Vanguard Cleaning Systems
Vanguard Cleaning Systems, Inc. · reviewed 2026 disclosure data
Researching Vanguard Cleaning Systems franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.
- Franchising since
- 1984 Source: franchise.org
- Headquarters
- San Mateo, CA United States Source: franchise.org
Vanguard Cleaning Systems Inc franchise specializes in commercial cleaning services, operating through a unique business model that focuses on regional master f
Headline figures
Vanguard Cleaning Systems quick facts
- Is Vanguard Cleaning Systems a franchise?
- Yes. Vanguard Cleaning Systems offers franchises through a Franchise Disclosure Document. At the end of 2025, it reported 45 franchised and 6 company-owned outlets (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 45).
- How much does it cost to open a Vanguard Cleaning Systems franchise?
- The Vanguard Cleaning Systems Franchise Disclosure Document reports separate estimated initial investments by format: $164,961–$472,556 for total (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 20); $12,765–$35,700 for total estimated initial investment: $12,765–$35,700 (2025 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 15). These formats are not combined. Each is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
- What is the Vanguard Cleaning Systems initial franchise fee?
- The disclosed initial franchise fee for a standard single unit is $4,000 (2025 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 11). Other fee options (for example multi-unit or conversion) are listed separately in the report. Details
- What ongoing fees does Vanguard Cleaning Systems charge?
- The disclosed ongoing royalty is 5% · percent of Gross Revenue (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 15). Other recurring fees are listed in Item 6. Details
- Does Vanguard Cleaning Systems disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
- Yes. The Vanguard Cleaning Systems FDD includes an Item 19 financial performance representation (2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 42). Figures apply only to the locations and period each one covers. Details
- How many Vanguard Cleaning Systems locations are there?
- The FDD reports 51 outlets at the end of 2025 (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 45). Existing locations do not indicate territory availability. Details
- Is Vanguard Cleaning Systems a good franchise to buy?
- Franopolis does not rate or recommend franchises. From the reviewed FDD: Item 19 includes financial performance figures; check which locations and period they cover; Item 20 lists outlet openings, closures and transfers; Item 6 lists every recurring fee beyond royalty; Item 20 also lists current and former franchisees you can contact. Review the full FDD with a franchise attorney and accountant before deciding.
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
What the disclosures show
- 1Opening costs are estimated at $164,961 – $472,556 in the 2026 FDD (Item 7); several initial fee options apply.
- 2Item 19 covers 6 separate groups: other measures for 43 mixed locations; other measures for 11 mixed locations; other measures for 12 mixed locations; other measures for 43 mixed locations; other measures for 11 mixed locations; other measures for 10 mixed locations. They are not combined.
- 3Outlets grew by 1 in 2025, to 51 (Systemwide, as labeled in the FDD, Item 20).
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
Vanguard Cleaning Systems head-to-head
Closest peers in the same subcategory, side by side from reviewed FDD figures. Not a ranking or recommendation.
Vanguard Cleaning SystemsVS
Jani-King International, Inc.Vanguard Cleaning SystemsVS
Jan-Pro Development of MilwaukeeVanguard Cleaning SystemsVS
Coverall Commercial CleaningVanguard Cleaning SystemsVS
Coverall North America IncCosts · Items 5–7
What does it cost to open?
Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.
Startup Investment — Item 7
Total estimated initial investment
2026 FDD · Item 7 · PDF p. 20
Ongoing Fees — Item 6
Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.
- RoyaltyMain ongoing fee
8 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.
Financial Performance — Item 19
What results are disclosed—and for which locations?
6 separate populations, shown apart. Revenue is not owner income.
Franchised and company-owned locations
Other measures · 43 locations
- Who is counted
- 43 Area Franchise Businesses in the United States
- Period
- Calendar year 2025
- Excluded
- Does not include data from 3 affiliate-operated Area Franchise Businesses.
- Method
- Data was compiled based on monthly royalty reports providing Gross Cash Collected summaries.
Franchised and company-owned locations
Other measures · 11 locations
- Who is counted
- 11 Area Franchise Businesses included in the 1st Quartile
- Period
- 2025, 1st Quartile
- Method
- Quartile refers to the relative performance of Area Franchisors based on Gross Revenues.
Franchised and company-owned locations
Other measures · 12 locations
- Who is counted
- 12 Area Franchise Businesses included in the 4th Quartile
- Period
- 2025, 4th Quartile
- Method
- Quartile refers to the relative performance of Area Franchisors based on Gross Revenues.
