Painter1 franchise unit economics
Painter1 franchisees sell residential and commercial painting jobs from a home office and usually have the work done by painting contractors in their territory.
Painter1 in the news
- Painter1 Franchise Disclosure Document, registered October 16, 2026 · Minnesota Department of Commerce ·
The Painter1 headline above is the publisher's own and links to the publisher. Averan Advisors checked this Painter1 link on 11 October 2026. Franchise news lists news on 95 brands, including Painter1. Painter1 is in the Painting franchise guide.
Painter1 franchise at a glance
Painter1’s Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales by month for 40 franchise outlets, with the average and median, and estimates, estimates sold and closing rates for 46 outlets, and no costs or profit.
Painter1’s 40 franchise outlets that operated at least six months of 2025 averaged $430,490 of gross sales, with a median of $329,416, according to Item 19 of Painter1’s 2026 FDD, issued 24 April 2026. Fees paid to Painter1 come to about 7.81%* of the average. A Painter1 franchise costs $80,270 to $168,380 to open.
- A Painter1 franchise costs $80,270 to $168,380 to open, including the $54,500 initial franchise fee, according to the 2026 FDD.
- Painter1 charges a royalty of 7% of monthly Gross Sales, with a $700 monthly minimum from the first month after initial training.
- Painter1 also charges a bookkeeping services fee of $250 a month and an annual convention fee of up to $500.
- Painter1 requires its designated administrative services vendor, at $1,667 to $4,500 a month, for at least the first 12 months of operation.
- Seventeen of the 40 Painter1 outlets (43%) reached the average, and Painter1 outlets ranged from $48,027 to $1,776,517.
- Painter1 franchisees averaged 218 estimates in 2025 and sold 89 of them, an average closing rate of 41% across 46 outlets.
- Painter1 had 45 franchised outlets and no company-owned outlets at the end of 2025, up from 36 at the start of 2023, with 1 signed franchise not yet open.
These figures come from Painter1's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, as the brand reported them, and were read by Averan Advisors.
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Talk to Averan → Move your books and accounting to Averan →- The 40 Painter1 outlets averaged $430,490 of gross sales in 2025, and the median was $329,416. Seventeen of the 40 Painter1 outlets (43%) reached the average. Painter1 outlets ranged from $48,027 to $1,776,517.
- The ten highest Painter1 outlets averaged $930,382* and the ten lowest $104,522*. The ten highest Painter1 outlets produced 54.0%* of the $17,219,611* that the 40 outlets sold in 2025. Fourteen Painter1 outlets sold more than $500,000.
- July was the highest Painter1 sales month of 2025 and January the lowest. The 38 Painter1 outlets open all year sold $1,847,207* in July, 10.9%* of their year, and $760,661* in January, 4.5%*.
- Painter1 franchisees averaged 218 estimates in 2025 and sold 89, an average closing rate of 41%. The median Painter1 outlet gave 155 estimates and sold 58, a 40% closing rate, across 46 outlets that reported estimate data.
- The Painter1 royalty, bookkeeping fee and convention fee come to 7.81%* of the $430,490 average. The Painter1 administrative services vendor adds $20,004* to $54,000* a year for at least the first 12 months, 4.65%* to 12.54%* of the average.
Gross sales
How much does a Painter1 franchise make?
| Measure | Outlets | Average | Median | Highest | Lowest | At or above average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Gross Sales, 2025 | 40 | $430,490 | $329,416 | $1,776,517 | $48,027 | 17 (43%) |
Figures as filed. Painter1 lists each territory separately, even when one franchisee operates several. Item 19 left out 5 outlets that opened in 2025 with under six months of sales and 1 that closed or suspended operations in 2025, and Table 1 lists 5 inactive franchises apart from the 40 with little or no sales. The 40 outlet totals in Table 1 give a median of $329,413*, $3* below the printed median.
