Surface Experts
The Business
SourcesThe current franchisor was formed on July 20, 2018 as a Washington limited liability company.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 9 · Item 1 · View Source
Read More About The Business
The franchisor does not have any affiliates that offer franchises in any line of business or provide products or services to the franchisor’s franchisees.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 9 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We are a Washington limited liability company formed on July 20, 2018.
Source NotesWe do not have any affiliates that offer franchises in any line of business or provide products or services to our franchisees.
What It Costs
SourcesYour location, business format and operating plan can change the total.
Where Your Startup Money Goes
| Cost | Disclosed Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One Surface Experts Car, including Vehicle Wrap | $5,000 to $30,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 One Surface Experts Car, including Vehicle Wrap (Note 2) $5,000 $30,000 |
| Sander/Vacuum | $0 to $1,100 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 Sander/Vacuum $0 $1,100 |
| Office Furniture | $0 to $500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Office Furniture $0 $500 |
| Additional funds (for first 3 to 6 months) | $60,000 to $75,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Additional funds (for first 3 to 6 months) (Note 8 ) $60,000 $75,000 |
| Total | $155,893 to $273,200 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Total $155,893 $273,200 |
| Marketing Materials and Uniforms | $500 to $800 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Marketing Materials and Uniforms (Note 7 ) $500 $800 |
| Licenses and Permits | $500 to $1,250 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Licenses and Permits $500 $1,250 |
| Travel, lodging and meals for initial training | $4,500 to $6,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Travel, lodging and meals for initial training $4,500 $6,500 |
| Computer Systems and Phones | $500 to $2,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Computer Systems and Phones $500 $2,000 |
| Equipment, Tools, Supplies and Inventory | $4,500 to $5,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 Equipment, Tools, Supplies and Inventory (Note 3) $4,500 $5,500 |
| Insurance | $1,500 to $4,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Insurance (Note 6) $1,500 $4,000 |
| Initial franchise fee | $75,000 to $137,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 Initial franchise fee (Note 1) $75,000 $137,500 |
| Signage | $0 to $250 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Signage $0 $250 |
| Rent, Utilities, and Leasehold Improvements | $0 to $3,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Rent, Utilities, and Leasehold Improvements ( Note 5 ) $0 $3,000 |
| Professional Fees | $3,500 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Professional Fees (lawyer, accountant, etc.) $3,500 $5,000 |
| ExpertNet and technology fees | $393 to $500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 16 ExpertNet and technology fees (Note 4) $393 $500 |
| Office Supplies | $0 to $300 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 Office Supplies $0 $300 |
Line items are shown as disclosed. Some costs overlap or apply to different formats; do not add them together without reviewing the source.
SourcesKey Franchise Fees
- Initial Franchise Fee
View Disclosed Terms
When you sign your franchise agreement, you must pay us an initial franchise fee equal to the number of multi-family housing units (“MFHU”) in your territory based on the following formula: Number of MFHU in Territory Price per MFHU in Territory Up to 30000 $2.50; 30001 - 45000 $2.00; 45001 - 60000 $1.50; 60001+ $1.00. For a territory with approximately 30,000 MFHU, the franchise fee is $75,000. The high amount would be for a territory with 70,000 MFHU.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 11 · Item 5
Review Fee Sources- Royalty
View Disclosed Terms
Greater of 8% of your “Gross Sales” (1) or the minimum royalty of $1,600 per month (beginning after your first year). ... If you purchase a larger territory with more than 500,000 people, we will increase the minimum royalty to $1,800 per month after 18 months.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 · Item 6
Review Fee Sources- Marketing & Advertising
- Up to 2% of your Gross Sales; currently, none.
