What is the estimated maximum total initial investment for an Aerus Standard Program?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ASSOCIATE PROGRAMS)**
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Cost – Standard Program | Estimated Cost – Associate Program | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be made | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Initial Franchise(1) Fee | $3,000 | $1,000 | Lump Sum | At Signing of Franchise Agreement | Us | | Beyond Addendum(2) | $0 to $100 | $0 to $100 | Lump Sum | As Arranged | Us | | Fee | | | | | | | Leasehold | $0 to $15,000 | $0 to $5,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Other Suppliers; | | Improvements(3) | | | | | Contractors | | Furniture Fixtures | $2,500 to | $2,000 to | As Arranged | As Arranged | Us, our affiliate or | | and Equipment(4) | $15,000 | $5,000 | | | Other Suppliers | | Vehicle(5) | $0 to $8,440 | $0 to $8,440 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Suppliers | | Initial Inventory (supplies, consigned products, spare parts, etc.)(6) | $15,000 to $90,000 | $5,000 to $20,000 | Lump Sum and As Arranged | Upon Placement of Order and As Arranged | Us, our affiliate, or Other Suppliers | | Pre-Opening Training | $1,000 to | $1,000 to | As Arranged | As Arranged | Airline, Hotel, | | Expenses(7) | $7,000 | $7,000 | | | Restaurants, etc. | | Supplies (stationary, | $100 to $600 | $100 to $600 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Suppliers | | business cards, etc.) | | | | | | | (for 3 months) | | | | | | | Permits & Licenses | $50 to $200 | $50 to $200 | Lump Sum | As Arranged | Licensing Authorities | | Insurance deposits and Premiums (for first year)(8) | $1,500 to $2,000 | $1,500 to $2,000 | Lump Sum | As Arranged | Insurers | | Architect Fees | $0 to $5,000 | $0 to $2,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Architect | | Other Professional | $500 to $1,000 | $500 to $1,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Attorneys, | | Fees | | | | | Accountants, etc. | | Site Lease (for | $500 to $10,000 | $500 to $3,000 | Lump Sum | Monthly | Landlord | | 3 months)(9) | | | | | | | Utility Deposits | $350 to $450 | $350 to $450 | Lump Sum | As Arranged | Utility Companies | | Advertising and | $0 to $5,000 | $0 to $2,500 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Suppliers, Media, | | Promotion | | | | | etc. | | Type of Expenditure | Estimated Cost – Standard Program | Estimated Cost – Associate Program | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be made | |------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------|-------------|-------------------------------------| | Signage | $1,000 to $5,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 | As Incurred | As Incurred | Signage Suppliers | | Additional Funds | $5,000 to | $3,000 to | As Incurred | As Incurred | Employees, | | (3 months)(10) | $50,000 | $10,000 | | | Suppliers | | Goodwill(11) | $0 to $200,000 | $0 to $25,000 | Lump Sum | At Close | Us and Our affiliates | | TOTALS | $30,500 to $417,790 | $16,000 to $95,790 | | | | Notes: Your estimated initial investment will vary depending upon if you choose the Standard Program or the Associate Program.
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 27–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated total initial investment for a Standard Program ranges from $30,500 to $417,790. This broad range accounts for the variability in costs such as leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and goodwill. These costs can fluctuate significantly based on location, the size of the premises, and whether a franchisee purchases an existing Aerus business.
The initial investment includes several key components. Franchisees must pay an initial franchise fee of $3,000. Other potential costs include leasehold improvements, which can range from $0 to $15,000, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment, estimated between $2,500 and $15,000. The initial inventory, including supplies, consigned products, and spare parts, represents a significant portion of the investment, ranging from $15,000 to $90,000. Additionally, pre-opening training expenses can amount to $1,000 to $7,000.
Other notable expenses include site leases for three months, estimated between $500 and $10,000, and additional funds for three months, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, to cover expenses like labor and supplies. A potential goodwill expenditure could add $0 to $200,000 if purchasing an existing Aerus business. These figures highlight the importance of carefully assessing all potential costs and planning for sufficient working capital during the initial months of operation.
Prospective franchisees should conduct thorough market research and consult with experienced Aerus franchisees to refine their initial investment estimates. Understanding the factors that drive cost variations, such as leasehold improvements and inventory levels, is crucial for developing a realistic financial plan. Additionally, franchisees should consider the potential for financing options, particularly for the initial franchise fee or the purchase of an existing business, as detailed in Item 10 of the FDD.