Ace Hardware franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Ace Hardware franchise fee is $5,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $603,850 to $2,001,550, with about $190,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Ace Hardware FDD.
What are the Ace Hardware franchise fees and investment?
The Ace Hardware franchise requires a franchise fee of $5,000 and a total initial investment of $603,850 to $2,001,550. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $5,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $603,850 to $2,001,550 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $190,000 |
| US locations | 5,144 |
| Industry | Retail |
| Headquarters | Oak Brook, Illinois |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Franchising since | 1976 |
How does the Ace Hardware investment compare with other retail franchises?
Ace Hardware's minimum investment of $603,850 is above the median minimum investment of $159,700 across the 223 retail franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 14 of the other 222 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $5,000 compares with an industry median of $30,000.
By minimum investment, Ace Hardware belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the Ace Hardware FDD?
Verify six parts of the Ace Hardware Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Ace Hardware discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Ace Hardware?
These retail franchises have the closest minimum investment to Ace Hardware:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Woodcraft | $50,000 | $573,789 to $752,692 |
| Do it Best | $8,500 | $564,500 to $1,342,500 |
| Watermill Express | $75,000 | $662,616 to $962,529 |
| True Value Rental | $2,500 | $543,200 to $981,250 |
| MGM Wine & Spirits | $40,000 to $50,000 | $532,000 to $2,215,000 |
See every brand in retail franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Ace Hardware franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Ace Hardware franchise ranges from $603,850 to $2,001,550, including a franchise fee of $5,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Ace Hardware franchise?
Ace Hardware lists a minimum of about $190,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Ace Hardware locations are there?
Ace Hardware reported 5,144 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Ace Hardware been franchising?
Ace Hardware started offering franchises in 1976 after the company was founded in 1972.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Ace Hardware and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ace Hardware. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.