Franchised and company-owned locations
Other measures · 43 locations
- Who is counted
- 43 Area Franchise Businesses in the United States; each Area Franchise Business means an entity with one or more master franchise agreements
- Period
- Calendar year 2025
- Excluded
- Does not include data from 3 affiliate-operated Area Franchise Businesses. Two of the Area Franchise Businesses operate under two distinct Master Franchise Agreements for different geographical areas and reported Gross Cash Collected on a consolidated basis.
- Method
- Data was compiled based on monthly royalty reports providing Gross Cash Collected summaries for the applicable month submitted by the 43 Area Franchisor Businesses in operation during the full 12-month period.
Franchised and company-owned locations
Other measures · 11 locations
- Who is counted
- 11 Area Franchise Businesses included in the 3rd Quartile
- Period
- 2024, 3rd Quartile
- Method
- Quartile refers to the relative performance of Area Franchisors based on Gross Revenues.
Franchised and company-owned locations
Other measures · 10 locations
- Who is counted
- 10 Area Franchise Businesses included in the 2nd Quartile
- Period
- 2025, 2nd Quartile
- Method
- Quartile refers to the relative performance of Area Franchisors based on Gross Revenues.
These groups are never combined.
Outlet Changes — Item 20
How has the outlet count changed?
Systemwide, as labeled in the FDD · counts as of Fiscal year end of each year.
2026 FDD · Item 20 · PDF p. 45
Net −10 outlets, 2022–2025
Year-end counts reported in Item 20. The scale starts at zero; the labels between the dots show each year's change. Openings and closures for 2025 haven't been pulled from the Item 20 tables yet, so no turnover or churn is shown.
Questions to investigate
Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.
For the franchisor
Which line items in the 2026 Item 7 estimate ($164,961 – $472,556) vary most by market, and why?
Which initial fee option would apply to my situation, and what conditions or discounts affect it?
Which locations are included in the Item 19 figures, and which were excluded?
Reported units went from 50 to 51 in 2025. How many new units opened, closed or changed hands?
Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?
For current and former owners
How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?
How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?
How do your results compare with the Item 19 figures, and what explains the difference?
What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?
For your advisors
Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.
Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.
Sources & vintage history
Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.
Citations (2026 FDD)
- [1]Estimated initial investment — Item 7 · PDF p. 20
- [2]Item 19 — Franchised and company-owned (43 locations) — other measures — 43 Area Franchise Businesses in the United States · PDF p. 42
- [3]Item 19 — Franchised and company-owned (11 locations) — other measures — 11 Area Franchise Businesses included in the 1st Quartile · PDF p. 42
- [4]Item 19 — Franchised and company-owned (12 locations) — other measures · PDF p. 43
- [5]Item 19 — Franchised and company-owned (43 locations) — other measures — 43 Area Franchise Businesses in the United States; each Area Franchise Business… · PDF p. 42
- [6]Item 19 — Franchised and company-owned (11 locations) — other measures — 11 Area Franchise Businesses included in the 3rd Quartile · PDF p. 43
- [7]Item 19 — Franchised and company-owned (10 locations) — other measures · PDF p. 43
- [8]Outlet counts — Item 20, Table 1 · PDF p. 45
"PDF p." is the page in the PDF file; "printed p." is the number printed on the FDD page. Source document: FDD
Territory & operations
60 addresses in Franopolis's imported location list. Coverage may differ from Item 20 outlet counts.
These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.
Legal & agreement
Bankruptcy disclosure
Initial term
Franchisor financial statements
| Fiscal year | Measure | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | vanguard 2024 cash provided by operating activities: $5,568,051 | $5,568,051 |
| 2024 | vanguard 2024 royalties and fees revenue: $10,606,228 | $10,606,228 |
| 2024 | region 2024 total income from operations: $2,783,932 | $2,783,932 |
| 2024 | region 2024 total liabilities: $1,415,399 | $1,415,399 |
| 2024 | region 2024 total assets: $2,253,068 | $2,253,068 |
| 2024 | vanguard 2024 total stockholder’s equity: $2,951,279 | $2,951,279 |
| 2024 | region 2024 net income: $670,901 | $670,901 |
| 2024 | vanguard 2024 total assets: $4,514,597 | $4,514,597 |
| 2024 | vanguard 2024 total liabilities: $1,563,318 | $1,563,318 |
| 2024 | region 2024 total stockholders’ equity: $837,669 | $837,669 |
| 2024 | vanguard 2024 net income: $6,288,825 | $6,288,825 |
| 2024 | region 2024 cash provided by operating activities: $885,697 | $885,697 |
These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.
What changed from 2025 to 2026
- Estimated initial investment: $12,765 – $35,700 → $164,961 – $472,556
- Franchise fee: $4,000 → $10,000
- System size: 99 → 51 units
SBA-backed loans to franchisees
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Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.
