ServiceMaster Vs. ServPro: Differences Between The Franchises

When disaster strikes and your home or business suffers water, fire, mold, or other damage, your first call is likely to a restoration company. Two of the biggest names in the restoration industry are ServiceMaster and ServPro. But what exactly sets these two franchises apart?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between ServiceMaster and ServPro, from services offered to franchise opportunities. Whether you’re looking to start a restoration business or need help cleaning up after a catastrophe, understanding these two industry leaders is essential.

A Brief Comparison Table

Aspects	ServiceMaster	ServPro
Year Founded	1929	1967
# of Franchises	4,400+ worldwide	1,700+ in US and Canada
Services Offered	Water/fire/mold remediation, cleaning, home inspection, furniture repair, janitorial	Water/fire/mold remediation, cleaning, reconstruction
Franchise Startup Cost	$600K – $1.6 million	$150K – $400K
Franchise Fee	$125,000	$55,000
Royalty Fee	11% of revenue	6% of revenue
Training Program	ServiceMaster University	ServPro training
Customer Satisfaction	Good – 3.7/5 on Google	Excellent – 4.6/5 on Google
Specialization	Broad range of home and business services	Specialists in disaster restoration
Slogan	“The ServiceMaster Clean Promise”	“Like it never happened”

Overview Of ServiceMaster And ServPro

Founded in 1929, ServiceMaster is one of the oldest and largest restoration franchises. Their services include cleaning, disaster recovery, home inspections, furniture repair, and more. They have over 4,400 franchise locations worldwide.

ServPro was founded more recently in 1967. Like ServiceMaster, they focus on restoration, cleanup, and reconstruction after disasters. ServPro has over 1,700 franchises across the United States and Canada.

Both companies market themselves as end-to-end solutions for disaster recovery. They aim to make the restoration process as smooth and efficient as possible for both residential and commercial clients.

Types Of Services Offered

ServiceMaster and ServPro both offer water, fire, mold, and storm damage restoration services. This includes water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, debris cleanup, reconstruction, and more.

However, there are some differences in their service offerings:

• Home Inspections: ServiceMaster conducts home inspections to identify issues before they become major problems. ServPro does not offer inspection services.
• Furniture Repair: ServiceMaster provides furniture and upholstery cleaning and repair. Again, this is not a service offered by ServPro.
• Janitorial Services: ServiceMaster offers ongoing commercial janitorial services. ServPro focuses more on one-time disaster restoration projects.
• Fire/Smoke Restoration: ServPro highlights its expertise in fire and smoke damage cleanup, while this service is less emphasized by ServiceMaster.

So in general, ServiceMaster has a broader range of service offerings beyond just disaster recovery. ServPro focuses more specifically on restoration after fire, water, or storm damage.

Also Read: Comparison Between Jani-King And Jan-Pro

Franchise Opportunities

Both ServiceMaster and ServPro are franchise-based companies. This means entrepreneurs interested in the restoration business can open up local branches of these national chains.

However, there are some key differences in the franchise models:

• Startup Costs: Opening a ServPro franchise is significantly less expensive than a ServiceMaster franchise. The total startup investment for ServPro is estimated at $150,000 to $400,000. For ServiceMaster, it’s $600,000 to $1.6 million.
• Franchise Fees: ServPro’s franchise fee is $55,000 compared to ServiceMaster’s fee of $125,000. The ongoing royalty percentage paid to the parent company is also lower for ServPro at 6% Vs. ServiceMaster’s 11%.
• Territory: ServPro allows smaller exclusive territories than ServiceMaster. This enables them to have many more individual franchises.
• Training: ServiceMaster prides itself on its extensive training program at ServiceMaster University. ServPro’s training may not be quite as robust.

So for entrepreneurs with limited capital, ServPro offers a more affordable franchise opportunity in the restoration industry. But ServiceMaster provides brand recognition, support, and training that mirrors its higher costs.

Also Read: Choose Between Republic Services And Waste Management.

Customer Satisfaction And Reviews

When choosing a restoration service, customer satisfaction and service quality are likely top priorities. Here’s how ServiceMaster and ServPro compare when it comes to customer reviews:

• BBB Ratings: Both companies have A+ ratings with the Better Business Bureau, the highest score available.
• Google Reviews: ServPro has an average 4.6/5 rating on Google based on almost 15,000 reviews. ServiceMaster’s average is slightly lower at 3.7/5 from about 6,300 reviews.
• HomeAdvisor: Similarly, ServPro holds a near perfect 4.9/5 rating on HomeAdvisor while ServiceMaster has 4.5/5 there.

Based on online reviews, customers seem to be slightly happier overall with the service they receive from ServPro compared to ServiceMaster. But both companies still maintain solid reputations and high satisfaction.

Pros And Cons Of ServiceMaster

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key advantages and potential drawbacks of ServiceMaster:

Pros:

• Trusted national brand with 90+ years of experience
• Extensive training program for franchisees
• Broad range of service offerings beyond just restoration
• Good reputation and customer satisfaction ratings

Cons:

• Higher startup and operating costs for franchisees
• Mixed reviews on contractor quality and responsiveness
• More complaints about upselling compared to competitors

Also Read: Comparison Between PayScale And Salary.Com.

Pros And Cons Of ServPro

And some pros and cons for ServPro as well:

Pros:

• Lower startup costs for franchise opportunity
• Excellent customer satisfaction ratings on sites like Google and HomeAdvisor
• Specialized expertise in fire, water, and storm damage restoration
• Large national footprint with over 1,700 locations

Cons:

• Not as long track record as ServiceMaster
• Training may not be as robust
• Does not offer services like home inspection or furniture repair
• Complaints about lack of communication during projects

Key Takeaways: ServiceMaster Vs. ServPro

In summary, when comparing ServiceMaster and ServPro, keep these key differences in mind:

• ServiceMaster has a broader service offering, while ServPro focuses specifically on disaster restoration.
• ServPro provides a more affordable franchise model with lower startup costs.
• ServiceMaster prides itself on extensive franchisee training.
• ServPro tends to have slightly better customer satisfaction ratings overall.
• Both offer proven national brand recognition in the restoration industry.

Determining which is the better fit depends on your specific needs and goals. For comprehensive cleaning and repair, ServiceMaster is hard to beat.

But if you’re looking for an economical franchise opportunity focused on water and fire damage, ServPro has compelling benefits.

Also watch this video of ServPro!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Comparison Between Zoom Drain And Roto-Rooter.

The Verdict

ServiceMaster and ServPro are both leading choices for restoration and cleaning services. To choose between them:

• Consider the specific types of services you need. ServiceMaster offers the most comprehensive menu.
• Factor in costs if you’re interested in franchising. ServPro provides more affordable startup options.
• Check online reviews and ratings to evaluate quality and customer satisfaction.
• Meet with local franchises to get quotes and assess responsiveness.

Also Read: Comparison Between Zep Liquid Heat and Drano

With the right research, you can feel confident picking between these two respected industry giants. And remember, taking action quickly when damage occurs is key to minimizing costs and disruption to your property or business.