Express Franchise Ownership
Express Employment Professionals franchise cost and ownership process
Considering an Express staffing franchise? This guide answers common questions about the cost of ownership, including initial investment and startup costs, franchise fee, financial requirements, average sales results, and the ownership process. Find out what it takes to qualify, how much you can expect to invest, and the steps to owning an Express franchise.
Key Takeaways
- The initial franchise investment range of an Express franchise is $131,000 to $287,700.
- The franchise fee is $40K, which is included in the initial investment range.
- Candidates must have a minimum net worth of $250K and access to liquid capital of at least $200K (cash, 401K, business or home equity loan).
- First-year offices average sales: nearly $1M AUV*
- Express is considered a low-cost opportunity compared to other franchise concepts
- Simple, eight-step path to ownership
- Prospective Franchise Owners must meet financial requirements and be willing to actively operate the business on a day-to-day basis
- Financing options and incentives available
Breaking down your total franchise investment
Your initial franchise investment amount includes all of the franchise costs associated with opening an Express office, including initial fees, equipment purchases, real estate expenses and training costs. In addition, Express requires all Franchise Owners to have at least nine months of working capital available at opening, which is also included in the total initial investment amount.
| Type of Expense | Amount | Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $20,000 – $40,000 | One-time |
| Lease and Deposit | $2,500 – $3,500 | Ongoing |
| Leasehold improvements | $5,000 – $15,000 | One-time |
| Utility Deposits | $500 – $700 | One-time |
| Initial Training Cost | $2,500 – $5,000 | One-time |
| Office Supplies | $500 – $1,000 | Ongoing |
| Office Equipment | $2,000 – $4,000 | One-time |
| Computer System Hardware | $10,000 – $17,000 | One-time |
| Furniture and Fixtures | $5,000 – $14,000 | One-time |
| Signage | $5,000 – $6,500 | One-time |
| Insurance | $1,000 – $2,000 | Ongoing |
| Professional Service Fees | $2,000 – $4,000 | One-time |
| Working Capital (nine months) | $75,000 – $175,000 | One-time |
| Total initial investment range | $131,000 to $287,700 | |
Quick answers about Express franchise ownership
Get answers to commonly asked questions about earning potential, profitability, initial investment and business growth.
How much can a new Express Franchise Owner earn?
Franchise Owner earnings vary based on factors such as market conditions, business development efforts, management effectiveness, and other variables. However, according to Item 19 of the Express FDD, first-year offices average nearly $1M in annual sales.
What drives franchise profitability?
The most successful Express offices follow our proven system, focusing on both acquiring new clients and maintaining existing client relationships.
Is Express a low-cost franchise opportunity?
Yes. Express offers a lower initial investment than many other franchise concepts and does not require Franchise Owners to keep inventory on hand. In addition, equipment needs at an Express office are minimal.
How long does it take to start generating revenue?
The ramp-up period for every new Express office varies. Our Franchise Development team works with you to set realistic expectations based on your market and experience.
How to Become an Express Franchise Owner
Express has a simple path to franchise ownership. Our system is designed to make sure that this opportunity is the right fit for you and your goals. It includes meaningful conversations with team members and a visit to our Express International Headquarters. Once you've completed these steps, you'll be an Express Franchise Owner.
The eight steps to Express franchise ownership:
- 1
Fill out and submit the interest form
After we receive your form, one of our Franchise Representatives will contact you.
Submit the Form - 2
Review our virtual brochure
You'll receive a link to download our virtual franchise brochure. It contains valuable information on investment cost, available markets and financial performance.
- 3
Have your introductory call
Talk about your background and qualifications with a Franchise Development Director. We'll discuss how Express fits into your business ownership goals and find out if this opportunity is the right fit for you.
- 4
Financial review
We'll review your financial application and funding plan to ensure you have the resources needed to launch successfully and support your business through the startup phase.
- 5
Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
You'll get access to our official FDD so you can review financial and performance information. We recommend reviewing the FDD with anyone that's important to your decision process, such as an investment partner or legal counsel.
- 6
Connect with other Express Franchise Owners
Gain valuable business insight by talking with existing Franchise Owners about their day-to-day experience. Ask questions about their journey to ownership and find out why they chose Express.
- 7
Attend Discovery Day
Meet with the Express leadership team at our International Headquarters in Oklahoma City. You'll be immersed in our company culture to help confirm that this is the right opportunity for you.
- 8
Sign your franchise agreement
Finalize your agreement and become an official member of the Express Family.
What makes Express a best franchise to invest in?
Express staffing Franchise Owners enjoy a low initial franchise investment and exceptional sales results:
* For territories open more than 60 months, average sales in 2025 were $5,775,277. First-year offices averaged $999,949 in annual sales according to Item 19 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Financing options for new Express Franchise Owners
Purchasing an Express franchise requires a significant investment. Franchise Owners have several options when it comes to funding their new business. The best option for you depends on many factors, including your credit score, the amount of money you have for a loan down payment, and how quickly you'd like your loan funding to pay out.
