Cartridge World franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Cartridge World franchise fee is $50,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $75,150 to $106,800, with about $15,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Cartridge World FDD.
What are the Cartridge World franchise fees and investment?
The Cartridge World franchise requires a franchise fee of $50,000 and a total initial investment of $75,150 to $106,800. 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) | $50,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $75,150 to $106,800 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $15,000 |
| US locations | 111 |
| Industry | Retail |
| Headquarters | Davidson, North Carolina |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Franchising since | 1997 |
How does the Cartridge World investment compare with other retail franchises?
Cartridge World's minimum investment of $75,150 is at or below the median minimum investment of $159,700 across the 223 retail franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 174 of the other 222 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $50,000 compares with an industry median of $30,000.
What should you verify in the Cartridge World FDD?
Verify six parts of the Cartridge World 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 Cartridge World 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 Cartridge World?
These retail franchises have the closest minimum investment to Cartridge World:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Eufloria | $90,000 | $75,685 to $184,065 |
| Get Locksmith | $10,000 | $76,750 to $148,600 |
| BiltRite | $24,900 to $31,900 | $73,500 to $111,800 |
| Avni Farms | $50,000 | $77,000 to $222,300 |
| Staymobile | $20,000 to $35,000 | $72,500 to $169,000 |
See every brand in retail franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Cartridge World franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Cartridge World franchise ranges from $75,150 to $106,800, including a franchise fee of $50,000, 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 Cartridge World franchise?
Cartridge World lists a minimum of about $15,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Cartridge World locations are there?
Cartridge World reported 111 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 Cartridge World been franchising?
Cartridge World started offering franchises in 1997 after the company was founded in 1988.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Cartridge World and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cartridge World. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.