Ace Hardware vs Sylvan Learning Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Sylvan Learning runs $73K–$168K. The gap at midpoint: $1.1M.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$1.1M
Sylvan Learning costs less
Sylvan Learning
$73K–$168K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Sylvan Learning | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $73K–$168K | Sylvan Learning |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $24,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 9.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 1.5% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $150K | Sylvan Learning |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $75K | Sylvan Learning |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 5.2 yr | Sylvan Learning |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
Sylvan Learning Profile
- Category
- education
- Total Investment
- $73K–$168K
- Franchise Fee
- $24,000
- Royalty
- 9.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $310K
Bottom Line
Sylvan Learning 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.