At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Ace Hardware | FASTSIGNS |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $302K | $234K |
| Max Investment | $2.2M | $307K |
| Franchise Fee | $5K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 3.0% | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Ace Hardware | FASTSIGNS |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.2M | $900K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Ace Hardware | FASTSIGNS |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 5,700 | 770 |
| Annual Growth | 1.5% | 2.0% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | 2.5% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Ace Hardware | FASTSIGNS |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 82/100 | 80/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Ace Hardware | FASTSIGNS |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 100 | 38 |
| Years Franchising | 48 | 36 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Ace Hardware | FASTSIGNS |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $400K | $300K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $250K | $100K |
Operations
| Metric | Ace Hardware | FASTSIGNS |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 15 | 8 |
| Training Weeks | 2 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ace Hardware or FASTSIGNS a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Ace Hardware has 5,700 total units and a 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score. FASTSIGNS has 770 total units and a 80/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Ace Hardware franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Ace Hardware franchise requires an initial investment of $302K – $2.2M. The franchise fee is $5K, with ongoing royalties of 0.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a FASTSIGNS franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a FASTSIGNS franchise requires an initial investment of $234K – $307K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Ace Hardware vs FASTSIGNS?
Ace Hardware's royalty rate is 0.0%. FASTSIGNS's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Ace Hardware has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Ace Hardware or FASTSIGNS?
Ace Hardware has 5,700 total units. FASTSIGNS has 770 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Ace Hardware or FASTSIGNS semi-absentee friendly?
Ace Hardware is typically run as a owner-operator model. FASTSIGNS is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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