FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Ref USA using its latest 2026 FDD coverage.
Based on 2026 FDD · 5 filings in corpus · Latest FDD: 2026
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Ref USA franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $59K – $77K. Reported owner economics show $0. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.
Quick fee read: $35K franchise fee · 20% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
Ref USA requires a total initial investment of $59K to $77K (midpoint approximately $68K), with an initial franchise fee of $35K. The ongoing fee burden is 20% . This is above the industry average of approximately 15.5%, which warrants careful scrutiny of the value delivered for the fees charged.
According to Item 19 of the 2026 FDD, the median revenue for Ref USA locations is $270K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $0, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD.
Ref USA operates approximately 15 franchised units. Unit count is relatively stable with a 0.0% year-over-year change.
Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
Analysis based on 2026 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology
Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.
Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.
Common questions buyers ask about Ref USA, answered from FDD and SBA data.
The total initial investment for a Ref USA franchise ranges from $59K to $77K, according to their Franchise Disclosure Document.
Ref USA charges a 20% royalty fee on gross sales.
The initial franchise fee for Ref USA is $34,500.
There are approximately 15 Ref USA franchise locations as of 2023.
The median revenue for a Ref USA franchise is $270K, with a cash-on-cash return of 0.0%, according to FDD Item 19 data.
SBA loan default rate data for Ref USA is not currently available in the SBA database.
Whether a Ref USA franchise is worth it depends on total startup cost, royalty burden, FDD Item 19 economics, SBA loan performance, and local operator execution. FDDIQ compares these signals against similar franchises so buyers can screen the opportunity before paying for diligence.
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