To stay on track to the OP's question, I've looked into the big 3 and it depends on your situation. They all give you a "budget" sheet, which includes all the start-up costs and somewhat of an idea of a year's worth of "fixed" expenses: starter tool inventory, fees, training, computer/software, one year's worth of operating expenses (such as one year's worth of truck lease payments, insurance, internet service, estimated fuel), an initial "truck" credit line to put money on the streets, and three month's worth of your "personal" expenses (mortgage, etc...) to hopefully cover you until you start making money.
All that depends on a number of factors: What is your credit rating? What are your three months of "personal" expenses? Want a new truck or used? 18 ft box, 20 ft box, and what brand of truck?
So for me,
Matco: $125K (new truck), no money down required - 100% finance with good credit.
MAC: $110K (used truck), $8K required regardless of credit.
Snap-On: never went far enough to get the full write-up, but $20K down required regardless of credit, IIRC.
So many factors involved, starter inventory cost varies between brand (due your diligence), do you really think you're going to make money in the first three months of business? If so, everyone would drive a tool truck. I personally would make sure that I had a minimum of a year of living expenses on hand. You have much to consider.
For the most part, franchisors' (regardless of industry) are there to lend an initial start, not to hold your hand and stand with you in solidarity and make you money.
If you're still reading this post, my advice is if you don't know what EBITA is, don't start a tool truck or any business for that matter until you do. Take some business classes, read a few books, research, and then research some more. Talk to other business owners, go to the Chamber of Commerce in your area, what's it like running a business in your area? If it was easy, everyone would "be their own boss". Good luck!
