1-800-GOT-JUNK? Franchise Cost (2026): $86K–$249K

1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise startup costs run $86K–$249K for the original branded junk removal franchise. The toll-free-number brand recognition and no-retail-storefront model make 1-800-GOT-JUNK? one of the most recognized entry points in the home and office junk removal segment.

Key takeaways

Total estimated startup cost: $86K–$249K (full-service junk removal franchise)
Franchise fee: $28,000–$65,000 (varies by territory size)
Ongoing royalty: 8%; advertising fund: 1.5%
Net worth requirement: $175K+; liquid capital requirement: $75K+
200+ territories; brand recognition built around the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? toll-free number

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a junk removal franchise founded in 1989 in Vancouver, Canada by Brian Scudamore. The brand pioneered the professional junk removal industry by applying a franchise system to what had been an informal hauling business — with uniformed crews, clean branded trucks, and upfront pricing. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? operates 200+ franchise territories across the US, Canada, and Australia. The brand is wholly owned by O2E Brands (Ordinary to Exceptional), Scudamore's parent company that also operates WOW 1 DAY PAINTING and Shack Shine. As of 2026, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is the highest-volume brand in the professional junk removal segment. The truck-based model requires no retail storefront — franchisees operate from commercial trucks and a home or small commercial office.

Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise runs $86,000–$249,000. The truck-based model keeps fixed costs low:

Franchise fee: $28,000–$65,000 (territory-size dependent)
Truck(s) — branded junk removal truck: $15,000–$70,000
Equipment (hydraulic liftgate, ramps, safety and protective gear, uniforms): $5,000–$15,000
Technology (dispatch software, customer CRM, online booking): $2,000–$8,000
Vehicle wrap and signage: $3,000–$8,000
Insurance (commercial auto, general liability, workers comp): $5,000–$15,000
Training and travel: $2,000–$8,000
Marketing and grand opening: $3,000–$12,000
Working capital: $5,000–$20,000
Miscellaneous and professional fees: $3,000–$10,000

Ongoing fees

1-800-GOT-JUNK? charges an 8% royalty on gross revenue plus a 1.5% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 9.5% of revenue. The brand's call center handles inbound booking for franchisees — a centralized service that reduces the operator burden of phone handling and customer acquisition for new territories. The 1.5% ad fund supports national brand marketing and the centralized call center infrastructure.

Financing options

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:

SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, truck purchase, equipment, insurance prepayments, and working capital. The $86K–$249K range is within SBA Express limits — SBA 7(a) Express loans up to $500K offer faster approval for this investment size.
Equipment financing / commercial truck loan: The junk removal truck is the primary capital asset and can be financed separately via commercial vehicle lending — preserving SBA capacity for the franchise fee and working capital.
SBA Express loan: Faster processing than full 7(a) underwriting for franchisees targeting the lower investment range.
Working capital line of credit: Supports crew payroll and disposal/landfill fees during ramp-up before consistent job volume is established.
ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups): Franchisees with 401(k) or IRA balances can deploy retirement funds tax-free via ROBS as the equity injection for SBA financing.

What lenders look for in a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise application

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is on the SBA Franchise Directory, so SBA-approved lenders can process applications without SBA individually reviewing the franchise agreement. The territory-based franchise fee ($28K–$65K based on territory size) means total project cost varies — lenders need the confirmed territory and fee schedule to underwrite. Here is what lenders evaluate:

