Buying a franchise can require a significant, upfront financial investment. When researching franchise business models, take time to look through each set of financial disclosure documents. These should provide you with enough information to begin narrowing down your decision. Once you choose who to work with, you can start gathering more detailed financial information.

But even this thorough breakdown of costs will not be exhaustive. No matter which franchisor you choose to work with, you could face some hidden costs during your journey. Keep reading for a breakdown of what to be aware of.

Buried Franchise Fees

In the franchise disclosure documents you receive, there will be a thorough listing of all required fees. These may fall under multiple categories and will not necessarily have “fee” in the name. Make sure you ask lots of questions, and thoroughly read all documents so you are not surprised down the line.

Travel Fees

Often, you will be required to travel to the headquarters or an existing location for training. It could mean air travel and accommodations at the site. Get a clear understanding of how much travel will be involved in the initial training and future training so you can build the time and cost into your budget.

Living expenses

Some franchisors will call attention to the need for you to account for 6-12 months of living expenses. Others won’t if it is not a direct part of owning a franchise. When building your business plan and budget, you must account for living expenses. You may want to consider erring on the side of caution and plan for 12 months.

Materials and Construction

Physical storefronts require an investment in materials and technology and potentially construction of a new site. Go over all pertinent details with your franchisor to ensure you account for everything, from large equipment purchases to the smallest office supplies.