Chem-Dry vs Signal 88 Security: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Home Services Business Services Real Data Not Investment Advice
C

Chem-Dry

Home Services
$75K – $175K
View Full Profile →
VS
S8

Signal 88 Security

Business Services
$50K – $130K
View Full Profile →

At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
Signal 88 Security wins on investment range ($45K less) vs Chem-Dry.
Fee Burden
Chem-Dry wins on royalty rate (2.0% lower) vs Signal 88 Security.
Unit Count
Chem-Dry wins on total units (2,825 more) vs Signal 88 Security.
Satisfaction
Signal 88 Security wins on franchisee satisfaction vs Chem-Dry.

Investment & Fees

Metric Chem-Dry Signal 88 Security
Min Investment $75K $50K
Max Investment $175K $130K
Franchise Fee $25K $30K
Royalty Rate 4.0% 6.0%
Ad Fund Rate N/A N/A

Unit Economics

Metric Chem-Dry Signal 88 Security
Avg Unit Revenue $300K $400K
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric Chem-Dry Signal 88 Security
Total Units 3,000 175
Annual Growth -30.0% N/A
Failure Rate N/A N/A

Franchisee Performance

Metric Chem-Dry Signal 88 Security
Franchisee Satisfaction 67/100 70/100

Track Record

Metric Chem-Dry Signal 88 Security
Years in Business N/A N/A
Years Franchising N/A N/A

Financial Requirements

Metric Chem-Dry Signal 88 Security
Min Net Worth Required N/A N/A
Liquid Capital Required N/A N/A

Operations

Metric Chem-Dry Signal 88 Security
Avg Employees N/A N/A
Training Weeks N/A N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chem-Dry or Signal 88 Security a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Chem-Dry has 3,000 total units and a 67/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Signal 88 Security has 175 total units and a 70/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a Chem-Dry franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Chem-Dry franchise requires an initial investment of $75K – $175K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 4.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a Signal 88 Security franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Signal 88 Security franchise requires an initial investment of $50K – $130K. The franchise fee is $30K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for Chem-Dry vs Signal 88 Security?

Chem-Dry's royalty rate is 4.0%. Signal 88 Security's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Chem-Dry has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — Chem-Dry or Signal 88 Security?

Chem-Dry has 3,000 total units. Signal 88 Security has 175 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is Chem-Dry or Signal 88 Security semi-absentee friendly?

Chem-Dry is typically run as a owner-operator model. Signal 88 Security is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.

Get Personalized AI Matching

See which franchise fits your budget, lifestyle, and goals — not just which has better raw numbers.

Start Free →

Compare Up to 4 Franchises

Our full comparison tool adds personalized fit scores, FDD insights, and territory availability.

Open Comparison Tool