THE COST OF FRANCHISING
If you're considering stepping into business ownership by buying a franchise, one of the most important steps is understanding the financial commitment involved. Franchising is a powerful way to own and operate your own business while leveraging the strength of an established brand—but like any business venture, it requires a well-considered investment of both time and capital.
Transparency - You deserve it!
At Drizzl’d, we’re passionate about doing things the right way. That includes being upfront with prospective franchise partners about what’s involved financially—so they can make informed, confident decisions from day one. While we don’t publish exact figures online, we do provide a clear, detailed breakdown of costs and timelines once you're engaged with us. Our Franchise Information Pack outlines each stage, what you’re paying for, when payments are due, and what you receive in return. No fine print. No confusion.
So, what should you expect when investing in a franchise like Drizzl’d—and what should you look out for when comparing opportunities?
Getting Started: Early-Stage Costs and Commitments
The journey typically begins with an expression of interest and an introductory conversation from one of our team. Once you’ve had time to review the franchise information and are ready to move forward, the first financial step includes a refundable deposit. This is a show of genuine commitment and is held securely in a legal trust account. It gives both parties the confidence to proceed with due diligence and deeper planning. If you choose to continue, this deposit is applied toward your overall franchise fee.
You’ll also incur legal fees, which are a standard part of any franchise transaction. These cover legal advice, contract drafting, and negotiations to ensure the terms of the agreement are fair, transparent, and clearly understood. At this point, you're not locked into anything—you’re simply making sure your rights are protected and you have a solid grasp of the expectations ahead.
The Build Phase: Setting Up Your Store
Once you’re officially onboard, the real excitement begins—location search, store design, and fit-out. This is where the bulk of the investment comes in.
You can expect:
A franchise fee, which gives you the right to operate under the Drizzl’d brand and access to our proven systems and support network.
Specialised equipment purchases, which vary depending on store layout and needs (some of which may need to be imported).
Design and construction costs, which can vary based on your site’s condition, size, and location. Construction costs are generally estimated per square metre, and our team will work with you and experienced builders to provide an accurate forecast.
A rental bond, typically equivalent to three months' rent, paid directly to your property manager.
Working capital, which is highly recommended to help cover operational costs in the initial weeks and months after opening.
All of these costs are carefully itemised and explained in our internal documentation and discussed thoroughly with you before any payments are made. We also offer guidance in budgeting and forecasting, ensuring you’re financially prepared for each stage.
Preparing to Launch: Marketing, Training & Support
As you approach launch, you'll encounter training fees, a marketing fee for your grand opening, and a refundable retention bond held until the end of your franchise term. These ensure you're fully equipped to open with confidence, that your store is marketed effectively from day one, and that your staff is trained to uphold the Drizzl’d standard of service and quality.
This stage is about ensuring everything is in place—not just physically, but operationally. It’s our goal to set you up for a strong opening and ongoing success. That’s why we’ve structured our payment timeline and onboarding support to match each milestone.
What You Should Always Ask Before Buying a Franchise
If you're exploring franchise opportunities—whether with Drizzl’d or elsewhere—it’s important to ask the right questions:
What’s included in the franchise and setup fees?
Are there any hidden costs or variable charges I should know about?
What ongoing fees or royalties are payable, and what do they cover?
How much working capital is recommended beyond initial setup?
How flexible is the model if market conditions change?
Who is the owner? Do they have experiencing in leading teams, running businesses or management? Can I see us working together?
And the most important question in our eyes, what level of involvement is required from the owner? Are you just buying a job or will this opportunity allow me to spend more time where it means this most?
These aren’t just technical questions—they’re key to understanding whether a franchise is a good fit for your lifestyle, goals, and financial situation.
Why Drizzl’d?
What sets Drizzl’d apart is the strength of our tested business model and our commitment to long-term franchise success. We didn’t rush into franchising. We waited, tested, adapted through tough economic conditions, and refined our systems—ensuring we were offering a resilient and scalable model that works even in challenging climates.
Whether you’re a first-time business owner or an experienced operator looking to join a fresh, dynamic brand, Drizzl’d offers a clear path forward. And we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
If you're ready to explore franchising with Drizzl’d, submit your interest today. Our team will reach out to you, answer any initial questions, provide you with a detailed cost breakdown and help guide you through the process from initial enquiry to grand opening.
We look forward to working with you soon!