The 40 Painter1 outlets averaged $430,490 of gross sales in 2025, at a median of $329,416. Seventeen of the 40 Painter1 outlets, 43%, reached the average, and 20 reached the median. The highest Painter1 outlet sold $1,776,517 and the lowest $48,027.
Painter1 counts 38 outlets open all of 2025 and 2 that opened during the year. The two Painter1 outlets that opened in 2025 reported six months of sales each, $181,367 and $108,917, and Painter1 includes both in the average.
Painter1 Gross Sales include coating and cleaning work. The Painter1 FDD counts paint, sealer and epoxy jobs, prep work and power washing in Gross Sales. Painter1’s Item 19 reports sales only and gives no franchisee costs or profit.
Four Painter1 outlets operated in a protected territory. The four protected Painter1 outlets averaged $666,661* in 2025. Item 12 states that a Painter1 franchise carries no territorial protection or exclusivity.
Estimates and closing
Painter1 estimates and closing rate, 2025
| Measure | Outlets | Average | Median | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total estimates | 46 | 218 | 155 | 1,270 | 4 |
| Estimates sold | 46 | 89 | 58 | 410 | 0 |
| Closing percentage | 46 | 41% | 40% | 76% | 14% |
Figures as filed. The 46 Painter1 outlets are those that operated during 2025 and reported enough estimate and closing data; Item 19 left out 4 inactive franchises.
Painter1 franchisees averaged 218 estimates in 2025 and sold 89 of them. The average Painter1 closing rate was 41%, and 21 of the 46 Painter1 outlets, 45%, reached it. Painter1 closing rates ranged from 14% to 76%.
The median Painter1 outlet gave 155 estimates and sold 58. Sixteen of the 46 Painter1 outlets, 34%, gave at least the average number of estimates, and 18, 39%, sold at least the average number.
The Painter1 estimate group is larger than the sales group. The 46 Painter1 outlets in the estimate table include outlets that are outside the 40 in the sales table, so the Painter1 estimate figures and the $430,490 sales average cover different sets of outlets.
Highest and lowest
Painter1 highest and lowest outlets, 2025
| Group | Outlets | Average | Share of total sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ten highest outlets | 10 | $930,382* | 54.0%* |
| Middle twenty outlets | 20 | $343,528* | 39.9%* |
| Ten lowest outlets | 10 | $104,522* | 6.1%* |
| All 40 outlets | 40 | $430,490 | $17,219,611* |
Averan grouped the 40 outlet totals in Item 19 Table 1 by size. The groups are Averan’s, and Painter1 publishes no bands of its own. The total row shows the sum of the 40 outlet totals.
The ten highest Painter1 outlets averaged $930,382* of gross sales in 2025. Those ten Painter1 outlets produced 54.0%* of the $17,219,611* that the 40 outlets sold. The ten lowest Painter1 outlets averaged $104,522*, 6.1%* of the total.
The highest Painter1 outlet sold $1,776,517, 37.0 times* the lowest at $48,027. The highest Painter1 outlet averaged $148,043 a month and the lowest $4,002.
Fourteen Painter1 outlets sold more than $500,000 in 2025, and six sold less than $120,000*. At $120,000* a year spread evenly, the 7% Painter1 royalty equals the $700 monthly minimum.
Sales by month
Painter1 sales by month, 2025
| Month | Gross Sales | Share of the year |
|---|---|---|
| January | $760,661* | 4.5%* |
| February | $926,889* | 5.5%* |
| March | $1,164,553* | 6.9%* |
| April | $1,561,318* | 9.2%* |
| May | $1,750,146* | 10.3%* |
| June | $1,679,070* | 9.9%* |
| July | $1,847,207* | 10.9%* |
| August | $1,759,576* | 10.4%* |
| September | $1,656,514* | 9.8%* |
| October | $1,556,761* | 9.2%* |
| November | $1,248,240* | 7.4%* |
| December | $1,018,405* | 6.0%* |
| Year | $16,929,340* | 100%* |
Averan added the monthly figures in Item 19 Table 1 for the 38 outlets that reported all twelve months. The two outlets that opened in 2025 are left out.
