franchise consultant cost
Most buyers pay nothing for a franchise consultant. The FTC says brokers "often work for franchisors, and are paid only if a sale is made." FranNet answers "Zero," and KLC says consulting is "100% free for investors." CT Acquisitions lists franchisor referral fees of "40% to 50%" of the initial fee. Buyer-paid help runs "$100 to $300 per hour."
Last updated: September 2, 2026
Fee terms
| Source | What | Published fee / rule |
|---|---|---|
| FranNet | Buyer cost | Zero. Working with FranNet is absolutely free |
| KLC Franchise | Buyer cost | 100% free for investors; compensated by the brands |
| CT Acquisitions | Franchisor referral % | typically 40% to 50% of that initial fee |
| CT Acquisitions | On a $50,000 initial fee | $20,000 to $25,000 per closed placement |
| CT Acquisitions | Flat referral (some brands) | $10,000 is common in lower-investment concepts |
| CT Acquisitions | Buyer-paid retainer | flat-fee $5,000 to $25,000 |
| CT Acquisitions / Franchise Genesis | Buyer-paid hourly | $100 to $300 per hour |
| VetMyFranchise | Fee-for-service consultant | $200-$400/hr or $2,500-$7,500 flat |
| FTC Consumer's Guide | Buyer check | Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated |
| FTC Franchise Rule | Waiting period / rule | 16 CFR Part 436; FDD at least 14 days before sign or pay |
The FTC Franchise Rule is 16 CFR Part 436. Receive the FDD at least 14 days before you sign or pay. Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated.
Sources (fetched 2 Sep 2026): FranNet FAQ; KLC Franchise; CT Acquisitions; VetMyFranchise; FTC Consumer's Guide; FTC Franchise Rule.
Related: how do franchise consultants get paid, franchise consultant fees and commission, are franchise consultants worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
franchise consultant cost
Most buyers pay nothing directly. FranNet says "Zero. Working with FranNet is absolutely free," and KLC says consulting is "100% free for investors." Franchisors pay the broker fee on close; CT Acquisitions lists "40% to 50%" of the initial franchise fee.
Who pays franchise consultant commissions?
Franchisors usually pay. FranNet says it receives its "broker fee directly from the franchise," and KLC says "we are compensated by the brands." The FTC tells buyers to "Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated."
How much commission does a franchisor pay a consultant?
CT Acquisitions lists a referral fee "typically 40% to 50%" of the initial franchise fee. On a brand with a "$50,000" initial fee, it lists "$20,000 to $25,000" per closed placement. Some brands pay a flat referral fee around "$10,000."
Do any consultants charge the buyer directly?
A minority do. CT Acquisitions lists flat-fee retainers commonly "$5,000 to $25,000" and hourly "$100 to $300" per hour (Franchise Genesis). VetMyFranchise lists fee-for-service as "$200-$400/hr or $2,500-$7,500 flat."
What FTC rules still apply when you use a consultant?
The FTC Franchise Rule is "16 CFR Part 436." You must receive the FDD "at least 14 days before you are asked to sign" or pay. Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated before sharing finances.