The franchise fee is just the start. Here's the full picture of what you'll spend to open and the cash you need on hand.
Sticker shock is common, and usually misplaced. The headline franchise fee is only one line in a longer budget.
Where the money goes
Expect to budget for the franchise fee, build-out or equipment, initial inventory, licenses, and three to six months of working capital while you ramp up.
Brands publish an estimated total investment range in Item 7 of the FDD. That range, not the franchise fee, is the number to plan around.
You don't need all of it in cash
Most franchisees finance a chunk of the investment. SBA loans, 401(k) rollovers, and home equity are common paths, you typically need 20-30% as liquid capital and finance the rest.
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