Common financing options include:
Small Business Association (SBA) loan
An SBA loan is partially guaranteed by the government and often requires a lower down payment. It can be more accessible to first-time business owners. Funding speed is often slower with this type of loan. Interest rates are capped by the SBA and are based on the Prime Rate.
Traditional business loan
A traditional business loan is issued by a private bank or lender. It requires a higher down payment, a strong financial situation and good credit history. This type of loan may fund faster. The interest rate varies based on the market and your risk profile as a borrower.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
A HELOC is a loan taken against your home, using your home as collateral. Advantages include potentially lower interest rates and the flexibility to pay as you go because you can draw funds as you need them. Interest rates on HELOC are often variable, meaning your rate could rise sharply depending on what the market does.
Personal savings and investments
Personal savings or assets (401K, other investment accounts) can be used to fund your franchise purchase instead of taking out a loan.
Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS)
ROBS funding uses your current retirement funds to finance your franchise without incurring the penalties or taxes you would get if you simply withdrew funds from these accounts. You can also use this method to meet the capital requirements for other types of funding, such as an SBA loan.
Alternative funding options
If traditional financing options aren't the right fit, you may be able to partner with a private investor or business partner to help you cover your franchise cost.
Bridge to Ownership Program
This program is designed to help experienced staffing professionals realize their business ownership dream. Qualified staffing industry professionals may be eligible for Express's in-house financing program, with loan options available for both new franchise territories and the purchase of existing Express businesses.
Available franchise discounts and incentives
Express offers the following discounts and incentives to new Franchise Owners:
New Franchise Incentive Program
Earn back $40,000New franchise owners have the opportunity to earn back up to 100% of their initial $40,000 franchise fee by achieving designated sales milestones during their first six months in business.
Veterans Discount
Save $20,000Express offers former military professionals a 50% discount on their franchise fee. Veterans from any of the six U.S. military branches — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force — save $20,000 on their $40,000 franchise fee.
Are you ready for franchise ownership?
Buying a franchise is a significant investment. In order to be ready to own an Express staffing franchise, you should:
Why these Franchise Owners chose Express
Listen as our franchise development team members describe what makes this opportunity unique, and why Express is the best franchise to invest in:
- Path to better work-life balance
- The opportunity to help people in the community find meaningful work
- Outstanding support from headquarters
- A proven system that generates results
Key franchise terms
Understanding the language of franchising is an important step in your research process. As you explore the Express investment opportunity, knowing these terms will help you ask the right questions and give you the confidence you need to make an informed decision.
Net Worth
- The total value of everything you own (assets) minus what you owe (liabilities). Franchisors use net worth to make sure prospective owners have the financial resources needed to support their new business.
Liquid Capital
- Money or assets that you can access quickly, such as cash in a bank account. Franchisors have liquid capital requirements to ensure prospective owners have the funds they need to cover early business expenses.
Average Unit Volume (AUV)
- The average annual revenue generated by a franchise location, typically used to measure overall sales performance across a franchise system.
Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- A legal document that provides prospective Franchise Owners with important information about a franchise opportunity, including costs, fees, obligations and other financial details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is financing available?
Financing is available for qualified prospective franchisees. Get more information by completing our short form or call us at (877) 652-6400.
What is the total franchise investment amount to open an Express office?
Per Item 7 in the 2026 FDD, the estimated initial investment range is $131,000 to $287,700 for a new Express office. The initial investment to purchase a resale office varies by location.
How much is the franchise fee?
The Express franchise fee is $40,000 per location.
How do I evaluate if a staffing franchise is profitable?
Evaluating local job demand, overhead costs, and the potential for recurring client relationships and long-term growth will help you determine if your office can be profitable. One trait that our most successful offices all share is an active, engaged owner with a strong staff who follows the Express system.
What factors influence ROI?
The ROI of an Express franchise is tied directly to sales performance. Our best operators focus on sales and actively work to acquire new clients and retain current accounts.
How much working capital do I need?
We recommend that you have enough capital to cover a minimum of nine months of expenses, ranging from $75,000 to $175,000.
How long does it take to become profitable?
The amount of time your new Express office takes to become profitable varies based on performance and operating costs. According to Item 19 in the Express 2026 FDD, first-year offices averaged nearly $1 million in sales.
What is the average revenue of an Express franchise?
According to our FDD, first-year Express offices averaged nearly $1 million in annual sales. Franchises open over 5 years averaged $5.7M.
How soon can I open my Express office?
Express Franchise Owners are typically able to open in approximately four months.
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Speak with a Franchise Development Director today.