FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for THE NOW using its latest 2026 FDD coverage.
Based on 2026 FDD · 20 filings in corpus · Latest FDD: 2026
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a THE NOW franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $486K – $849K. Reported owner economics show $164K. 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: $60K franchise fee · 8% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
THE NOW requires a total initial investment of $486K to $849K (midpoint approximately $668K), with an initial franchise fee of $60K. The ongoing fee burden is 8% (6% royalty plus 2% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 15.5%, leaving more margin for the operator.
According to Item 19 of the 2026 FDD, the median revenue for THE NOW locations is $1.4M. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $164K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 24.6% with a payback period of approximately 4.1 years.
THE NOW operates approximately 21 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 0.0% is well below the industry average of approximately 7.2%, indicating strong franchisee financial outcomes.
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.
Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2020-2026). 50 loans across 15 states.
Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.
Everything you need to know about SBA 7(a) franchise loans - eligibility, the SBA Franchise Direc...
Everything franchise buyers need to know about SBA 7(a) and 504 loans: rates, down payments, time...
Data-driven analysis of the highest-risk franchise investments. SBA default rates, declining unit...
Not all FDD items matter equally. This guide ranks the 7 most critical items to review in any Fra...
The SBA lending rules are changing again in 2026. We break down the SBSS sunset for small loans, ...
5 data-driven questions every THE NOW franchise buyer should ask.