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Preparing to Buy a Franchise: Understanding Franchise Costs and Fees

There are myriad terms in franchising related to common franchise costs and fees. Like any new business, there are one-time startup costs and ongoing recurring costs that you’ll need to understand as you launch and grow your new franchise business. Having a good understanding of “the numbers” will help you determine what types of business you can potentially afford. In this article, we’ll break down the typical costs required to buy and operate a franchise business, and help you understand how to best invest your money. First let’s discuss the big three franchise costs, then explore further.

The Big 3 Franchise Costs

For those considering investing in a franchise business, you need to understand three main categories of costs. These include:

The Franchise Fee

This is the upfront fee charged by franchise companies to grant you a license to operate their business for a defined period of time. This is simply “the cost of admission” to use the franchise company’s brand and business systems. Franchise fees are typically between $25,000 to $50,000 on average.

Plan for These Startup Costs

These are the expenses you’ll incur to get your new business open and operating. Initial investment costs vary widely from franchise to franchise. There are some low-cost franchise businesses you can launch for under $20,000, and others that cost several million dollars to open. Generally, service businesses will cost far less compared to retail or food businesses due to real estate and buildout costs. The average franchise business will cost $150,000, according to Franchise Business Review data.

Recurring Franchise Fees

In addition the franchise fee and your initial startup costs, all franchise companies charge ongoing fees in exchange for a host of benefits you’ll receive as a franchisee. These typically include royalty fees, advertising & marketing fees, technology fees, and more. We’ll break down many of these recurring fees later in the article.

Franchise Candidate Financial Requirements

Most franchisors require that franchise candidates meet certain fiscal requirements. Typically, they set liquidity and net worth minimums, which will vary from brand to brand.

Liquidity

Since it’ll take time to begin turning a profit, most franchisors require that you have a minimum amount of liquid assets (an asset that can easily be converted into cash in a short amount of time) on hand to cover costs that may occur in your first year.

Net Worth

Franchisors want to ensure you’re financially stable enough to take on the risk of entrepreneurship. Just as you’re investing in the brand, the brand is investing in you and needs assurance that you’re a strong candidate for business ownership.

Franchise Preparation Costs

A franchise lawyer and a business accountant are two critical partners you’ll need as you embark on your franchise journey.

Hiring a Franchise Attorney

Legally binding franchising documents are chock full of important details that you may miss without an experienced franchise attorney by your side. A franchise lawyer will help you review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the Franchise Agreement before signing.

Hiring a Business Accountant

Every business owner should hire a trusted accountant who can offer guidance on setting up your books and records, preparing for taxes, determining working capital requirements, and much more.

Building and Construction Costs

These costs may include real estate fees, zoning, contractor, construction, and furnishing fees. Many franchise brands will work with the franchisee to identify the best location for the new franchise. There may also be an option to lease a location, if that is preferred.

Equipment Costs

Equipment costs will vary significantly depending on the concept you invest in. A Kona Ice franchise, for instance, will require that you purchase a Kona Entertainment Vehicle (K.E.V). The 2021 FDD states that the “truck and installed equipment” is $124,500. Office-based concepts may require that you purchase printers, desks, and office supplies while the equipment needed to run a restaurant could come at a significant cost. That’s why some brands like Subway, offer equipment leasing options.

Material Costs

If you’re opening a retail concept, you’ll likely need to purchase your materials to sell. Many brands will offer approved vendors and have bulk purchasing contracts in place. Planning for the cost of goods sold (COGS) is essential to your success.

Additional Franchise Costs

In addition to the costs and fees outlined above, there are additional costs that you may need to consider depending on your franchise investment. You can review all costs and fees in the FDD, in item 21. Although costs and fees may at first feel like a deterrent, it’s important to remember that these are all costs you’ll need to pay if you are starting a business on your own. The difference is that when you invest in a franchise, you have the full support and guidance of the franchisor and the franchisee community, plus the brand recognition of an established business. 

Royalties

Royalties are an ongoing fee typically charged as a percentage of gross revenue. Depending on the franchise agreement, they can be paid weekly or monthly. Royalty fees usually range from 4% to 12% of revenue, although some companies charge a flat monthly royalty fee.

Advertising & Marketing Fees

One of the great allures of a franchise is the brand recognition. Franchise companies spend a lot of time and money marketing their brand to potential customers, which of course should help you as the franchisee. In exchange for this marketing support, you’ll typically pay monthly marketing and advertising fees, which are usually a percentage of your revenue. Common marketing fees range from 2% to 5% of gross revenue.

Other Fees

It’s becoming more common for franchise companies to charge monthly fees for things like technology, software, insurance, additional training, etc. A detailed list of any additional fees charged by the franchise company will be outlined in Item 6 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

It’s important to understand the numerous common terms used in franchising. Also, be aware that each franchise sets its own fee structure which will be clearly defined in Item 5 of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Item 7 of the FDD will include detailed initial investment costs of any franchise. Be sure to read the fine print.

For more insights, trends, and reports on all things franchising, check out the articles in our Resources & Insights section.

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Investment: $217,505 - $481,554 Cash Required: $45,088
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