Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$34,810 - $90,060
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total US Locations
198
Business Summary
Mr. Sandless franchises operate independently owned professional businesses specializing in the marketing, sales, and performance of interior and exterior wood floor refinishing, care, cleaning, and maintenance. The services also extend to floor cleaning and refinishing for various other materials like tile, VCT, terrazzo, concrete, and laminates, as well as cabinet refinishing and exterior wood structures such as decks and fences. The business uses proprietary operating procedures and products.
Corporate History
Mr. Sandless Franchise LLC was established in Pennsylvania on September 8, 2005. It began offering Mr. Sandless franchises in 2006. The company also offered Dr. DecknFence franchises from 2012 to 2020, but these services are now integrated into the Mr. Sandless system. An affiliate operated similar outlets from June 2004 until 2023 when they were sold to franchisees.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$34,810 - $90,060
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$30,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$10,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$38,100
Working Capital
$10,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Mr. Sandless's financial condition, as indicated in its financial statements, raises concerns about its ability to provide services and support to its franchisees. The company has a negative members' deficit, reporting $(163,069) in 2024 and $(195,969) in 2023, which suggests a weak financial position.
Financing Details
Mr. Sandless does not offer any direct or indirect financing arrangements for the initial investment or for the ongoing operation of the business. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
198
Franchised Units
198
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
100
Franchising Since
2006
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Mr. Sandless has no litigation history that is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its FDD.
Bankruptcy History
Mr. Sandless has no bankruptcy history that is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its FDD.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Mr. Sandless franchisees must be in full compliance with their current franchise agreement and all other agreements with the franchisor, and have no outstanding monetary obligations. They need to provide written notice of their intent to renew between 90 and 180 days before the current term expires. Franchisees must also retain possession of their business premises, agree to update equipment, service vehicles, products, and services to meet current brand standards, and sign the franchisor's then-current successor franchise agreement. A successor agreement fee and current training requirements must also be met, and franchisees are required to sign a general release. The new agreement's terms and conditions may differ materially from the original, but the territory boundaries will remain the same, and the fees will not exceed those offered to similarly situated renewing franchisees.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Mr. Sandless provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Mr. Sandless offers tuition-free initial training for up to three people (the franchisee, Designated Manager, and Technical Manager), loans a copy of the Operations Manual, approves commercial office sites (if chosen), sells the Franchise Starter Kit, designates the territory, and reviews grand opening advertising campaigns. After opening, ongoing assistance includes consultation and advice on business management and operations, optional continuing education programs or seminars, maintenance of a national advertising fund for system promotion, and review of local advertising materials. The franchisor may also provide additional training programs and hold franchisee conventions.
Initial Training Hours
33
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Aston, Pennsylvania or with a designated franchisee
Ongoing Support
After a Mr. Sandless franchisee opens, the franchisor provides ongoing consultation and advice on managing and operating the business as needed. Mr. Sandless may also offer continuing education training programs, seminars, and franchisee conventions. The franchisor maintains a National Advertising Fund to promote the system and reviews franchisees' local advertising materials to ensure compliance with brand standards.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Mr. Sandless prefers individuals who will actively operate the business on a day-to-day, full-time basis, though it allows for a Designated Manager with franchisor consent, provided the owner still provides general supervision. Candidates should have sufficient financial resources, relevant business experience, and a strong interest in operating the business. All principals of entity franchisees must sign a personal guaranty for the franchise obligations. While direct approval for managers isn't required, the franchisor can prohibit employment of individuals lacking honesty or management ability.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Mr. Sandless defines territories based on population and contiguous zip codes. An initial single territory contains approximately 200,000 people. Franchisees can purchase up to three additional territories, with each additional territory having an estimated population of 100,000, bringing the maximum population under one agreement to approximately 500,000.
Staffing Notes
Mr. Sandless requires the franchisee or a Designated Manager to personally supervise the day-to-day operations full-time. Franchisees may also hire a Technical Manager to oversee physical operations. Both Designated and Technical Managers must successfully complete the franchisor's training program and sign confidentiality and non-competition agreements. Franchisees are also required to conduct background checks on all prospective employees through an approved agency and only hire those who pass the check and meet the Operations Manual's criteria.