7-Eleven Franchises Are a Bargain for Entrepreneurs

Southland Corp. says one of the best reasons to consider becoming a 7-Eleven franchisee is that it is a relatively inexpensive way of getting into business for yourself.

Indeed, a 7-Eleven store is much less expensive than most other major franchises. But it still costs plenty.

If you buy one of the small number of company-owned stores in the Los Angeles area, the franchise fee and up-front inventory costs probably will amount to $75,000. If you buy a store from a current franchisee, figure on spending another $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the value of the location.

For that price, the franchisee gets the right to operate the business for, typically, 10 years, and the agreement can be renewed without additional franchise fees. Throughout the agreement, Southland continues to own and maintain the real estate and equipment.

By way of comparison, the average cost nationwide of opening a McDonald’s restaurant is close to $600,000.