Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$116,280 - $143,542
Franchise Fee
$42,075
Total US Locations
14
Business Summary
ohDEER operates a service business that specializes in deer, tick, and mosquito control for residential and commercial property owners. The business uses an established system, proprietary products, and methods to protect properties from deer damage and pest infestations.
Corporate History
The ohDEER brand began in 2007 as a sole proprietorship, which later incorporated as oh DEER, Inc. on May 6, 2009. oh DEER Development Corporation, the franchisor, was established as a Massachusetts corporation in 2012 and started offering ohDEER franchises in June 2012. The franchisor and its affiliate, oh DEER, Inc., share common owners and operate similar businesses, with oh DEER, Inc. providing training and call center services to franchisees. Another affiliate, UPHY, LLC, formed in 2022, also operates a similar business.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$116,280 - $143,542
Franchise Fee (Low)
$42,075
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,500
Royalty %
6%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$13,125
Equipment Costs (High)
$18,987
Working Capital
$17,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor, ohDEER Development Corporation, has received unqualified audit opinions for its financial statements for 2021, 2022, and 2023, indicating that its financial position and results of operations are presented fairly in all material respects. Management believes that ohDEER Development Corporation has no liquidity issues for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021.
Financing Details
ohDEER does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees, nor does it guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own funding.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
14
Franchised Units
12
Corporate Units
2
Franchising Since
2012
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
ohDEER has no litigation history to report. The FDD states that no litigation is required to be disclosed in Item 3.
Bankruptcy History
ohDEER has no bankruptcy history to report for the franchisor or its management. The FDD states that no bankruptcy is required to be disclosed in Item 4.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, ohDEER franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between six and twelve months before the current term expires. They must be in good standing, meaning they have not defaulted on their agreement or received three or more default notices during the prior term. Franchisees will also need to sign ohDEER's then-current franchise agreement, which may include different terms for territory and royalties, and sign a general release. If required, they must also complete refresher training and pay a renewal fee equal to 10% of the current initial franchise fee for new franchisees.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
ohDEER provides extensive pre-opening assistance, including territory designation, guidance on vehicles and equipment, an initial startup package with branded materials, and a comprehensive Operations Manual. ohDEER also develops an In-Territory Marketing plan for franchisees and offers general assistance with opening and promotions. Initial training, totaling 26 hours (8 virtual, 18 in-person in Massachusetts), is provided for up to two people, covering the ohDEER system. After opening, ohDEER continues to provide updates to the Operations Manual, offers three days of on-site field supervision, and provides ongoing individual or group advice on various operational aspects. ohDEER makes new products and technologies available, maintains an online presence for franchisees, and provides essential software (PestRoutes), communication hardware, and call forwarding services through a monthly Tech Fee.
Initial Training Hours
26
Training Location
Virtual and various locations in Massachusetts
Ongoing Support
After opening, ohDEER franchisees receive continuous access to the Operations Manual and any updates or new training aids. ohDEER provides an on-site Field Supervisor for three days during the initial operating period. Ongoing guidance and assistance are available through personal visits, telephone, newsletters, reports, or electronically, covering areas like sales, marketing, employee training, and customer service. Franchisees can participate in system-wide programs, receive continuous In-Territory Marketing plans, and obtain advertising materials at cost. ohDEER also offers additional training programs (for which franchisees cover expenses) and evaluates new products and technologies to make them available. Additionally, ohDEER maintains a webpage for each franchisee, provides an email address, Google Workspace access, and essential software for routing, invoicing, and scheduling via a monthly Tech Fee, along with a dedicated phone number and call forwarding.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
ohDEER seeks franchisees who are committed to devoting their energy and best efforts to operating the franchised business. If an individual purchases the franchise, they must directly supervise the ohDEER business at all times. For business entities or multi-unit franchisees, ohDEER requires the appointment of a general manager who has a minimum of two years of relevant experience in horticulture or landscaping. All owners of the franchisee entity must also personally guarantee the franchisee's obligations to ohDEER.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Min Years Experience
2
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
ohDEER territories are defined by a population of approximately 75,000 serviceable households, identified using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, or other verifiable resources. Serviceable households are defined as single-family households. ohDEER may consider granting territories with smaller or larger populations upon request.
Staffing Notes
The ohDEER system requires franchisees to conduct criminal background checks for all employees before and annually during employment, as specified in the Operations Manual. Franchisees must ensure that all employees involved in pest control services obtain and maintain the necessary state and federal licenses and permits, including specific training and testing where required by various jurisdictions. Managers are required to sign a Non-Disclosure, Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Agreement, while all other employees must sign an Employee Confidentiality Agreement. ohDEER must be informed of any changes in the franchise's management or operations.