Ace Hardware vs European Wax Center Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. European Wax Center runs $370K–$574K. The gap at midpoint: $713K.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$713K
European Wax Center costs less
European Wax Center
$370K–$574K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | European Wax Center | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $370K–$574K | European Wax Center |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $45,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 6.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 4.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $500K | Ace Hardware |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $350K | Ace Hardware |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 11.8 yr | Ace Hardware |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
European Wax Center Profile
- Category
- beauty
- Total Investment
- $370K–$574K
- Franchise Fee
- $45,000
- Royalty
- 6.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $800K
Bottom Line
European Wax Center costs $713K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.