Is Ace Handyman Services right for you?
Protected Territory
Zip-code based territory sized to up to 100,000 households with performance-based protection provided the franchisee meets minimum annual gross revenue, quality, and response requirements.
Supply Chain Leverage
Mandatory purchasing through the Ace Hardware network delivers preferred pricing on 80-90 percent of ongoing product needs and immediate brand credibility with customers.
Recurring Demand
Residential and commercial repair work creates repeat and referral business in a category that benefits from aging housing stock and limited do-it-yourself capacity.
About Ace Handyman Services
Ace Handyman Services is a franchise system offering handyman, repair, and maintenance services to residential and commercial customers. Founded in 2000 and acquired by Ace Hardware Corporation in 2019, the brand operates under a uniform system that emphasizes quality products, proprietary scheduling technology, and standardized service delivery. As of December 31, 2025, the system included 383 franchised territories and 18 company-owned outlets across 47 states and the District of Columbia.
Franchisees deliver a wide range of home and commercial repair services including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, flooring, landscaping, and miscellaneous maintenance. Operations center on a dispatched model supported by franchisor-provided scheduling software, customer relationship tools, and access to the Ace Hardware supply network. The business model combines field technicians with centralized lead handling and emphasizes consistent service standards across protected territories defined by household count.
Ace Hardware Corporation is our ultimate parent company. It is a retailer-owned cooperative. As of December 31, 2025, there were 5,250 Ace Hardware cooperative locations operating in the United States.
The business model
How a Ace Handyman Services territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
Standard territory of up to 70,000 households carries a $70,000 initial franchise fee. Mini territories up to 35,000 households are available for $35,000.
Ongoing Fees
Royalty is 6 percent of gross revenues with annual minimums. National marketing contribution is 2 percent of gross revenues. Technology fee is currently $599 per month.
Local Marketing Requirement
Franchisees must spend a minimum of $30,000 in the first year, $40,000 in the second year, and $50,000 thereafter on individual marketing, with lower thresholds for Mini businesses.
Total Investment Range
Estimated initial investment for a standard territory ranges from $132,200 to $226,000, inclusive of franchise fee, vehicles, tools, marketing, insurance, and three months of working capital.
Supplier Integration
Franchisees are required to purchase the majority of materials from approved Ace suppliers when competitively priced, supporting cost control and brand consistency.
Territory Performance Standards
Territory protection is conditioned on meeting minimum annual gross revenue targets, Commercial Quality Service Program standards, and timely response to referrals.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$70,000
Total investment range
$132,200 to $226,000
Royalty
6.00% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
2.00% of gross revenue
Founded
2000
Headquarters
Lakewood, CO
Active US franchisees
66
Total US units
113
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial Business Training Program delivered in-person or virtually to the franchisee and up to three additional people within 90 days of signing.
- +Approximately 18-24 hours of on-site training at the franchisee business location within the first 90 days of operation.
- +Operations Manual provided as a reference for system standards and procedures.
- +Suggested marketing plan, materials, and assistance with the initial marketing campaign.
- +Ongoing access to scheduling software, digital tools, best-practice communications, and annual conference (attendance may be required).
- +National and regional advertising support funded by the 2 percent marketing contribution.
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
The franchisor does not provide training on actual field performance of skilled trades such as licensed plumbing or electrical work. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring their technicians hold all required trade licenses and insurance.
Multi-unit growth path
The the financial-performance disclosure presentation separates data for 77 single-territory operators and 77 multi-territory operator groups, indicating that multi-unit ownership is an established path within the system. Multi-unit operators can achieve economies in marketing, technician utilization, and overhead. Development of additional territories is subject to franchisor approval and requires meeting performance standards in existing units before expansion.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA 7(a) Loan
Many franchisees utilize SBA-backed loans for the initial investment. The franchise is eligible for SBA financing; franchisees should confirm current status with lenders.
Equipment & Vehicle Financing
Truck, van, tools, and equipment purchases can often be financed through manufacturer or bank equipment loans, reducing upfront cash requirements.