The 38 Painter1 outlets open all of 2025 sold $16,929,340* in the year. July was the highest Painter1 month at $1,847,207*, 10.9%* of the year, and January the lowest at $760,661*, 4.5%*.
Painter1 sales from May to October were $10,249,274*, 60.5%* of the year for those 38 outlets. The Painter1 FDD states that exterior painting may be seasonal in some states because of weather.
In 99* of the 456* outlet months, a Painter1 outlet open all year sold less than $10,000*. Below $10,000* in a month, the $700 Painter1 minimum royalty is more than 7% of that month’s sales.
Brand charges
Brand charges
| Charge | Rate in the FDD | At $430,490 |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty Fee | 7% of monthly Gross Sales, with a $700 monthly minimum from the first month after initial training | $30,134* |
| Bookkeeping Services Fee | Currently $250 a month for the designated bookkeeper or vendor; may rise up to 25% a year | $3,000* |
| Annual Convention Fee | Currently up to $500, which may be charged whether or not the franchisee attends | $500 |
| Paid to the franchisor, subtotal | $33,634 (7.81%)* | |
| Administrative Assistant Service Fee | $1,667 to $4,500 a month to the designated vendor, required for at least the first 12 months | $20,004–$54,000* |
| Website and digital advertising | $250 to $650 a month to the designated digital marketing vendor | $3,000–$7,800* |
| Local advertising | At least 8% of annual Gross Sales recommended; spent by the franchisee | $34,439* |
Rates as filed, current at the August 21, 2026 amendment. The dollar column applies them to the 2025 average. Painter1’s Item 6 states that fees are payable to the franchisor unless the table says otherwise, so the bookkeeping fee is counted as paid to Painter1. The vendor and advertising lines are paid to others and are left out of the subtotal. Accounting software at $60 a month, convention travel and a regional advertising fund of up to 2%, which applies only if franchisees in a region vote for it, are also left out.
The Painter1 royalty is 7% of monthly Gross Sales, with a $700 monthly minimum. At the $430,490 average, the Painter1 royalty is $30,134* a year. The Painter1 franchisor pays a franchisee mentor $2,500 after a new owner’s training, $2,500 at six months and a share of the first year’s royalties equal to 1% of the new owner’s Gross Sales.
Painter1 requires a designated vendor, Hoosier Admin, LLC, for administrative, lead management and scheduling services. The Painter1 vendor charges $1,667 to $4,500 a month, depending on the number of monthly leads, for at least the first 12 months. A Painter1 franchisee may opt out after six months by passing the franchisor’s proficiency test.
The Painter1 bookkeeping fee is $250 a month for a designated bookkeeper or vendor. Painter1 requires QuickBooks Online Essentials or a higher plan, and Item 8 states that Painter1 may make the designated bookkeeper its own employee.
Painter1 recommends local advertising of at least 8% of annual Gross Sales and $3,000 of grand opening advertising. Both Painter1 amounts are recommendations, spent by the franchisee. A Painter1 regional advertising fund of up to 2% applies only if 65% of the franchisees in a region vote for it.
Painter1 had total revenue of $1,913,534 in 2025. Item 8 reports $48,800 of Painter1 revenue from required purchases, including bookkeeping services, and $213,436 from supplier rebates and conference sponsorships. Painter1 receives a 5% rebate plus $3 to $5 a gallon on premium products from Sherwin Williams and passes rebates to franchisees in good standing by their share of purchases.
