Key Investment Facts
[LAST UPDATED: Jul 2, 2026] · [VERIFIED · FDD]
About Ace Hardware
Cooperative hardware retailer with local neighborhood focus.
Training Program: 2 weeks of initial training included.
Item 19 (Financial Performance Representation): Available — franchisees can view historical earnings data.
Tags: hardware, retail, cooperative, neighborhood
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Investment Overview: Is Ace Hardware Worth It?
Opening a Ace Hardware franchise requires an initial investment in the range of $302K to $2.2M. The initial franchise fee is $5K, which grants you access to the brand, training, and operational systems. Ongoing royalty fees are 0.00% of gross revenue. Ace Hardware operates in the Retail & Services sector and typically requires owner-operator involvement.
As of the most recent disclosure, Ace Hardware has 5,700 total franchise units (5,700 franchised). Recent growth shows 1.50%, which signals steady market presence in the Retail & Services space. The reported failure rate is 2.00%, well below industry averages, suggesting solid franchisee retention. New franchisees receive 2 weeks of initial training to prepare for operations.
Franchisee satisfaction for Ace Hardware is rated 82 out of 100, which is considered strong relative to other Retail & Services franchises. High satisfaction scores often correlate with better support systems, stronger brand recognition, and more predictable unit economics. Ace Hardware provides an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in its FDD, which means prospective franchisees can review historical earnings data before investing. We recommend using our AI Financial Model tool to project personalized returns, and reviewing the full FDD analysis before making any investment decision.
Risk Assessment
Key risk signals from FDD data. Higher score = lower risk. Verify in the franchise's current disclosure document.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ace Hardware
How much does it cost to open a Ace Hardware franchise?
The total initial investment for a Ace Hardware franchise ranges from $302K to $2.2M. This includes the franchise fee of $5K, plus buildout, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Ongoing royalty fees are 0.00% of gross revenue. Always request the current Franchise Disclosure Document for exact, up-to-date figures.
Is Ace Hardware a good franchise to buy in 2026?
Ace Hardware operates in the Retail & Services sector with 5,700 total units. Franchisee satisfaction is rated 82/100, which is above average. Whether it's a good investment depends on your market, capital, and goals. We recommend using our AI Financial Model tool to project personalized returns before making a decision.
Can I run a Ace Hardware franchise as a semi-absentee owner?
Ace Hardware typically operates under a owner-operator model. Owner-operators are expected to be involved in daily management. This hands-on model usually offers more control over operations and customer experience but requires a greater time commitment.
What is the failure rate for Ace Hardware franchises?
The reported failure rate for Ace Hardware is 2.00%, which is below industry averages and suggests strong franchisee retention. Failure rates vary by market and operator experience. Always review Item 20 of the FDD, which discloses franchisee turnover, transfers, and terminations over the past three years.
How does Ace Hardware compare to other Retail & Services franchises?
Ace Hardware competes with other brands in the Retail & Services space. Key differentiators include investment level ($302K to $2.2M), franchisee satisfaction (82/100), and the owner-operator operating model. Use our franchise comparison tool to see side-by-side data against specific competitors.
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