Home Equity or 401(k) Rollover
Prospective owners frequently use home equity lines of credit or rollover existing retirement funds through a ROBS structure to fund the equity portion of the investment.
Franchisor Guidance
Ace Handyman Services provides information on preferred lenders and financing options during the validation process but does not directly finance franchisees.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Discovery & Validation
Review the filed disclosures, speak with franchisor leadership, and request the financial-performance disclosure substantiation. Complete financial qualification.
Franchise Agreement Signing
Pay initial franchise fee of $70,000 for standard territory or $35,000 for Mini. Territory is mapped by zip codes and household count.
Initial Training
Attend business training program (in-person or virtual) within 90 days of signing. Franchisee and up to three others participate.
Site Setup & Launch Prep
Secure location or home-based office, acquire vehicle and tools, complete initial marketing spend, and obtain licenses and insurance.
On-Site Training & Opening
Receive 18-24 hours of on-site operational training. Launch marketing campaign and begin accepting jobs through the scheduling platform.
First 90 Days
Focus on technician recruiting, job execution, meeting minimum marketing spend, and achieving early revenue ramp under franchisor guidance.
Ongoing Operations
Meet annual minimum gross revenue for territory protection, fulfill local marketing requirements, attend annual conference, and utilize national brand support.
Match assessment
Are you a Ace Handyman Services match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does an Ace Handyman Services franchise cost?
The initial franchise fee is $70,000 for a standard territory of up to 70,000 households. Total estimated initial investment ranges from $132,200 to $226,000, including vehicles, tools, marketing, insurance, and working capital.
What is the royalty and marketing fee for Ace Handyman Services?
The royalty is 6 percent of gross revenues subject to annual minimums. The national marketing fee is 2 percent of gross revenues. Franchisees must also meet separate minimum individual marketing expenditures starting at $30,000 in year one.
Does Ace Handyman Services provide financial performance representations?
Yes. the financial-performance disclosure discloses average and median revenue, gross profit, and owner discretionary income for 309 territories operated by 154 owners open the full year 2025. Data is presented separately for single and multi-territory operators.
Is the Ace Handyman Services territory exclusive?
Territories are protected provided the franchisee meets minimum annual gross revenue, quality, and response standards. The franchisor and affiliates retain rights to sell through alternative channels, national accounts, and other Ace brands inside the territory.
How many Ace Handyman Services locations are there?
As of December 31, 2025 there were 383 franchised territories and 18 company-owned outlets for a total of 401 locations across 47 states and the District of Columbia.
What training and support does Ace Handyman Services offer?
Initial training consists of a business program (in-person or virtual) plus 18-24 hours of on-site training. Ongoing support includes software tools, marketing materials, annual conferences, best-practice sharing, and national advertising funded by the 2 percent contribution.
Does Ace Handyman Services require prior handyman or construction experience?
The franchisor does not require prior trade experience. Franchisees must recruit and retain properly licensed technicians for plumbing, electrical, and other regulated work.
How does Ace Handyman Services compare to other home services franchises?
Ace Handyman Services benefits from affiliation with Ace Hardware Corporation, preferred supplier pricing, and a recognized consumer brand. The model emphasizes a broad service menu and technology-enabled dispatching rather than a single-trade focus.
Can I own multiple Ace Handyman Services territories?
Yes. The system includes a substantial number of multi-territory operators. Additional territories are granted based on performance in existing units and franchisor approval.
What are the minimum annual marketing spend requirements?
Franchisees must spend a minimum of $30,000 in the first full year, $40,000 in the second year, and $50,000 in subsequent years on local marketing. Mini territories have lower thresholds.
Are Ace Handyman Services franchisees required to buy from specific suppliers?
Yes. Franchisees must purchase materials from Ace suppliers when in stock and competitively priced. Approximately 80-90 percent of ongoing product purchases are expected to meet this standard.
What is the typical timeline to open an Ace Handyman Services franchise?
Most franchisees complete training, secure vehicles and tools, and open within 90 to 120 days of signing the franchise agreement, assuming site and permitting requirements are straightforward.
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