WSI franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The WSI franchise fee is $64,700 to $79,700 and the total initial investment ranges from $82,400 to $95,500, 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 WSI FDD.
What are the WSI franchise fees and investment?
The WSI franchise requires a franchise fee of $64,700 to $79,700 and a total initial investment of $82,400 to $95,500. 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) | $64,700 to $79,700 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $82,400 to $95,500 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $15,000 |
| US locations | 154 |
| Industry | Business Services (Marketing) |
| Headquarters | Not reported |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Franchising since | 1996 |
How does the WSI investment compare with other business services franchises?
WSI's minimum investment of $82,400 is above the median minimum investment of $67,093 across the 220 business services franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 88 of the other 219 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $64,700 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
What should you verify in the WSI FDD?
Verify six parts of the WSI 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 WSI 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 WSI?
These business services franchises have the closest minimum investment to WSI:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Searchpath | $45,200 | $82,660 to $135,550 |
| Minuteman Press | $35,000 to $48,500 | $80,991 to $221,126 |
| Link | $55,000 | $84,200 to $188,500 |
| AdviCoach | $55,000 | $78,740 to $89,490 |
| Enviromerica | $50,000 | $78,700 to $129,900 |
See every brand in business services franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a WSI franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a WSI franchise ranges from $82,400 to $95,500, including a franchise fee of $64,700 to $79,700, 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 WSI franchise?
WSI 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 WSI locations are there?
WSI reported 154 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 WSI been franchising?
WSI started offering franchises in 1996 after the company was founded in 1995.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. WSI and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by WSI. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.