FranchiseBudget

Ace Hardware vs BrightStar Care Franchise Cost 2026

Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. BrightStar Care runs $113K–$232K. The gap at midpoint: $1.0M.

Ace Hardware

$286K–$2.1M

total investment

Investment Difference

$1.0M

BrightStar Care costs less

BrightStar Care

$113K–$232K

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Ace Hardware BrightStar Care Lower Cost
Total Investment $286K–$2.1M $113K–$232K BrightStar Care
Franchise Fee $5,000 $50,000 Ace Hardware
Royalty Rate 0.0% 5.25% Ace Hardware
Ad Fund Fee 0.0% 2.5% Ace Hardware
Net Worth Required $400K $500K Ace Hardware
Liquid Capital $250K $200K BrightStar Care
Est. Break-Even 5.3 yr 1.0 yr BrightStar Care

Ace Hardware Profile

Category
retail
Total Investment
$286K–$2.1M
Franchise Fee
$5,000
Royalty
0.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$2.8M
Full Ace Hardware Cost Breakdown →

BrightStar Care Profile

Category
senior care
Total Investment
$113K–$232K
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Royalty
5.25%
Est. Annual Revenue
$2.0M
Full BrightStar Care Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

BrightStar Care costs $1.0M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.