Metal Supermarkets Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Metal supplier franchise offering a wide range of metal products, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, catering to both individual customers and businesses.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

14%

Franchise fee

$44,500

Investment

$351,000 - $613,000

Revenue (AUV)

$1,749,000

n.a.

Founded in 1985 by William H. Mair in Mississauga, Ontario, Metal Supermarkets identified a niche market by supplying small quantities of metal without minimum order requirements. This customer-centric approach has propelled the company to become the world's largest small-quantity metal supplier, serving over 250,000 customers across various industries.

Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Metal Supermarkets began franchising in 1987, expanding its footprint across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. As of 2023, the company operates over 125 brick-and-mortar stores, offering a vast selection of metals—including steel, aluminum, copper, and brass—in various shapes and sizes, all cut to customer specifications.

What sets Metal Supermarkets apart is its commitment to speed, variety, and convenience. Customers benefit from immediate access to a wide range of metals, precise cutting services, and no minimum order size, making it an invaluable resource for businesses and individuals alike.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Metal Supermarkets franchise is $351,000 - $613,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$44,500
Equipment, Furnishings and Fixtures	$140,000 - $190,000
Permits, Licenses and Professional Fees	$3,000 - $10,000
Computer System, Software and Telecommunication System	$7,000 - $15,000
Insurance	$4,000 - $7,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training	$5,000 - $10,000
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits	$5,000 - $10,000
Leasehold Improvements	$15,000 - $45,000
Signage	$3,000 - $6,000
Opening Inventory	$50,000 - $90,000
Initial Advertising	$15,000 - $30,000
Real Estate Leasing	$9,000 - $45,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$50,000 - $110,000
TOTAL	$350,500 - $612,500

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$44,500
Equipment, Furnishings and Fixtures	$140,000 - $190,000
Permits, Licenses and Professional Fees	$3,000 - $10,000
Computer System, Software and Telecommunication System	$7,000 - $15,000
Insurance	$4,000 - $7,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training	$5,000 - $10,000
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits	$5,000 - $10,000
Leasehold Improvements	$15,000 - $45,000
Signage	$3,000 - $6,000
Opening Inventory	$50,000 - $90,000
Initial Advertising	$15,000 - $30,000
Real Estate Leasing	$9,000 - $45,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$50,000 - $110,000
TOTAL	$350,500 - $612,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Metal Supermarkets's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Metal Supermarkets had 93 total units in 2025, of which 92 were franchised-owned and 1 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Metal Supermarkets

key competitors in the

Hardware

sector.

Franchise

New

14%

3% - 6%

$351,000

$613,000

$1,749,000

n.a.

Mac Tools

$100K - $200K

820

New

$1,200 per year

$123,000

$347,000

$426,000

n.a.

Cartridge World

$50K - $100K

107

New

-36%

8.00%

$75,000

$107,000

n.a.

Hardware Hank

$200K - $500K

577

New

-4%

n.a.

$307,000

$2,177,000

n.a.

Ace Hardware

$100K - $200K

4645

New

n.a.

$116,000

$1,913,000

$3,378,000

n.a.

Snap-on Tools

$200K - $500K

3201

New

-2%

$152 per month

$222,000

$500,000

$797,000

n.a.

Matco Tools

$100K - $200K

1811

New

n.a.

$108,000

$383,000

$513,000

n.a.

Training

Metal Supermarkets provides comprehensive training for its franchisees to ensure they are well-prepared for operations. This training includes an Initial Training Program designed for the franchisee, the Operating Principal, and the Manager.

This program covers essential topics and must be completed to the franchisor's satisfaction. Additionally, they offer ongoing guidance through their Operations Manual, webinars, and consultations.

They also provide access to an online university featuring courses on customer service, brand meaning, equipment operation, and safety. Furthermore, periodic training programs and updates to operational procedures are made available to franchisees as deemed necessary by the franchisor.

Territory Protection

Metal Supermarkets provides its franchisees with a "Protected Area" to support business operations. This Protected Area is designated in the Franchise Agreement and ensures that no other Metal Supermarkets franchise or company-operated store will be established within it during the agreement's term.

The Protected Area is defined based on geographic and market criteria, such as a sufficient number of manufacturing facilities and potential customers. While the Protected Area offers a degree of exclusivity, Metal Supermarkets retains certain rights outside of this defined region.

The franchise agreement specifies that beyond the Protected Area, the franchisor may operate or establish other businesses, including competitive ones. This framework balances territorial protection for franchisees while allowing flexibility for the franchisor’s overall operations.