U Got Stink Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$18,400 - $83,515
Franchise Fee
$2,000
Total US Locations
13
Business Summary
U Got Stink franchises offer quality odor removal products and services to the public using their distinctive business formats and systems. Franchisees are authorized to serve specific customer market segments, which can include hotels and motels, commercial buildings, apartments and other residences, or vehicle dealerships and other vehicle customers (like cars, trucks, boats, and RVs).
Corporate History
The business concept for U Got Stink was originally founded in 2002 by Clifton Roberts under the name 'Fresh Scent'. Mr. Roberts has owned and operated this concept since 2007. The predecessor company, Fresh Scent, Inc., operated a similar business from July 2010 to December 2010. U Got Stink Franchising, LLC itself was organized in Oregon in 2011 and began offering franchises in February 2011. The company re-domiciled to the State of Washington in 2014.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$18,400 - $83,515
Franchise Fee (Low)
$2,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$15,000
Royalty %
25%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,650
Equipment Costs (High)
$28,875
Working Capital
$15,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024, U Got Stink Franchising, LLC reported negative member's equity of ($48,530), and its total liabilities ($172,940) exceeded its total assets ($124,410). This indicates that the company's financial obligations are greater than its assets. The most recent unaudited financial statements as of July 31, 2024, also show negative member equity and total liabilities exceeding total assets.
Financing Details
U Got Stink Franchising, LLC offers financing for the initial franchise fee. Franchisees can choose to pay half of the initial fee upfront when signing the agreement, and then pay the remaining balance in six equal monthly installments, starting two months after signing. If a franchisee chooses this installment plan, an additional amount equal to 10% of the total initial franchise fee will be added to their installment payments. A late charge of 18% per annum (or 10% in California) will apply to unpaid installment payments. U Got Stink Franchising, LLC does not offer any other direct or indirect financing and does not guarantee any franchisee notes, leases, or financial obligations. All owners of the franchisee entity are required to personally guarantee all obligations of the franchise agreement.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
13
Franchised Units
13
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2011
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
U Got Stink Franchising, LLC has no litigation that is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. This means U Got Stink Franchising, LLC has a clean legal record with no lawsuits or legal disputes to report.
Bankruptcy History
U Got Stink Franchising, LLC has no bankruptcy information that is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. This means U Got Stink Franchising, LLC has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their U Got Stink franchise, franchisees must be in good standing and not in default under their Franchise Agreement. They must also have the right to maintain possession of their Franchise Central Location and provide U Got Stink with at least six months' advance written notice of their intent to renew. Upon renewal, franchisees must pay a renewal fee of at least $750, sign U Got Stink's then-current franchise agreement (which may have different terms and fees), execute a general release of claims against U Got Stink, and renovate and refurbish their Franchised Operation to meet current brand standards. They may also be required to pay for and complete any re-training U Got Stink deems necessary.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before a U Got Stink franchise opens, U Got Stink Franchising, LLC helps by designating the franchisee's territory and providing an initial package of equipment, products, and marketing materials. They also supply a list of required products, signs, and equipment, along with approved suppliers and their quality standards. Franchisees receive a copy of the Confidential Operations Manual and forms for reporting transactions. Initial training, lasting approximately 40 hours, is provided for up to three individuals, including the managing owner or manager, at a location designated by U Got Stink Franchising, LLC. After opening, U Got Stink Franchising, LLC offers ongoing assistance through periodic support for local advertising and marketing. They provide advice and guidance on new operational methods, business procedures, and the use of their manuals and promotional materials. Franchisees also have the opportunity to participate in group purchasing programs for supplies and equipment, and U Got Stink Franchising, LLC continues to issue and modify the system for its franchises while inspecting operations to ensure compliance.
Initial Training Hours
40
Training Location
Vancouver, Washington
Ongoing Support
After opening, U Got Stink Franchising, LLC provides periodic assistance with local advertising and marketing. They offer advice and guidance on new and improved operational methods, business procedures, and the use of the Confidential Operations Manual, management materials, promotional materials, advertising formats, and the Licensed Marks. Franchisees also have the opportunity to participate in group purchasing programs for inventory, supplies, insurance, and equipment. U Got Stink Franchising, LLC continuously issues and modifies the system for its franchises and inspects operations to ensure compliance. Additionally, U Got Stink Franchising, LLC may periodically offer additional training and conventions, which franchisees may be required to attend without an additional training fee. Supplemental training can also be provided upon request for a fee.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
U Got Stink Franchising, LLC defines its franchise territories based on the specific customer market segment being purchased, the density of potential customers, and other factors like population, growth trends, topography, and demographics. Territories are typically sized as a geographic area within a 5 to 50-mile radius for vehicle-focused franchises, or a 5 to 40-mile radius for hotel/motel or commercial/residential building franchises. The exact boundaries are delineated using political and geographic markers such as zip codes, cities, counties, and streets.
Staffing Notes
If the franchisee is a business entity, U Got Stink Franchising, LLC requires one of its owners or a full-time employee to be designated as the 'Manager.' This Manager must oversee the day-to-day operations of the franchise and successfully complete the required training program. If a qualified Manager is not in place, U Got Stink Franchising, LLC can terminate the franchise agreement. Franchisees are responsible for controlling, hiring, firing, directing, and supervising their own employees and contractors, including setting work schedules, paying wages, payroll taxes, and benefits. Employees who handle confidential information must sign non-disclosure agreements. U Got Stink Franchising, LLC does not coordinate employee sharing among franchisees or post job openings for franchise locations.