Cost to open
Cost to open
| Line | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $54,500 | $54,500 |
| Grand opening advertising | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Advertising, first 3 months | $9,000 | $10,000 |
| Computer equipment | $800 | $1,800 |
| Travel and living for training | $1,000 | $7,500 |
| Contractor license | $300 | $500 |
| Licenses and bonds | $0 | $1,500 |
| Accounting software | $360 | $360 |
| Cell phone | $600 | $720 |
| Insurance | $360 | $1,500 |
| Clothing and uniforms | $0 | $250 |
| Supplies, equipment and inventory | $0 | $7,500 |
| Lease and utilities deposits and payments | $0 | $1,500 |
| Franchise premises rent | $0 | $3,000 |
| Office set-up | $0 | $500 |
| Car signs and decals | $100 | $3,500 |
| Vehicle | $0 | $50,000 |
| Miscellaneous opening costs | $250 | $750 |
| Additional funds, 6 months | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Total | $80,270 | $168,380 |
Figures as filed, in the order Item 7 prints them. The Painter1 estimate assumes a home office of about 300 to 500 square feet, and the $0 low amounts are for owners who already have a business, a vehicle or equipment, or who use independent contractors.
Discounts available
- Painter1 charges an existing franchisee $30,000 instead of $54,500 for each additional territory of up to 225,000 households.
- Painter1 may sell franchises at a reduced fee to buyers with the experience to operate with little help or to buyers of several franchises, and may grant franchises to its owners, employees and their families at reduced or no fees.
From Item 5 of the Painter1 2026 FDD. The costs on this page use the full initial franchise fee for one unit, before any discount.
One Painter1 franchise costs $80,270 to $168,380 to open. The Painter1 initial franchise fee is $54,500 for a territory of about 100,000 to 225,000 households, paid in full at signing.
The largest Painter1 line after the fee is a vehicle, at $0 to $50,000. The Painter1 FDD recommends a vehicle for estimates and job visits, and recommends that painting contractors haul crews and equipment.
Painter1 additional funds of $10,000 to $20,000 cover about six months. The Painter1 FDD recommends at least $6,000 of working capital and states that an owner should plan on other income for living expenses.
An existing Painter1 franchisee pays $30,000 for each additional territory of up to 225,000 households. Painter1 may also sell franchises at a reduced fee to experienced buyers or buyers of several franchises, and may grant franchises to its owners, employees and their families at reduced or no fees.
A Painter1 franchise typically opens 30 to 90 days after signing. Painter1 requires opening within the earlier of 180 days after signing or 30 days after training. The Painter1 franchise term is 10 years, with renewals of 5 years.
Locations
Locations, 2023 to 2025
| Year | Start | Opened | Terminated | Not renewed | Reacquired | Ceased other | End | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 36 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 38 | 1 |
| 2024 | 38 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 42 | 4 |
| 2025 | 42 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 45 | 3 |
Figures as filed. Painter1 had no company-owned outlets at the end of any year. At December 31, 2025, Painter1 had 1 signed franchise not yet open and projected 3 new franchised outlets in 2026. The 2025 row adds to 44*: the one 2025 termination is footnoted as a franchisee that never opened, and the state rows add to the printed 45.
Painter1 franchised outlets rose from 36 at the start of 2023 to 45 at the end of 2025. Over the three years, 23* Painter1 outlets opened, 4* were terminated, 1 was reacquired and 10* ceased operations for other reasons.
Painter1 opened 6 outlets in 2025, after 7 in 2024 and 10 in 2023. Three Painter1 outlets ceased operations in 2025, one each in Georgia, Idaho and Ohio, and the one terminated North Carolina franchise had never opened.
Painter1 outlets changed hands 8* times from 2023 to 2025. Painter1 transfers numbered 1 in 2023, 4 in 2024 and 3 in 2025, two of the 2025 transfers in North Carolina.
The Painter1 franchisor reacquired its Nashville franchise in 2023 and sold it to a new owner the same year. That Painter1 outlet is the only company-owned outlet in Item 20 from 2023 to 2025.
The Painter1 FDD lists the franchisor’s financial condition among its state-required risks. The Painter1 FDD states that the franchisor’s financial condition calls into question its ability to provide services and support. The Painter1 risk page also lists minimum sales performance, and Item 12 states that Painter1 sets no minimum sales quotas.
Questions we get asked
Questions owners ask
How much does it cost to open a Painter1 franchise?