Related research
Brands in the same subcategory first, then the wider industry, ordered by shared business format, overlapping investment range, Item 20 outlet count and search interest. This is not a ranking or recommendation.
Jani-King International, Inc.Jan-Pro Development of MilwaukeeCoverall Commercial CleaningCoverall North America Inc
Jani-King
RoyalHead-to-head comparisons
At a glance
Business history
Owner participation
Territory language
Litigation disclosure
Not reviewed
Bankruptcy disclosure
Agreement term
Reader notes on wording
Our automated check found that these summaries may not match the FDD's exact wording. Read the FDD excerpt itself; it is the authoritative text. Core cost, fee, Item 19 and outlet figures are not affected.
Item 8 · PDF p. 22 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Insurance group-program revenue: None from Area Franchisors purchasing their own coverage through the group program.
“We do not receive any revenue from Subfranchisors that purchase their own coverage through the group insurance program”
Note: Source states no revenue from Subfranchisors, not Area Franchisors.
Item 9 · PDF p. 23 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Key franchisee obligations: Select and maintain an office in the Development Area; complete onboarding and training; pay fees; comply with brand standards; use authorized products/services; maintain insurance; advertise as required; recruit and support subfranchisees; handle billing and collections; maintain records; comply with laws; and manage employees and operations.
“This table lists your principal obligations under the master franchise agreement and other agreements.”
Note: Source introduces the obligations table but excerpt does not clearly state the full extracted list.
Item 21 · PDF p. 92 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2023 total income from operations: $3,124,902
“2024 2023 2022 Total Income From Operations $ 2,783,932 $ 3,124,902 $ 2,734,095”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 107 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2022 net income: $7,102,761
“2023 2022 2024 Net Income $ 6,288,825 $ 5,676,762 $ 7,102,761”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 91 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2022 total assets: $2,746,311
“2024 2023 2022 Total Assets $ 2,253,068 $ 2,369,807 $ 2,746,311”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 92 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2024 total income from operations: $2,783,932
“2024 2023 2022 Total Income From Operations $ 2,783,932 $ 3,124,902 $ 2,734,095”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 106 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2023 total assets: $4,273,389
“2024 2023 2022 $ 4,514,597 $ 4,273,389 $ 3,378,720”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 107 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2023 net income: $5,676,762
“2023 2022 2024 Net Income $ 6,288,825 $ 5,676,762 $ 7,102,761”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 92 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2022 net income: $890,578
“2024 2023 2022 Net Income 670,901 963,612 890,578”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 91 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2024 total liabilities: $1,415,399
“2024 2023 2022 Total Liabilities 1,415,399 1,603,282 1,986,180”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 91 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2024 total assets: $2,253,068
“2024 2023 2022 Total Assets $ 2,253,068 $ 2,369,807 $ 2,746,311”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 92 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2023 net income: $963,612
“2024 2023 2022 Net Income 670,901 963,612 890,578”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 106 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2022 total assets: $3,378,720
“2024 2023 2022 $ 4,514,597 $ 4,273,389 $ 3,378,720”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 106 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2024 total stockholder’s equity: $2,951,279
“2024 2023 2022 Total stockholder’s equity 2,951,279 1,988,863 1,657,543”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 92 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2024 net income: $670,901
“2024 2023 2022 Net Income 670,901 963,612 890,578”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 106 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2024 total assets: $4,514,597
“2024 2023 2022 $ 4,514,597 $ 4,273,389 $ 3,378,720”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 94 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2023 cash provided by operating activities: $977,146
“2024 2023 2022 Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 885,697 $ 977,146 $ 907,833”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 106 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2024 total liabilities: $1,563,318
“2024 2023 2022 Total liabilities 1,563,318 2,284,526 1,721,177”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 91 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2024 total stockholders’ equity: $837,669
“2024 2023 2022 Total stockholders' equity 837,669 766,525 760,131”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 107 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Vanguard 2024 net income: $6,288,825
“2023 2022 2024 Net Income $ 6,288,825 $ 5,676,762 $ 7,102,761”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 94 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2022 cash provided by operating activities: $907,833
“2024 2023 2022 Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 885,697 $ 977,146 $ 907,833”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 91 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2023 total assets: $2,369,807
“2024 2023 2022 Total Assets $ 2,253,068 $ 2,369,807 $ 2,746,311”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 94 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2024 cash provided by operating activities: $885,697
“2024 2023 2022 Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 885,697 $ 977,146 $ 907,833”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Item 21 · PDF p. 92 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Region 2022 total income from operations: $2,734,095
“2024 2023 2022 Total Income From Operations $ 2,783,932 $ 3,124,902 $ 2,734,095”
Note: Supplied quote could not be confirmed on the cited PDF page excerpt.
Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.
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