Maaco Franchise Cost (2026): $300K–$575K Auto Body & Paint

Per Maaco's current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs approximately $300K–$575K. The auto body shop format requires a commercial building with a spray booth, which is either built out or converted from existing automotive space. Spray booth installation and paint equipment represent the largest single equipment investment. Major cost categories include:

• Franchise fee: $40,000
• Real estate build-out or leasehold improvements: $80K–$200K
• Spray booth installation and ventilation systems: $50K–$120K
• Paint equipment, mixing systems, and compressors: $30K–$70K
• Body shop equipment (frame straighteners, welders, body tools): $20K–$50K
• Signage and exterior branding: $10K–$25K
• Technology (estimating software, shop management, POS): $10K–$20K
• Initial paint and materials inventory: $10K–$25K
• Training and pre-opening preparation: $8K–$20K
• Insurance, licenses, and environmental permits: $10K–$25K
• Working capital reserve: $20K–$50K

Maaco requires a minimum net worth of $300K and liquid capital of $80K. Prior automotive or body shop experience is not required — Maaco provides comprehensive technical and business operations training. However, candidates with prior automotive business management experience tend to ramp to profitability more quickly.

Maaco is on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. At $300K–$575K, SBA 7(a) is the primary financing path. Here is what underwriters evaluate:

• DSCR 1.25×–1.35× on shop revenue pro forma: SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets the minimum DSCR at 1.15×; SBA participating lenders for franchise startups typically require 1.25×–1.35×. For Maaco, lenders build the pro forma from FDD Item 19 average gross sales for comparable shops, then model the 12% combined royalty/ad fee load and operating costs (lease, labor, paint materials, insurance) to project net cash flow. Shops with strong insurance DRP relationships typically support higher revenue projections.
• Equity injection 10–20% of project cost: Per SBA SOP 50 10 8, borrowers must contribute equity from personal funds not borrowed for this purpose. At $300K–$575K, that runs $30K–$115K. Spray booth and equipment-heavy builds near the top of the range typically require 20%; smaller conversions may qualify at 10%.
• Net worth $300K+ per franchisor requirement: Lenders verify the borrower meets Maaco's own minimum net worth threshold ($300K) in addition to SBA equity injection standards.
• Facility and spray booth permitting: Maaco shops require environmental and air quality permits for spray booth operations. Lenders and franchisors verify the proposed site can obtain required permits before loan approval — unpermittable locations are a disqualifying condition.
• Automotive business management experience: Prior automotive body shop, collision repair, or paint experience is not required by Maaco, but lenders assign lower risk to operators with demonstrated automotive business management or prior franchise experience in any concept.