IS THIS AN EXPENSIVE FRANCHISE KIND OF DEAL?  

No. Drysdale's is not a franchise. A franchise costs you a bundle up front and then they continue to take a percentage of everything you earn.  With a franchise, how you do the work how you run the business is spelled out in minute detail.  You have to do everything the franchiser's way, or you might well be in violation of your contract with them. 

While some people actually like being told exactly what to do in every situation, many others would prefer to be taught the overall principles, and then be allowed to utilize their own intelligence and creativity in dealing with day–to-day situations. 

Work is much more enjoyable and gratifying when you are making the key decisions.

With the Drysdale’s  program, I provide you with a good grounding in how to do the technical side of the job, and a lot about the business end of things, but I don't tie your hands. As you gain experience, I'm sure you'll come up with improvements to both our cleaning techniques and our business methods.  I hope you'll be willing to pass these along to other Drysdale's affiliates, so that we can all help each other to succeed.