Purchasing a franchise is a big investment, in both time and money. Initial investment costs are often one of the main determining factors when deciding which opportunity is best for you. We understand the weight of this investment and want to walk you through the fees and start up costs associated with owning a U.S. Lawns franchise to help you make an informed decision.
We offer everything you need to get your business up and ready, positioned for success. With more than 35 years in the industry we know what it takes to build a sustainable commercial landscape business. While there is no guarantee that you won’t run into any unexpected costs, our expertise means you can be confident that we have thought about just about everything you’ll need to get your business up and running.
So, let’s break down some of the costs that make up your initial investment and what they cover. We will also look at some of the variables that will change that cost depending on your individual situation. For a more in depth and detailed list of startup costs, schedule a call with our franchise representative today.
Initial Franchise Fee
This onetime fee grants you the right to use the U.S. Lawns name, brand, and business system, as well as access to our training, support programs and team of experts. The franchise fee for a standard franchise is $34,000. If you are a veteran, we offer a $5,000 savings on this fee. For conversion candidates this fee is $24,000-$29,000, depending on the size of the business you are converting. For standard franchises, U.S. Lawns offers internal financing up to 70% of the franchise fee and up to 80% for veterans and conversion candidates.
Training Expenses
Our thorough preopening classroom training occurs at our headquarters in Orlando, Florida and is followed up by field training in your local market. This is where you will learn everything you need to know to run the day to day of your franchise. While there is no fee for your initial training, you will incur travel, lodging, meals and other incidental expenses during this two to three -day stay. Depending upon how you run your business, you may have additional people attend training, which will affect your costs. These expenses typically run between $2,000 and $4,000.
Operating Expenses and Additional Funds
Operating expenses are going to vary greatly depending upon your business model. If you are starting your business from the ground up, you will need to lease a truck and trailer, purchase or lease equipment, tools, and office supplies. You might also need to rent a place to store the equipment. If you are converting your existing business these costs will be considerably lower as you will already have much of the equipment in place. If you are hiring a manager to run your business for you, you will also have to factor their salary into your operating expenses. We also recommend that every new owner sets aside at least three months of operating costs to help them start out on solid ground, not allowing insufficient capital to hinder your start up period. Our team has determined that the budget for your 3-month operating expenses will range between $8,800 to $20,000.
Adding up all the costs, a typical standard initial investment in a U.S. Lawns owner operator franchise ranges between $59,500 and $108,600. A semi-absentee franchise model, where you can hire a manager ranges from $112,700 to $192,600. And an existing business conversion runs from $40,800 to $98,600. Veterans will receive $5,000 off those amounts. You will also need a minimum credit score of 650. Lastly, you should be prepared to cover personal living expenses through reserve capital or alternative sources of income for the first six to 12 months of operation.
Remember, starting any business has its costs. However, the benefits of owning a U.S. Lawns franchise can be significant. By joining our team, you are joining a well-established brand with a proven business model, with a support team dedicated you helping you build a business, quickly and sustainably. As a U.S. Lawns franchisee, you will have access to our extensive training and support programs, which are designed to help you succeed. This includes everything from marketing and advertising support to training in the latest landscaping techniques and equipment. Furthermore, U.S. Lawns strong reputation and brand recognition can help you attract customers and establish your business in your community. With the U.S. Lawns name and brand behind you, you can be sure that you are providing your customers with the highest quality landscaping services. By joining the U.S. Lawns team, you can be on your way to owning a successful and profitable business.
After considering the costs and the value proposition behind it, we would be happy to answer any questions that you might have about the initial investment. Making the decision to invest is monumental, and we want to provide you with all the information you need to make the choice that is best for you. To learn more or join an informational webinar, contact us today to start your journey to business ownership.