At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Kumon | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $67K | $75K |
| Max Investment | $146K | $175K |
| Franchise Fee | $2K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 4.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Kumon | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $350K | $300K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Kumon | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 26,000 | 3,000 |
| Annual Growth | -0.5% | -30.0% |
| Failure Rate | 4.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Kumon | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 67/100 | 67/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Kumon | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 66 | N/A |
| Years Franchising | 46 | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Kumon | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $150K | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $70K | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Kumon | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 3 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 2 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kumon or Chem-Dry a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Kumon has 26,000 total units and a 67/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Chem-Dry has 3,000 total units and a 67/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Kumon franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Kumon franchise requires an initial investment of $67K – $146K. The franchise fee is $2K, with ongoing royalties of 0.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
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.
What is the royalty rate for Kumon vs Chem-Dry?
Kumon's royalty rate is 0.0%. Chem-Dry's royalty rate is 4.0%. That means Kumon has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Kumon or Chem-Dry?
Kumon has 26,000 total units. Chem-Dry has 3,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Kumon or Chem-Dry semi-absentee friendly?
Kumon is typically run as a owner-operator model. Chem-Dry 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.
Related Comparisons
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.
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