Q. What type of franchise is available?
A. Merit Franchising, LLC offers you the opportunity to establish and operate a commercial painting business providing interior and exterior painting, wallcovering, staining and other specialty wood finishes, water-proofing, specialty caulking, traffic coatings, epoxy coatings and other related services to commercial customers. Most customers are General Contractors.
Q. How much does the franchise cost?
A. A start up franchise is $40,000.00 and a conversion franchise is $10,000.00.
Q. How much is the fee for continuing support services?
A. The continuing services, or “royalty fee,” is 6% of your gross sales and is paid weekly. This fee entitles you to use the MERIT PROFESSIONAL COATINGS service mark, use of our distinctive systems, marketing assistance, ongoing business development and counseling, and other benefits that come with being a Merit Professional Coatings franchisee. Conversion franchises start at 2% and increase based upon sales volume and growth.
Q. Will I have an exclusive territory?
A. Merit Franchising, LLC does not grant you an exclusive territory. However, we do grant you an “Area of Primary Responsibility” that is large enough to easily support your franchise. Very few markets in the U.S. are large enough to support more than one Merit franchise.
Q. What about advertising?
A. The MERIT PROFESSIONAL COATINGS name and reputation is an important part of our business. You will spend 2% of gross sales per month on local advertising and marketing. Most of your marketing will be in the form of memberships to local trade organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, and civic groups such as Kiwanis and Rotary.
Q. How much training is provided in the Merit Professional Coatings system?
A. You will participate in an initial 4 week training course in Tampa. The initial program will focus on all aspects of the Merit Professional Coatings franchise system while providing on-the-job training. You will be immersed in every aspect of our operation in Tampa. Prior to opening your franchise we will spend 3 to 5 days with you at your location. Conversion franchises vary based upon the condition of your existing business.
Q. What is the term of the Merit Franchising, LLC Franchise Agreement?
A. The initial term of the Franchise Agreement is five years from the date the Franchise Agreement is signed. The franchise is renewable for four additional terms of five years each, providing you have complied with the provisions of the Franchise Agreement. Conversion franchises vary based upon the condition of your existing business.
