Ace Hardware vs RE/MAX Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. RE/MAX runs $37K–$224K. The gap at midpoint: $1.1M.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$1.1M
RE/MAX costs less
RE/MAX
$37K–$224K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | RE/MAX | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $37K–$224K | RE/MAX |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $25,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 0.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 0.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $0 | RE/MAX |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $35K | RE/MAX |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 1.4 yr | RE/MAX |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
RE/MAX Profile
- Category
- real estate
- Total Investment
- $37K–$224K
- Franchise Fee
- $25,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $800K
Bottom Line
RE/MAX costs $1.1M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.