Ace Hardware vs APLUS
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Ace Hardware and APLUS are retail franchises. Ace Hardware requires an investment of $612K – $2.0M while APLUS requires $240K – $2.3M. Ace Hardware has SBA lending data on file with a 13.4% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Ace Hardware A (Strongest tier) and APLUS A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Ace Hardware | APLUS |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $612K – $2.0M | $240K – $2.3M |
| Franchise Fee | $5K | $15K |
| Royalty Rate | No traditional royalty; cooperative model. Annual Brand Assessment = 2% of prior-year purchases from Ace (subsequent years), subject to min $6,270 / max $13,600 (new stores) or min $5,064/$4,500 - max $48,100 (existing stores under Local Lift Max Assessment); initial flat $6,000 (or $12,000 if Q4 activation) | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | N/AOutlet subset | N/ANo Item 19 representation |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 13.4% (863 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 5,250 | 265 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1976 | 1993 |
| FDD Year | N/A | 2025 |
Investment Range
$612K – $2.0M
$240K – $2.3M
Franchise Fee
$5K
$15K
Royalty Rate
No traditional royalty; cooperative model. Annual Brand Assessment = 2% of prior-year purchases from Ace (subsequent years), subject to min $6,270 / max $13,600 (new stores) or min $5,064/$4,500 - max $48,100 (existing stores under Local Lift Max Assessment); initial flat $6,000 (or $12,000 if Q4 activation)
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
N/AOutlet subset
N/ANo Item 19 representation
SBA Charge-Off Rate
13.4% (863 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
5,250
265
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1976
1993
FDD Year
N/A
2025