ZIPS franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The ZIPS franchise fee is $15,000 to $30,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $761,700 to $1,198,000, with about $175,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the ZIPS FDD.
What are the ZIPS franchise fees and investment?
The ZIPS franchise requires a franchise fee of $15,000 to $30,000 and a total initial investment of $761,700 to $1,198,000. 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) | $15,000 to $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $761,700 to $1,198,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $175,000 |
| US locations | 72 |
| Industry | Other Franchise Businesses |
| Headquarters | Savage, Maryland |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Franchising since | 2006 |
How does the ZIPS investment compare with other other franchise businesses franchises?
ZIPS's minimum investment of $761,700 is above the median minimum investment of $119,000 across the 198 other franchise businesses franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 20 of the other 197 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $15,000 compares with an industry median of $39,500.
By minimum investment, ZIPS belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the ZIPS FDD?
Verify six parts of the ZIPS 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 ZIPS 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 ZIPS?
These other franchise businesses franchises have the closest minimum investment to ZIPS:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Go Mini's | $85,000 | $759,024 to $1,247,125 |
| UNITS Moving and Portable Storage | $55,500 to $222,000 | $732,640 to $1,269,400 |
| Johnstone Supply | $72,000 | $808,200 to $3,402,000 |
| Ace Pickleball Club | $60,000 | $817,750 to $2,404,850 |
| Zoom Express Laundry | $50,000 | $687,800 to $1,547,250 |
See every brand in other franchise businesses franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ZIPS franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a ZIPS franchise ranges from $761,700 to $1,198,000, including a franchise fee of $15,000 to $30,000, 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 ZIPS franchise?
ZIPS lists a minimum of about $175,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many ZIPS locations are there?
ZIPS reported 72 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 ZIPS been franchising?
ZIPS started offering franchises in 2006 after the company was founded in 2004.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. ZIPS and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by ZIPS. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.