Payroll Vault Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Payroll Vault provides comprehensive payroll and workforce management services for small to medium-sized businesses, offering customized solutions to meet specific business needs.

Payroll Vault is a boutique-style payroll services franchise founded in 2008 by Sean Manning in Colorado. Headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, the company began franchising in 2012 to expand its client-focused model nationwide.

The franchise offers comprehensive payroll and workforce management services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, including tax filing, HR solutions, and timekeeping.

What sets Payroll Vault apart from larger competitors like ADP and Paychex is its personalized, community-oriented approach.

Franchisees are encouraged to become deeply involved in their local business and social communities, fostering strong relationships and trust with clients. This emphasis on local engagement and customer service has contributed to high franchisee satisfaction and a strong brand reputation.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
IFF $68,500 – $88,500
Rent $0 – $800
Rental Improvements $0 – $400
Deposits $0 – $1,000
American Payroll Association Training Fee $0 – $1,810
Training Expenses $0
Computer System $225 – $1,225
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Phone Lines $150 – $650
Technology Startup Fee $1,500
Insurance and Professional Services $4,000 – $6,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $3,000 – $10,000
TOTAL $77,375 – $111,885
Type of Expenditure Amount
IFF $68,500 – $88,500
Rent $0 – $800
Rental Improvements $0 – $400
Deposits $0 – $1,000
American Payroll Association Training Fee $0 – $1,810
Training Expenses $0
Computer System $225 – $1,225
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Phone Lines $150 – $650
Technology Startup Fee $1,500
Insurance and Professional Services $4,000 – $6,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $3,000 – $10,000
TOTAL $77,375 – $111,885

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Payroll Vault

key competitors in the

Staffing

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

54

New
+
-2%
-2%

$68,500

$77,000

$112,000

n.a.

$188,000

$xxx,xxx

87.0%

xx%

n.a.

45.3%

xx%

n.a.

Access the most comprehensive franchise database

For franchisees

Find the best franchises to invest into

For franchisors

Compare your brand to competitors

Upgrade to Pro to get access to:
Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

?

Profit margin

?

Franchise Disclosure Documents
Advanced filtering and sorting
Watchlist

?

Priority support

?

See our plans

A comprehensive and transparent look at franchising finances. The inclusion of profit margins and disclosure documents offers insights you can’t find elsewhere. Essential for anyone considering a franchise investment.

Darren M.

Franchisee

Been waiting for years for this. All the most important franchises and their latest Franchise Documents to download. The team also updates the franchises very quickly.

Emily V.

Franchisee

Number of units

Training

Payroll Vault provides a comprehensive training program for franchisees to ensure effective business operations:

  1. Franchisee Training Program: This foundational training is conducted entirely online and includes three days of instruction. Day 1 focuses on the company’s mission, industry overview, competition, and administrative services. Day 2 covers sales and marketing. Day 3 addresses operations, software usage, and hiring and management practices.
  2. Payroll Software Training: Franchisees or their designated Principal Operators must complete approximately 32 hours of recorded online training provided by iSolved, Payroll Vault’s payroll software partner. This training includes both instruction and testing and must be completed before the business opens.
  3. APA Training: As part of the preparation for launching the franchise, franchisees must complete training from the American Payroll Association. Prior APA membership may fulfill this requirement, otherwise a new membership and completion of the training is necessary.
  4. Additional Training and Support: After the initial 12 months of operation, franchisees can request—or may be required—to undergo additional training. This includes extra software instruction or support for maintaining operational standards. These sessions may be delivered online, at the franchisee's location, or at the franchisor's headquarters, with associated costs covered by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Payroll Vault does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. While a franchisee is assigned a defined territory, the franchisor explicitly states that it may permit other franchisees, company-owned businesses, or affiliates to operate within that same territory.

This means franchisees could face competition from other Payroll Vault entities even within their designated area. Additionally, Payroll Vault's marketing efforts, including online and social media campaigns, are designed to attract potential clients nationally without regard to specific territories.

If an inbound lead does not request a specific franchisee, the lead is directed based on location, but this does not preclude overlapping efforts. Therefore, the lack of exclusivity in territorial rights could affect a franchisee's ability to control client acquisition within their area.

Competitors

SI Staffing

SI Staffing is a staffing agency franchise offering workforce solutions in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and administrative support.

Franchisees

?

1
+
-75%
-75%
Investment

?

$75,000 - $132,000

All Medsearch

All MedSearch is a healthcare recruitment franchise that connects medical professionals with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations in need of qualified staff.

Franchisees

?

12
+
71%
71%
Investment

?

$67,000 - $83,000

Payroll Vault

Payroll Vault provides comprehensive payroll and workforce management services for small to medium-sized businesses, offering customized solutions to meet specific business needs.

Franchisees

?

54
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$77,000 - $112,000

Spherion

Spherion offers staffing and workforce solutions, connecting job seekers with temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire job opportunities across various industries.

Franchisees

?

209
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$214,000 - $343,000

Snelling

Snelling is a staffing and recruitment franchise offering workforce solutions for businesses, connecting employers with qualified candidates for various industries.

Franchisees

?

76
+
660%
660%
Investment

?

$45,000 - $146,000

Sanford Rose Associates

Sanford Rose Associates is a leading executive search firm, providing tailored recruitment solutions to help businesses identify and hire top talent for executive-level positions across various industries.

Franchisees

?

182
+
16%
16%
Investment

?

$11,000 - $15,000