How much does a window tint franchise cost in 2026?

The short version

A Polar Tint window film, ceramic coating, and paint protection franchise costs <strong>$136,588 to $259,950 all-in</strong> for a single-unit territory, per the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The range covers the franchise fee, build-out, initial inventory, equipment, training, and three months of working capital.

The initial franchise fee is <strong>$49,950</strong> for a new shop, or <strong>$12,487.50</strong> if you're converting an existing tint shop into the Polar Tint system. Royalty is 8% of gross sales paid weekly, plus a 1% national branding fee and an $800/month technology fee. There is no minimum royalty.

What the $136,588–$259,950 actually buys

The 2026 FDD's Item 7 line items: initial franchise fee, signage and build-out for a single or dual-bay shop, opening inventory (film rolls, ceramic, PPF, install tools), point-of-sale and CRM software, insurance, three months of working capital, and travel for the in-person operator training program at Polar Tint HQ in Henderson, Nevada.

The <em>low</em> end of the range assumes a converting tint shop with existing build-out, equipment, and customer base. The <em>high</em> end assumes a ground-up build in a higher-cost market with two install bays.

Recurring costs after opening

Royalty: 8% of gross sales, paid weekly via ACH.

National branding fee: 1% of gross sales, paid weekly.

Local marketing minimum: 6% of gross or $1,250/week, whichever is greater. The local-marketing dollars flow to Frostbite Marketing (Polar Tint's in-house marketing partner) for Meta + Google + community campaigns.

Technology fee: $800/month for the POS, CRM, scheduling, and reporting stack.

Financing the investment

Polar Tint is SBA-listed, which means the SBA pre-approved the franchise system for 7(a) loans. Typical 7(a) down payments are 10-30% of total investment; the remainder is bank-financed with SBA guarantee. For a $200K project, that's $20K-$60K out of pocket.

Polar Tint maintains relationships with several SBA-preferred lenders specifically familiar with automotive aftermarket. Apply at <a href="https://polartintfranchise.com/financing">our financing page</a> for introductions.

Veteran and first-responder discount

Honorably discharged US military veterans and active first responders (police, fire, EMS) receive a <strong>25% discount on the initial franchise fee</strong>. The discount is documented in the 2026 FDD and applies in every state. That's $12,487.50 off the standard $49,950 fee.