View Disclosed Terms
Fees And Payment Terms
| Fee | Disclosed Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Amount that we spend on your behalf, plus 10%. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Technology fees | Currently, $393 to $500 per month. Additional email addresses are $6 per month. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Brand Fund Contribution | Up to 2% of your Gross Sales; currently, none. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Royalty | Greater of 8% of your “Gross Sales” (1) or the minimum royalty of $1,600 per month (beginning after your first year). ... If you purchase a larger territory with more than 500,000 people, we will increase the minimum royalty to $1,800 per month after 18 months. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Market Cooperative Contribution | As determined by co-op. Currently, none. ... The maximum contribution to the co-op will not exceed 4% of Gross Sales unless all members of the co-op unanimously agree to a higher contribution. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Local and Regional Advertising Cooperatives | Established by cooperative members (at least 1% of Gross Sales) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Initial equipment, safety gear, toolbox, tools, and inventory | You will purchase certain initial equipment, safety gear, toolbox, tools, and inventory from us, including supplies that should serve for approximately three months of operations. Your cost will be approximately $4,500 to $5,500. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Transfer fee | $10,000 plus any broker fees and other out-of- pocket costs we incur. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| ExpertNet and Technology Fees before opening | This fee is currently $393 to $500 per month ... You will begin paying this fee approximately 2-3 weeks before opening. We estimate you will pay $393 to $500 before you open. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Initial marketing materials and staff uniforms | You will also purchase initial marketing materials (such as brochures, handouts, giveaways, and promotional material) and staff uniforms (including shirts, jackets, and t-shirts) from us. We do not mark up the cost of these items. Your cost will be approximately $500 to $800. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 12 |
| Special support fee | $600 per day | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | When you sign your franchise agreement, you must pay us an initial franchise fee equal to the number of multi-family housing units (“MFHU”) in your territory based on the following formula: Number of MFHU in Territory Price per MFHU in Territory Up to 30000 $2.50; 30001 - 45000 $2.00; 45001 - 60000 $1.50; 60001+ $1.00. For a territory with approximately 30,000 MFHU, the franchise fee is $75,000. The high amount would be for a territory with 70,000 MFHU. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 11 |
| Insufficient funds fee | $30 (or, if such amount exceeds the maximum allowed by law, then the maximum allowed by law). | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Renewal fee | $5,000 Upon renewal | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Support Center Services Fee | 4% of your Gross Sales up to $80,000 per month of Gross Sales, then 2% of your Gross Sales in excess of $80,000 in a month. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 13 |
| Special evaluation fee | $600, plus our out- of- pocket costs. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 15 |
| Breach of territory fee | $500 per job. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
| Late fee | $100 plus interest on the unpaid amount at a rate equal to 18% per year (or, if such payment exceeds the maximum allowed by law, then interest at the highest rate allowed by law). | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 14 |
Some fees apply only to a specific event or service. These are not all monthly expenses.
SourcesSee how the disclosed startup costs fit your cash, reserves, and financing plans.
Your Role As An Owner
SourcesThe general manager of your Surface Experts Business (whether that is you or a hired person) must successfully complete the franchisor’s training program. If the franchise business is owned by an entity, the franchisor does not require that the general manager own any equity in the entity.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe general manager of your Surface Experts Business (whether that is you or a hired person) must successfully complete our training program. If the franchise business is owned by an entity, we do not require that the general manager own any equity in the entity.
Training & Support
SourcesThe typical length of time between signing the franchise agreement and the opening of your Surface Experts Business is six to nine weeks.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe typical length of time between signing the franchise agreement and the opening of your Surface Experts Business is six to nine weeks.
Franchisor Financing
SourcesThe franchisor may offer financing for a portion of your Initial Franchise Fee if you meet the franchisor’s qualifications. Whether the franchisor will extend financing and the amount will vary depending upon the availability of funds and your creditworthiness.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 23 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe may offer financing for a portion of your Initial Franchise Fee if you meet our qualifications. Whether we will extend financing and the amount will vary depending upon the availability of funds and your creditworthiness.
The Franchise Network
SourcesReported At Year-End 2025
| Year | Franchised At Year-End | Company-Owned At Year-End | Total At Year-End | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 76 | 0 | 76 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 45 · Item 20 |
| 2024 | 87 | 0 | 87 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 45 · Item 20 |
| 2025 | 103 | 0 | 103 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 45 · Item 20 |
These are reported outlet counts, not available territories or a measure of profitability. A dash means a count is not available in this record.
Review The Source Figures
2023 Year-End Counts
Franchised Outlets 2023 63 76 +13
Company-Owned 2023 0 0 0
Total Outlets 2023 63 76 +13
2024 Year-End Counts
Franchised Outlets 2024 76 87 +11
Company-Owned 2024 0 0 0
Total Outlets 2024 76 87 +11
2025 Year-End Counts
Franchised Outlets 2025 87 103 +16
Company-Owned 2025 0 0 0
SourcesTotal Outlets 2025 87 103 +16
Inside The FDD
SourcesPlain-language summaries of the available FDD information. Each summary links to its source, with original excerpts available to review.