DSCR 1.25×–1.35× on territory-specific projections: SBA SOP 50 10 7 sets a minimum global DSCR of 1.15×, but participating lenders for startup franchises in this range typically require 1.25×–1.35×. For 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, DSCR is projected using FDD Item 19 comparable-territory data. The centralized call center generates leads for franchisees, which supports more credible projected revenue ramp-up vs. franchises where the operator must generate all early leads.
Equity injection 20–25% — very low absolute amount: At $86K–$249K total cost, the 20–25% equity injection runs approximately $17K–$62K. This is among the lowest absolute equity requirements for any SBA franchise. The territory-size-based franchise fee ($28K–$65K) is a significant variable — smaller territories have lower fees and lower total equity requirements.
9.5% combined fee load — stress test required: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? charges 8% royalty + 1.5% advertising fund = 9.5% of gross revenue. This is the highest combined fee rate among service franchises in this investment range. Lenders will apply the full 9.5% fee load to projected revenue in DSCR analysis — confirm location-level projected revenue supports DSCR after full fee deduction.
Call center lead volume and territory exclusivity: 1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s centralized call center routes inbound jobs to franchisees. Lenders evaluate territory exclusivity and the call center's historical lead volume for the specific territory being purchased. Territory-level call volume data from the franchisor supports the DSCR pro forma.
Truck as primary collateral with disposal cost management: The junk removal truck(s) are the primary collateral asset — lenders take a first lien on the vehicles. Lenders also assess the franchisee's plan for variable disposal costs (landfill fees, recycling, donation drop-offs), which directly affect operating margin and DSCR stability.

Deal structure for a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? territory

Most 1-800-GOT-JUNK? loans are structured as SBA Express (up to $500K, faster processing) or full SBA 7(a) covering franchise fee + truck + equipment + working capital. At $86K–$249K total cost, the loan amount after 20–25% equity injection runs $65K–$199K. 7-year term is typical for truck-heavy service franchise loans. The truck can be financed separately via commercial vehicle lending at a lower rate — with SBA covering franchise fee and working capital. Confirm territory-size-based franchise fee with the franchisor before finalizing loan amount. See business term loan explained for underwriting guidance.

Realistic ROI timeline

Branded junk removal franchises with centralized booking support typically target break-even within 12–24 months. The 1-800-GOT-JUNK? call center reduces early-stage customer acquisition friction — franchisees receive booked jobs rather than needing to generate every lead independently. Disposal costs (landfill fees, recycling, donation drop-offs) are a variable cost that affects margin — operators who build relationships with local recycling partners and donation centers manage disposal costs more effectively.

Who's a good fit

1-800-GOT-JUNK? suits operators who want a simple, scalable service business with centralized booking support and strong brand awareness. People management and logistics efficiency are the core operator skills — growing from one truck to multiple trucks is the primary scaling path. No specialized technical skills are required beyond managing a crew and commercial vehicles. Net worth of $175K+ and liquid capital of $75K+ are the financial benchmarks.

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with junk removal and home services franchise operators on SBA, equipment, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.

Sources

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. — SBA Franchise Directory
SBA 7(a) Express loans finance franchise startups including truck purchases, equipment, and working capital for service-based concepts with investment ranges under $500K. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
All franchise cost and fee disclosures are governed by the FTC Franchise Rule requiring a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be delivered at least 14 days before signing. — FTC Franchise Rule — 16 CFR Part 436
Qualifying commercial vehicles and service equipment placed in service during the tax year may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise cost in 2026?

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $86,000–$249,000. The franchise fee ($28K–$65K depending on territory size) and truck purchase are the primary cost drivers. No retail storefront is required.

Who owns 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is owned by O2E Brands (Ordinary to Exceptional), a private company founded by Brian Scudamore. O2E Brands also operates WOW 1 DAY PAINTING and Shack Shine under the same franchise system approach.

What is the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? royalty rate?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? charges an 8% royalty on gross revenue plus a 1.5% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 9.5% of revenue.

Can I finance a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise with an SBA loan?

Yes. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) Express loans cover the franchise fee, truck, equipment, and working capital within the $86K–$249K range. The truck can also be financed separately via commercial vehicle lending.

Does 1-800-GOT-JUNK? handle customer booking for franchisees?

Yes. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? operates a centralized call center that handles inbound booking for franchisees — a significant operational benefit for new operators who receive booked jobs rather than needing to independently generate all customer inquiries.

What DSCR do SBA lenders require for a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise?

SBA SOP 50 10 7 sets a minimum global DSCR of 1.15×, but participating lenders for startup franchise loans in this range typically require 1.25×–1.35×. For 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, DSCR is projected using FDD Item 19 comparable-territory data. The centralized call center provides demonstrable lead volume for established territories — lenders can review comparable territory lead and revenue data to support the DSCR pro forma. Note: the 9.5% combined fee load (8% royalty + 1.5% advertising) must be fully applied in the DSCR calculation.