What is the total estimated initial investment range to start an Exit franchise?
Exit Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount | Method of | When Due | To Whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payment | Paid | |||
| Initial Franchise Fee1 | $7,500 - $25,000 | Lump Sum | When you sign the Franchise Agreement | EXIT Realty Upper Midwest1 |
| Training Expenses | $2,500-$5,000 | As Incurred | During Training | Airlines, Hotels and Restaurants |
| Real Property – Leased for | $12,000- | As Billed | Prior to | Landlord |
| 12 Months2 | $50,000 | Opening | ||
| Insurance3 | $2,000-$10,000 | As Billed | As Incurred | Insurance Company |
| Equipment, Fixtures, Other Fixed Assets, Construction, Remodeling Leasehold Improvements & Decorating Costs4 | $10,000- $30,000 | As Billed | As Incurred | Vendors, Lessor |
| Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses & Other Prepaid Expenses5 | $1,500-$5,000 (if applicable) | As Billed | As Incurred | State Authorities |
| Exterior Office Sign | $500-$5,000 | As Billed | As Incurred | Vendors |
| Automobile Lease6 | $4,800-$9,000 | As Billed | As Incurred | Vendors |
| Additional Funds (6 months)7 | $20,000- $70,000 | As Needed | As Incurred | Vendors |
| Total | $60,800- $209,000 |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 15–17)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Exit's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment to open an Exit franchise ranges from $60,800 to $209,000. This total includes several key expenditures that a new franchisee can expect. These include the initial franchise fee, training expenses, real property lease costs, insurance, equipment and fixtures, security and utility deposits, exterior office sign costs, automobile lease expenses, and additional funds for the first six months of operation.
The initial franchise fee ranges from $7,500 to $25,000, payable when signing the Franchise Agreement. Real property leased for 12 months is estimated to cost between $12,000 and $50,000, while insurance costs range from $2,000 to $10,000. Equipment, fixtures, and other fixed assets can range from $10,000 to $30,000. Additional expenses include $1,500 to $5,000 for security deposits, utility deposits, and business licenses, $500 to $5,000 for an exterior office sign, and $4,800 to $9,000 for an automobile lease. Finally, additional funds for the first six months of operation are estimated to be between $20,000 and $70,000.
Prospective franchisees should note that these costs can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, adherence to Exit's methods and procedures, management skills, local economic conditions, and competition. The FDD indicates that these figures are estimates based on the average operating expenses of existing Exit franchisees throughout the United States. It is also important to note that none of the amounts described in Item 7 are refundable from Exit, although refundability from other vendors may vary.