Buying a franchise is a great way to become a business owner with a bit of a head start. A proven business model is one of the many reasons to choose franchise ownership over starting a business from scratch. However, as with any business, owning a franchise comes with various fees to consider.
Two of the most commonly known costs to owning a franchise are royalty fees and the initial franchise fee. Royalty fees are paid on an ongoing basis, and the initial franchise fee is a one-time upfront payment for rights to the franchise brand.
What is an Initial Franchise Fee?
Again the initial franchise fee is a one-time payment that a franchisee usually makes when signing the Franchise Agreement. In exchange for this fee, the franchisee is given the right to operate a franchise under the established brand. Essentially, it’s a licensing fee that grants the franchisee access to the franchisor’s brand name, business model, support services, and other proprietary elements.
The purpose of the initial franchise fee is to offset expenses such as the franchisee’s start-up costs, initial support for the franchisee, marketing efforts to attract new franchisees, and various corporate expenses.
Item 5 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides essential details regarding the initial fee for that particular franchise. The FDD is a legal document that franchisors in the United States must provide to potential franchisees. It offers comprehensive information about the franchise system so that prospective franchisees can make an informed decision.
How Much is an Initial Franchise Fee?
The exact amount of the initial franchise fee is going to depend on each franchise and its industry. It can be as low as a few thousand dollars, but it’s generally between $10,000-$50,000. Of course, popular franchises might have a much higher fee.
Keep in mind that the franchise fee does not represent the total upfront cost for buying a franchise. Other financial aspects to consider include: liquid capital and net worth requirements, royalty fees, advertising fees, equipment, initial inventory, working capital, employee training, and more. The initial fee is just one aspect of the various expenses that come with starting a franchise.
What Does the Initial Fee Cover?
While the initial franchise fee can vary widely from franchise to franchise, the fee generally covers the following items:
- Initial training
- Selecting a location
- Help with building and training a team of employees
- Support before opening (i.e.helping with the grand opening)
- Marketing assistance / initial advertising
- Building out the franchise location
- Access to suppliers
- Broker’s commission if applicable
- Any other services that help the location get started
Keep in mind that the franchisor is not typically looking to make a huge profit off of the initial franchise fee. Most franchisors will want to at least break even, but there are some franchisors that are willing to lose money on the initial fee in order to gain a new franchisee since they can recoup the costs later through ongoing royalty fees.
What is the Difference Between the Initial Fee & Royalty Fees?
Again, the initial franchise fee is a one-time upfront payment to gain rights to the franchisor’s brand and system. Royalty fees are ongoing payments to the franchisor for their continued support and access to their resources. Another difference is the initial fee is typically a flat fee while royalty fees are usually based on a percentage of the franchisee’s sales.
Interested in Owning a Franchise?
If you want to learn more about buying a franchise, or if you have any questions about the various fees and costs involved, FranNet is here to help. Our expert franchise consultants can provide you with the resources you need to make an informed decision. They will evaluate your personal goals and abilities and match you with the right franchise opportunity. Once you’ve made your decision, our consultants will guide you through the process of becoming a franchise owner from start to finish. Even better, all of their services come at no cost to you! Schedule your free consultation today to get started!