American Freight franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The American Freight franchise fee is $49,900 and the total initial investment ranges from $518,900 to $966,900, with about $125,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the American Freight FDD.
What are the American Freight franchise fees and investment?
The American Freight franchise requires a franchise fee of $49,900 and a total initial investment of $518,900 to $966,900. 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) | $49,900 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $518,900 to $966,900 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $125,000 |
| US locations | 271 |
| Industry | Retail |
| Headquarters | Delaware, Ohio |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Franchising since | 2020 |
How does the American Freight investment compare with other retail franchises?
American Freight's minimum investment of $518,900 is above the median minimum investment of $159,700 across the 223 retail franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 20 of the other 222 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $49,900 compares with an industry median of $30,000.
By minimum investment, American Freight belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the American Freight FDD?
Verify six parts of the American Freight 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 American Freight 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 American Freight?
These retail franchises have the closest minimum investment to American Freight:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| The Vitamin Shoppe | $39,900 | $528,900 to $976,900 |
| MGM Wine & Spirits | $40,000 to $50,000 | $532,000 to $2,215,000 |
| True Value Rental | $2,500 | $543,200 to $981,250 |
| ColorTyme Rental Store | $35,000 | $479,825 to $708,250 |
| Generator Supercenter | $50,000 | $474,950 to $868,250 |
See every brand in retail franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a American Freight franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a American Freight franchise ranges from $518,900 to $966,900, including a franchise fee of $49,900, 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 American Freight franchise?
American Freight lists a minimum of about $125,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many American Freight locations are there?
American Freight reported 271 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 American Freight been franchising?
American Freight started offering franchises in 2020 after the company was founded in 2020.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. American Freight and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by American Freight. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.