The 2026 Painter1 FDD estimates $80,270 to $168,380 for one franchise. That Painter1 total includes the $54,500 initial franchise fee, $12,000* to $13,000* of grand opening and early advertising, $0 to $50,000 for a vehicle and $10,000 to $20,000 of additional funds for about six months. An existing Painter1 franchisee pays $30,000 for each additional territory.
What fees does Painter1 charge?
Painter1 charges a royalty of 7% of monthly Gross Sales with a $700 monthly minimum, a $250 monthly bookkeeping services fee and an annual convention fee of up to $500. Painter1 also requires a designated administrative services vendor at $1,667 to $4,500 a month for at least the first 12 months. On Averan’s reading, the charges paid to Painter1 come to about 7.81%* of the $430,490 average.
How much does a Painter1 franchise make?
Item 19 reports that 40 Painter1 franchise outlets open at least six months of 2025 averaged $430,490 of gross sales, with a median of $329,416. Seventeen of the 40 Painter1 outlets reached the average, and Painter1 outlets ranged from $48,027 to $1,776,517.
How many Painter1 estimates turn into jobs?
Painter1 franchisees averaged 218 estimates in 2025 and sold 89, an average closing rate of 41% across 46 outlets. The median Painter1 closing rate was 40%, and Painter1 rates ranged from 14% to 76%.
Does Painter1 report franchisee costs or profit?
Painter1’s Item 19 gives no figure for franchisee costs or profit. Painter1 reports gross sales by outlet and by month, the average and median, and estimates, estimates sold and closing percentages.
How many Painter1 locations are there?
Painter1 had 45 franchised outlets and no company-owned outlets at the end of 2025, up from 36 at the start of 2023. In 2025, 6 Painter1 outlets opened, 3 ceased operations and 1 franchise that never opened was terminated. Painter1 had 1 signed franchise not yet open at December 31, 2025.
Questions worth putting to Painter1
These are questions the filing leaves open. An owner or a buyer can put them to the franchisor directly.
- Is the revenue in Item 19 gross sales or collected revenue, and how many locations sit below the average?
- What separates the highest-selling locations from the lowest: territory, years open, staffing, or the owner?
- How long does a new location take to reach the average you publish, and what does the build-up look like month by month?
- At what level of sales do the minimum charges stop applying and the percentage take over?
- How many Painter1 locations closed, were sold, or changed hands last year, and why?
Run your own numbers.
The Franchise Numbers Check runs the same checks on your own numbers. It scores where you stand and compares you with Item 19 of your brand’s FDD. It works out what one location earns and spends, and builds a 13-week cash forecast. It also checks whether you are ready to open another one. It is free and it runs in your browser.
Launch the diagnostic →Reporting for a Painter1 owner
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Other brands in the Painting guide: 360 Painting · CertaPro Painters · Five Star Painting · Fresh Coat · Go Painting · Groovy Hues · WOW 1 DAY PAINTING.
Questions owners ask next
The figures above raise these, and each one is answered on its own page.
- At what level of sales does a minimum fee stop costing me more than the percentage?It works out the sales level where a minimum fee stops applying.
- How much cash do I fund before a new location covers its own costs?It builds a 13-week forecast for the months before break-even.
- What does this location earn on the money I put into it?It works out the payback period and cash-on-cash return for one unit.
- How much of Item 19 can I rely on?It explains what an Item 19 financial performance representation tells you and what it leaves out.
Where these figures come from
Every figure here comes from Stratify, LLC’s 2026 FDD and is unaudited by us. We are unaffiliated with the brand. Calculations of our own are labeled where they appear. The figures describe past performance at other businesses and are not a projection of yours. This page is an educational summary. It is not an offer to sell a franchise, and it is not financial, legal or tax advice. Painter1 is a trademark of its owner. How Averan reads a Franchise Disclosure Document.
These figures come from the brand's disclosure. They are not a forecast, an offer to sell a franchise or advice. Source: Stratify, LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued 24 April 2026.