Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$81,150 - $120,250
Franchise Fee
$42,415
Min Cash Required
$21,000
Total US Locations
187
Business Summary
Fresh Coat franchises provide residential and commercial painting and wallpapering services. The business markets its services to the general public through direct mail advertising and referrals from sources like real estate agents.
Corporate History
Fresh Coat, operating under the corporate name F.C. Franchising Systems, Inc., was incorporated in Ohio on January 1, 2005. The company was founded to sell and support painting franchises and has been offering Fresh Coat franchises since January 2005. Fresh Coat itself has never operated a painting business. However, REM Painting, Inc., a company owned by some of the same individuals who own Fresh Coat, operated a Fresh Coat painting business in Cincinnati, Ohio, from May 2004 through 2008 and became the first Fresh Coat franchise in January 2005. Fresh Coat also has several affiliates that offer franchises in other business sectors, including business coaching (Growth Coach), estate organizing (Caring Transitions), residential maintenance and repair (TruBlue), and pet food and supplies (Pet Wants).
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$81,150 - $120,250
Franchise Fee (Low)
$42,415
Franchise Fee (High)
$50,900
Minimum Cash Required
$21,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$6,500
Working Capital
$32,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financing Details
Fresh Coat does not offer any direct or indirect financing options, nor does it guarantee any loans, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
187
Franchised Units
187
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2005
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
6
Litigation Summary
Fresh Coat has disclosed six legal matters. In 2024, Fresh Coat filed two arbitration actions for breach of contract against former franchisees; one was dismissed in May 2024 after a payment was received, and the other was dismissed in March 2025 upon business transfer. In 2022, Fresh Coat's affiliate, G.C. Franchising Systems, Inc., settled with Virginia's State Corporation Commission over a 2015 disclosure document that failed to disclose a former board member's personal bankruptcy; a refund offer was made and declined. In 2021, Fresh Coat and its affiliates entered into two consent orders with California's Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation. One was for failing to disclose an officer's personal bankruptcy from 2012 to 2016 in certain disclosure documents. The other was related to their certified public accountant not being registered in Ohio, resulting in an administrative penalty that was reimbursed by the CPA. Earlier, in 2021, Fresh Coat settled with the Virginia State Corporation Commission regarding its 2012 and 2013 disclosure documents which did not disclose an officer's personal bankruptcy; Fresh Coat offered refunds to three purchasers, who accepted, and a rescission to another owner, who declined.
Bankruptcy History
Fresh Coat has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
15 years
Renewal Term
15 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew the Fresh Coat franchise, franchisees must be in full compliance with the Franchise Agreement at its expiration. They need to provide written notice of their intent to renew between six months and one year before the current term ends. Franchisees will then need to sign the then-current version of the franchise agreement, which may have different terms like higher royalty or advertising fees, but they won't have to pay another initial franchise fee. If permitted by state law, they must also sign a general release and comply with any new training requirements for renewing franchisees.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Fresh Coat provides several types of assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, Fresh Coat approves territory boundaries, provides specifications and a list of approved suppliers for equipment, products, and services, and offers marketing materials, business card templates, and a digital copy of the operations manual. Fresh Coat also provides initial training for up to two people. During operation, Fresh Coat offers assistance via telephone and email as needed, along with other materials, information, and support deemed necessary.
Initial Training Hours
54
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio
Ongoing Support
After opening, Fresh Coat provides ongoing support to franchisees through telephone and email assistance as deemed necessary by the franchisor. Franchisees may be invited to regional and national meetings and conferences to discuss sales techniques, service procedures, personnel issues, and marketing methods, and to introduce new tools or programs. While attendance at these meetings is not currently required, it may become mandatory in the future. Fresh Coat may also conduct discretionary office visits to provide additional operational support, for which travel costs may be reimbursed by the franchisee. Franchisees also have access to an intranet for communication, operations manual updates, and advertising materials.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Absentee Allowed
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Fresh Coat franchise territories are defined by postal codes and initially have a population between 175,000 and 200,000 for the minimum franchise fee. If a franchisee chooses a territory with a population exceeding 200,000, an additional fee of $500 is charged for every 1,000 people over that amount. The population figures are determined using extrapolated census data, demographic information, and Fresh Coat's designated mapping system.
Staffing Notes
Fresh Coat requires each franchised business to be directly supervised on-premises by a manager who has completed the franchisor's training; this manager does not need to be an owner. If a franchisee owns multiple businesses, each must have its own full-time manager or marketing employee. Franchisees must also have an employee or answering service to answer their business phone line during regular hours. Employees who will enter customer residences must undergo criminal and motor vehicle background checks every two years, and Fresh Coat prohibits hiring individuals with certain criminal convictions within the past seven years for such roles. Employees may be required to use their own suitable vehicles equipped for ladders and tools.