Ace Hardware vs Keller Williams Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Keller Williams runs $183K–$336K. The gap at midpoint: $925K.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$925K
Keller Williams costs less
Keller Williams
$183K–$336K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Keller Williams | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $183K–$336K | Keller Williams |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $35,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 6.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 0.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $0 | Keller Williams |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $150K | Keller Williams |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 3.6 yr | Keller Williams |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
Keller Williams Profile
- Category
- real estate
- Total Investment
- $183K–$336K
- Franchise Fee
- $35,000
- Royalty
- 6.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $1.2M
Bottom Line
Keller Williams costs $925K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.