

Fee Type	Rate	Type	Notes
Royalties	15.0	PCT	Paid to OpenWorks as part of its billing and collection services. Subject to a minimum of $300 monthly royalty fee. Gross Revenue is the total amount paid by all customers for your services within an accounting period with no reduction for taxes or any other purpose.
Advertising Fund Fee	2.5	PCT	Up to 3% of Gross Revenue, currently 2.5% is collected. Deducted from funds OpenWorks remits to you.
Technology and Innovation Fee	0.5	PCT	Up to 2% of Gross Revenue, currently 0.5% is collected. OpenWorks reserves the right to increase fees at any time by providing 30 days advanced written notice or by amending the Manual.
Marketing Fees	N/A	VARIABLE	Upon contracting for additional account unless financed. OpenWorks reserves the right to increase marketing fees at any time by providing 30 days advanced written notice or by amending the Manual.
Background Check Fee	80.0	FIXED	Currently up to $80 per background check for each owner. Due prior to signing Franchise Agreement and thereafter upon request. OpenWorks will verify credit and perform background check again if requested by a client.
Special Project Fee	N/A	VARIABLE	0%, 15%, or 30% of Gross Revenue from job. Due upon payment of revenue to Franchisee. Percentage depends on whether you or OpenWorks obtained and/or priced the job. Applies to non-recurring jobs like carpet cleaning. 0% if franchisee obtains and prices; 15% if one party obtains and other prices; 30% if OpenWorks obtains and prices.
Initial Training Fee	250.0	FIXED	$250 per group upon registration for training. No charge for first group trained before you begin business.
Continuing Training Classes	N/A	VARIABLE	$0 to $150 per class or platform due at beginning of class. Classes may be optional or mandatory, at OpenWorks' discretion.
Cancellation Charge	50.0	FIXED	$50 upon missing appointment. For any training class, inspection or appointment with OpenWorks or a customer, including any cleaning, that you schedule and fail to attend.
Renewal Fee	2500.0	FIXED	$2,500 upon signing of new Franchise Agreement. Paid to OpenWorks.
Account Transfer Fee	50.0	FIXED	$50 per Account upon approval of transfer by OpenWorks. Applies to transfer of one or more, but less than substantially all, of your Accounts.
Franchise Transfer Fee	N/A	VARIABLE	$1,000 to $2,500 before transfer. $1,000 for transfer of a partial interest to an existing co-owner unless the co-owner will have a controlling interest and has not completed training; $2,500 transfer fee of more than 50% or greater ownership to a new owner.
Document Preparation Fee	250.0	FIXED	$250 upon request for preparation. Payable only if you request the preparation of customized documents for marketing or other purposes.
Unauthorized Marketing Fee	200.0	FIXED	$200 upon discovery and request. If you use any unauthorized marketing materials, OpenWorks may impose a fee of $200 per violation, which may continue to be imposed on a monthly basis if the violation continues.
Trouble Call Fee	50.0	FIXED	$50 per occurrence upon discovery of the need. Compensates OpenWorks for investigating and fixing customer complaint; current charge of $50 is subject to change.
Insurance	3.6	PCT	Currently 3.6% of Gross Revenue (subject to change upon notice). Payable if you choose to enroll in OpenWorks' insurance program or fail to maintain required insurance and OpenWorks enrolls you in its insurance program. Not available in New York.
Workers' Compensation Insurance	N/A	VARIABLE	This fee is payable only if you do not carry your own Workers' Compensation Insurance and you are enrolled in OpenWorks' insurance program. Not available in New York.
Supplier Evaluation	N/A	VARIABLE	Estimated to range from $100 to $5,000. Upon demand. If you request evaluation of a new supplier, you must reimburse OpenWorks' expenses for inspections, investigations and testing.
Customer Charges	500.0	FIXED	Amount customer charges plus $500/day upon demand. Payable only if customer keys and codes are not turned over to OpenWorks immediately when you are removed from or discontinue services to a customer for any reason.
Indemnification	N/A	VARIABLE	As incurred. Covers claims and liabilities incurred by OpenWorks relating to your operation of your business.
Audit Costs	N/A	VARIABLE	Estimated $100 to $5,000 upon demand. Payable if OpenWorks must obtain an audit due to Franchisee's deficiencies. For example, if you do not report all your Gross Revenue to OpenWorks.
Attorneys' Fees	N/A	VARIABLE	As incurred. Attorneys' fees and costs for enforcing your agreements.
Interest on Unreimbursed Advances	12.0	PCT	12% per year beginning on the 91st day after an advance is not repaid. Payable on amounts OpenWorks advances to you before your customers pay, if your customers don't pay and you don't reimburse OpenWorks within 90 days.
Interest on Late Payments	21.0	PCT	Lesser of 21% per year or highest rate allowed by law. Upon demand.
Lost Document Fee	25.0	FIXED	$25 per replacement copy upon request. Payable if you request a replacement of any damaged, lost or otherwise misplaced document relating to the franchise relationship.

What You Get

Unit Growth & Failure Rate

Avg. Annual Closure Rate

24.8%

Elevated risk — above industry average

Net Unit Growth

-312 units

From 2022 to 2024

Unit Activity History

Year	Start	Opened	Closed	Transfers	End
2022	726	+59	-123	—	654
2023	654	+65	-102	—	615
2024	615	+56	-257	—	414

Is a OpenWorks Franchise Worth It?

Based on the FDD data, here is a data-driven snapshot of the OpenWorks franchise opportunity:

Overall Score

28/100

Higher risk

Est. Payback Period

N/A

Insufficient data

Risk Level

High

24.8% annual closure rate

OpenWorks has a lower score across our evaluation criteria, suggesting higher risk. Thorough research and professional guidance are strongly recommended. For a complete analysis including risk factors, deal-breaker flags, and detailed financial modeling, see the full report.