FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Franchising

I’ve looked at a lot of franchises. What makes Aire-Master different?

Aire-Master is an FDA registered manufacturer — we make the core products we use in our service. This sets Aire-Master apart from other commercial hygiene businesses. For the products we don’t make, we have national purchasing power to reduce your cost.

What is Aire-Master’s royalty fee?

Our royalty fee starts at only 5 percent (5.0%) of gross sales and decreases to as low as 3 percent (3.0%) as your business grows. For sales of paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.), the royalty fee is only 2.5 percent (2.5%). Royalties are due on the 15th of each month.

Will I get an exclusive, protected sales territory?

Yes, our franchise boundaries are exclusive and clearly defined. No other Aire-Master franchisee will be allowed to sell or service in your area. We determine franchise territories by population. A new territory typically has a population of 300,000 – 500,000. Many territories still are available for licensing. Some currently licensed territories might also be available for transfer.

What kind of ongoing support do you provide?

Aire-Master excels in support. We have a staff with expertise in all aspects of the business. They’re here to help with any questions or issues you might have.

Few companies in our industry can claim the experience we have at Aire-Master. We’ve been in business since 1958, and franchising since 1976. We still run our own service routes, so we’re out there in the trenches, just like you, facing the same challenges and finding the same opportunities.

Aire-Master franchisees also have access to some of their most valuable resources — each other. We have such great people in our franchise system. They help each other, they encourage each other, they get together for regional meetings, national conferences, and teleconference calls. We also have a great franchise intranet with a discussion forum, product ordering, online training, reports, videos, articles, and tons of resources.

These are the benefits of being part of a system, instead of trying to figure it all out on your own.

Will I have to buy my products and supplies from Aire-Master?

You will be required to purchase the products used in our core services through Aire-Master. We have approved third party vendors for some other products, as well as national buying programs to save you money and time. There is a detailed explanation in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). You can also give us a call any time if you have questions.

How much money do I need?

Aire-Master offers a relatively low required investment on the part of our franchise partners. We look for franchisees who have a net worth of at least $250,000 and can make an initial investment of at least $50,000.

How much does opening an Aire-Master franchise cost?

We can confidently estimate that for opening a brand-new territory, our total startup costs typically fall somewhere between $35,000 and $65,000.

How much money can I make as a franchisee?

While we don’t publish financials in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), you can better understand the business by reading the FDD and talking with our existing franchise owners about what you can expect to make. Early in the process, you will get a complete list of contact information for all franchisees. We encourage you to call as many as you like.

Are there financing options available?

While Aire-Master does not offer financing, there are a number of third-party lenders that can assist in financing your purchase of an Aire-Master franchise.

How long does it take to open an Aire-Master franchise?

Most franchisees start right after they complete training. With Aire-Master, you don’t have to build or open a store; as soon as you receive your first product supply, you can start selling.

Can I sell my Aire-Master franchise?

Yes, we have a transfer process described in the Franchise Agreement. Your buyer will have to go through the approval process, and there is a transfer fee. See the FDD for details.

What kind of training will I receive?

Each new franchisee completes five days of Stinkie University training at Aire-Master headquarters in Nixa, Missouri. The week is packed full of instruction designed to prepare each franchisee to start strong.

In addition to their five days of training at Stinkie University, each new franchisee will receive up to five days of one-on-one field training at their franchise location. Aire-Master’s National Sales Representative will continue the franchisee’s sales training. Together, they will call on a variety of potential customers to help get the franchise off to a great start!

Training doesn’t stop there, though. Aire-Master has a number of ongoing education programs.

In-House Training

  • Introduction to the Aire-Master brand and core services
  • Hands-on product knowledge
  • Field training with sales and service representatives
  • How to sell Aire-Master services and products
  • Target market sales
  • How to solve customers’ problems and build relationships
  • Business setup and planning
  • Invoicing and reporting
  • Graduation, licensing and certification

On-Site Training

  • National Sales Representative with years of experience
  • One-on-one field training
  • Target market sales
  • Core service sales

Continuing Education

  • Monthly news articles
  • Monthly forum postings
  • Monthly regional and sales teleconferences
  • Annual regional meetings (1 day)
  • Annual National Conference (3 days)

Who are Aire-Master’s customers?

Aire-Master is a business-to-business (B2B) service provider. Our customers include restaurants, hotels, retail stores, hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, apartment buildings, fitness and recreation facilities, and many more!

Do I need to have experience in sales to operate an Aire-Master franchise?

In any business there are three important areas: administration, operations, and sales. Aire-Master corporate can assist in the administration and operations functions of the franchise. However, sales are a driving factor for franchise success, and having sales experience is very beneficial for a franchisee. You will be given training and instruction in sales that you will use every day for growth.

Do I need to hire staff right away?

No, you can operate a startup Aire-Master franchise by yourself. However, you will only be able to grow your franchise to a level that works into your available time. Aire-Master will help you discover when the time is right for you to hire staff.

Do I have to live in the same area where I operate my franchise?

Almost always, new franchises are required to live in the area they operate, but depending on distance, exceptions can be explored. Our business is done at our customer locations. Extra time that you spend driving to and from your franchise territory is unproductive and could diminish your potential for success.

What territories are available?

Aire-Master has many unlicensed territories available as well as current franchises that may want to transfer off a portion of their franchise. Once you have completed the Franchise Request for Consideration form you will receive a current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In addition, we will work with you to find an appropriate territory for a franchise.

What type of products are used? Are they environmentally friendly?

Aire-Master operates a manufacturing facility and makes most of the products that are used in the franchise system. We work closely with regulatory agencies and businesses in our ingredients and formulations to make them safe around people, pets, children, and for the environment. Aire-Master products include scent marketing and odor control chemicals, hand soaps and sanitizers, cleaning chemicals, insect control, restroom, and commercial hygiene products.

What is the Aire-Master culture?

Aire-Master is a service-oriented business consisting of franchises that participate through teamwork. We are not a distributor that just drops off products and operates as an isolated business. Our goal is to provide a total solution to our customers that fills their needs and builds long-term relationships. We look for others who are like-minded who want to be part of a nationwide team and brand.

Does receiving the FDD commit me to become a franchise?

Not at all. Franchise laws regulate what information you can receive and when you can receive it. Once you complete a Request for Consideration form you will be sent a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to aid you in your franchise research. Aire-Master is here to help you with the process — and you can stop the process at any time. If you decide not to pursue an Aire-Master franchise, just let us know so we don’t continue to contact you.