Ace Hardware vs PANDORA
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Ace Hardware and PANDORA are retail franchises. Ace Hardware requires an investment of $612K – $2.0M while PANDORA requires $961K – $1.8M. Ace Hardware discloses average revenue of $3.1M; PANDORA does not report Item 19 data. Ace Hardware has SBA lending data on file with a 13.4% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Ace Hardware A (Strongest tier) and PANDORA B (Above average).
| Metric | Ace Hardware | PANDORA |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | BAbove averageAbove average |
| Investment Range | $612K – $2.0M | $961K – $1.8M |
| Franchise Fee | $5K | N/A |
| 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) | No royalty fee; franchisee revenue model is based on required purchase of all inventory from franchisor |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $3.1M | N/A |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 13.4% (863 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 5,250 | 447 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1976 | 2010 |
| FDD Year | N/A | 2024 |
Investment Range
$612K – $2.0M
$961K – $1.8M
Franchise Fee
$5K
N/A
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)
No royalty fee; franchisee revenue model is based on required purchase of all inventory from franchisor
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$3.1M
N/A
SBA Charge-Off Rate
13.4% (863 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
5,250
447
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1976
2010
FDD Year
N/A
2024