Rent-to-own retail franchise providing furniture, appliances, electronics, and other household goods on a flexible rental basis, catering to customers' short-term needs.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
385
+
-4%
-4%
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$350,000 - $701,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Rent-A-Center is a leading rent-to-own retailer specializing in furniture, electronics, appliances, and computers. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1980, the company is now headquartered in Plano, Texas.
It began franchising in 2013 and has since expanded to over 2,000 company-owned stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, along with approximately 400 franchise locations.
The franchise offers customers brand-name products like Ashley Furniture, Whirlpool appliances, and Samsung electronics under flexible lease-to-own agreements. With no long-term obligations, customers can enjoy benefits such as same-day delivery, early purchase discounts, and a Worry-Free Guarantee.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Rent-A-Center franchise is
$350,000 - $701,000.
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
Franchise Fee
$35,000
General Contractor Costs
$74,000 - $275,000
Real Estate
$3,500 - $13,875
Soft Costs
$5,000 - $15,000
Furniture, Fixture & Equipment Costs
$16,550 - $35,000
Delivery Vehicle
$2,000 - $5,000
Insurance
$1,000 - $1,500
Outdoor Signage
$7,800 - $25,000
Training
$1,000 - $2,500
Employee Training Platform
$125 - $140
Computer Installation and Training
$5,000 - $10,000
IT & Telecommunications Costs
$4,000 - $12,000
Loss Prevention Costs
$5,000 - $20,000
Opening Promotion and Initial Advertising
$15,000 - $25,000
Security and Utility Deposits
$5,000 - $9,000
Additional Funds for First 12 Months
$95,000 - $130,000
Inventory Expenses
$74,700 - $87,150
Total
$349,675 - $701,165
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$35,000
General Contractor Costs
$74,000 - $275,000
Real Estate
$3,500 - $13,875
Soft Costs
$5,000 - $15,000
Furniture, Fixture & Equipment Costs
$16,550 - $35,000
Delivery Vehicle
$2,000 - $5,000
Insurance
$1,000 - $1,500
Outdoor Signage
$7,800 - $25,000
Training
$1,000 - $2,500
Employee Training Platform
$125 - $140
Computer Installation and Training
$5,000 - $10,000
IT & Telecommunications Costs
$4,000 - $12,000
Loss Prevention Costs
$5,000 - $20,000
Opening Promotion and Initial Advertising
$15,000 - $25,000
Security and Utility Deposits
$5,000 - $9,000
Additional Funds for First 12 Months
$95,000 - $130,000
Inventory Expenses
$74,700 - $87,150
Total
$349,675 - $701,165
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Rent-A-Center's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Rent-A-Center had 2167 total units in 2024, of which 385 were franchised-owned and 1782 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Rent-A-Center franchise is 5.50%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 3% + $1,050 per month.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Rent-A-Center franchise is $350,000 - $701,000. 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.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Rent-A-Center franchise is $35,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
Rent-A-Center provides a structured training program to ensure franchisees and their managers are equipped to run operations effectively. The training includes various mandatory and optional components tailored to experience levels and operational needs. The following outlines the key training programs:
Initial Training Program: Franchisees and their managers must complete an initial training program unless the franchisor deems it unnecessary due to prior experience. The franchisor provides instructors, facilities, and training materials, while franchisees bear the costs for travel, lodging, and other expenses.
Ongoing Training and National Convention: Franchisees must attend any additional mandatory training programs designated by the franchisor, including an annual National Convention. One representative with ownership in the franchise is required to attend, and all related expenses must be covered by the franchisee.
Employee Training: Franchisees are responsible for training and retraining other employees as they deem necessary. If new managers are hired later, they may also be required to complete the initial training at the franchisee’s expense.
Optional Additional Training: If requested and approved, franchisees can receive additional training from the franchisor. However, all costs associated with this extra training must be paid by the franchisee.
Territory Protection
Rent-A-Center grants franchisees a Protected Territory around their store, within which it won’t authorize another Rent-A-Center store using the same marks. However, this protection is non-exclusive. The franchisor may operate or license other businesses, even similar ones, under different names within the same area.
Franchisees are not guaranteed rights to expand or acquire nearby locations, and no compensation is offered if the franchisor sells in the territory through other means, including online. If Rent-A-Center acquires a competitor in the territory, the franchisee may be given a limited option to purchase that store.