Sources
The Franopolis report provides the source research. FDD page references identify the supplied excerpts when available.
01The Business And Its Ownership
The current franchisor was formed on July 20, 2018 as a Washington limited liability company.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 9 · Item 1 · View Source
The franchisor does not have any affiliates that offer franchises in any line of business or provide products or services to the franchisor’s franchisees.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 9 · Item 1 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We are a Washington limited liability company formed on July 20, 2018.
Source NotesWe do not have any affiliates that offer franchises in any line of business or provide products or services to our franchisees.
03Disclosed Legal Proceedings
This FDD reports no litigation that requires disclosure under Item 3.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 11 · Item 3 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesNo litigation is required to be disclosed in this Item.
04Bankruptcy Disclosure
This FDD reports no bankruptcy matters that require disclosure under Item 4.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 11 · Item 4 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesNo bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed in this Item.
07Estimated Startup Investment
The FDD estimates a total startup investment of $155,893 to $273,200. Review the listed costs and any conditions before setting your own startup budget.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 17 · Item 7 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesTotal $155,893 $273,200
08Suppliers And Required Purchases
The franchisor will provide you with written notification of the approval or disapproval of any supplier you propose within 30 days after receipt of your request.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 · Item 8 · View Source
The franchisor has the right to require you to purchase or lease all goods, services, supplies, fixtures, equipment, inventory, computer hardware and software, real estate, or comparable items related to establishing or operating your Surface Experts Business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 18 · Item 8 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
We will provide you with written notification of the approval or disapproval of any supplier you propose within 30 days after receipt of your request.
Source NotesWe have the right to require you to purchase or lease all goods, services, supplies, fixtures, equipment, inventory, computer hardware and software, real estate, or comparable items related to establishing or operating your Surface Experts Business.
10Financing Offered By The Franchisor
The franchisor may offer financing for a portion of your Initial Franchise Fee if you meet the franchisor’s qualifications. Whether the franchisor will extend financing and the amount will vary depending upon the availability of funds and your creditworthiness.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 23 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe may offer financing for a portion of your Initial Franchise Fee if you meet our qualifications. Whether we will extend financing and the amount will vary depending upon the availability of funds and your creditworthiness.
11Support, Training And Advertising
The typical length of time between signing the franchise agreement and the opening of your Surface Experts Business is six to nine weeks.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe typical length of time between signing the franchise agreement and the opening of your Surface Experts Business is six to nine weeks.
15Owner Participation
The general manager of your Surface Experts Business (whether that is you or a hired person) must successfully complete the franchisor’s training program. If the franchise business is owned by an entity, the franchisor does not require that the general manager own any equity in the entity.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 35 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe general manager of your Surface Experts Business (whether that is you or a hired person) must successfully complete our training program. If the franchise business is owned by an entity, we do not require that the general manager own any equity in the entity.
17Renewal, Transfer And Ending The Agreement
You may obtain a successor franchise agreement for up to two additional 5-year terms.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 36 · Item 17 · View Source
The place of arbitration shall be the city and state where Surface Experts Franchising’s headquarters are located.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 86 · Item 17 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
You may obtain a successor franchise agreement for up to two additional 5-year terms.
Source NotesThe place of arbitration shall be the city and state where Surface Experts Franchising’s headquarters are located.
18Public Figures
The franchisor says it does not use public figures to promote this franchise.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 40 · Item 18 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not use any public figure to promote our franchise.
20Franchise Locations
At the end of 2025, the FDD reports 103 franchised locations and 0 company-owned locations. These are reported locations, not a count of territories available to buy.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 45 · Item 20 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Find The Right Business For The Life You Want.
You don’t have to compare every brand on your own. A franchise consultant can help narrow your options and work through what ownership would ask of you.
Bring your questions about this brand, your priorities and the kind of business you want to run.
Your Role
Understand the hours, sales and people responsibilities behind the ownership model.
Your Shortlist
Spend less time sorting through brands and more time on options worth exploring.
Your Market
Check territory options with franchisors and identify the next questions to ask.


