| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple / straightforward | $8,000–$10,000 |
| Standard complexity | $85,334–$138,667 |
| Complex / contested | $162,666–$264,333 |
| High-stakes litigation | $300,000+ |
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| Franchise | Total Investment | Franchise Fee |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald's | $1.3M–$2.3M | $45,000 |
| Chick-fil-A | $10,000 (operator model) | $10,000 |
| Subway | $230K–$500K | $15,000 |
| Dunkin' | $530K–$1.8M | $40,000–$90,000 |
| Great Clips | $170K–$400K | $20,000 |
| The UPS Store | $200K–$500K | $29,950 |
Franchise fees are just the beginning — the total investment (buildout, equipment, inventory, working capital) is 5–30x the franchise fee. Ongoing royalties (4–8% of revenue) and marketing fees (2–4%) reduce profits significantly. Before investing, review the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) — Item 19 shows actual franchisee financial performance. Talk to at least 5 existing franchisees about their experience and profitability. The FTC requires franchisors to provide the FDD at least 14 days before you sign anything. The SBA (Small Business Administration) backs franchise loans, making it easier to get financing for established franchise brands than for independent startups.
Franchise costs are driven primarily by complexity and whether the matter is contested. Simple, uncontested matters with clear documentation can often be handled at flat-fee rates. Once disputes arise, costs shift to hourly billing and become much harder to predict.
Geography matters more than most people realize. Attorney rates in New York or San Francisco can be 2–3 times higher than in smaller markets for the same type of work. If your matter does not require a local attorney, hiring outside a major metro can save substantially without sacrificing quality.