--- title: "Mode Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review" description: "Explore the Mode franchise. Investment: $189K-$334K. 16 locations. Grade: c. Clothing, Fashion & Accessories. Read our FDD analysis and fee breakdown." url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/mode" canonical: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/mode" markdown_url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/mode.md" type: "FranchiseBrand" brand: "Mode" sector: "Retail Products & Services" category: "Clothing, Fashion & Accessories" investment_low: "189000" investment_high: "333500" total_units: "10" grade: "C" operating_model: "Owner-Operator | Semi-Absentee | Multi-Unit" --- # Mode Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review Explore the Mode franchise. Investment: $189K-$334K. 16 locations. Grade: c. Clothing, Fashion & Accessories. Read our FDD analysis and fee breakdown. ## At a glance - **Brand:** Mode - **Sector:** Retail Products & Services - **Category:** Clothing, Fashion & Accessories - **Total initial investment:** $189,000 – $333,500 - **Total units (FDD Item 20):** 10 - **FranchiseGrade grade:** C - **Operating model:** Owner-Operator | Semi-Absentee | Multi-Unit - **States with locations:** IA, KS, MN, ND, SD ## Mode — franchise facts ### What is the total initial investment required to open a Mode franchise? Total investment ranges from $189,000 to $333,500, covering franchise fees, inventory, real estate, equipment, and working capital. This moderate investment level positions Mode as accessible to entrepreneurs with solid financial backing and business experience. ### What is the initial franchise fee for Mode, and what does it cover? The franchise fee is $30,000, a straightforward upfront cost that grants access to the brand, training, support systems, and operational standards. This fee is competitive within the fashion retail franchise sector. ### What ongoing fees, royalties, or required contributions do Mode franchisees pay? Franchisees pay a 5% royalty on sales and a 2% advertising fund contribution, plus $12 in technology fees. These recurring costs support brand development, marketing initiatives, and digital tools that benefit the entire network. ### What financial requirements must candidates meet to qualify for a Mode franchise? Expect to demonstrate strong financial capacity with liquid assets and credit to cover the full investment range. Lenders typically require franchisees to show experience in retail or business management and personal investment of at least 30 percent of total costs. ### Are financing options or third-party funding programs available for Mode franchisees? Many franchisees explore SBA loans, traditional bank financing, and retirement account rollovers to fund their investment. Mode does not directly provide financing, but a franchise consultant can discuss typical funding strategies used by approved franchisees. ### What initial training does Mode provide to new franchise owners? Mode provides 89 total training hours, including 9 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of hands-on training. This comprehensive onboarding covers retail operations, inventory management, customer service, and brand standards to ensure owner readiness. ### What ongoing support and resources does Mode offer after opening? The franchise team offers continued operational guidance, marketing resources, inventory management systems, and regular communication. Franchisees also benefit from access to technology platforms and field support visits to optimize performance. ### Does Mode assist with real estate and site selection for new locations? Mode provides guidance on location criteria and site selection within your territory, though franchisees are responsible for securing the actual space. The focus is on high-traffic retail environments that align with target customer demographics. ### What does the day-to-day role of a franchise owner look like with Mode? Owner-operators typically manage inventory, oversee staff, engage directly with customers, and handle business operations and accounting. Daily tasks include sales floor presence, cash handling, staff scheduling, and ensuring brand standards are maintained. ### Can Mode be operated as an owner-operator or semi-absentee franchise? Mode is designed for owner-operators who want a hands-on retail presence and direct customer interaction. While some franchisees may employ strong managers, the brand benefits most from active ownership in store operations and community engagement. ### What type of lifestyle and time commitment should owners expect with Mode? Owning a Mode franchise means committing to retail hours, seasonal peaks in fashion, and consistent customer-facing responsibilities. This lifestyle suits entrepreneurs who enjoy fashion retail, thrive in dynamic environments, and value direct community impact. ### What territories or markets are currently available for Mode franchise ownership? Mode operates in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota with a nonexclusive territory model. Availability varies by specific location; prospective franchisees should confirm current openings in their target area. ### Does Mode offer multi-unit ownership or expansion opportunities? Experienced franchisees with strong performance may be able to develop additional units within or near their territory. Multi-unit growth requires demonstrated operational excellence and financial capacity to manage multiple locations effectively. ### Are area development or master franchise opportunities available with Mode? Area development agreements may be available for qualified candidates seeking to open multiple units across a larger region. This opportunity suits experienced retailers with significant capital and management resources. ### How does Mode approach unit-level profitability and financial performance? Mode franchises operate on a 5% royalty model in a fashion retail sector with solid customer loyalty potential. Profitability depends on location quality, inventory management, customer service execution, and local market conditions. ### What sets Mode apart from competitors in its market segment? Mode differentiates through its established Midwest presence, comprehensive training approach, and focused regional strategy. The curated product selection and emphasis on personalized customer service create brand loyalty distinct from larger national fashion retailers. ## Research this brand - Full profile: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/mode - Compare it side by side: https://www.franchisegrade.com/compare - Check affordability against your capital: https://www.franchisegrade.com/affordability-calculator - Franchise terms used above: https://www.franchisegrade.com/tools/franchise-glossary --- *Source: [FranchiseGrade](https://www.franchisegrade.com) — independent, FDD-derived franchise research.* *Cite this page as: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/mode* *Training, indexing and quotation are permitted — please attribute and link to the source URL above. Full-text reproduction of the whole page is not. Licensing: privacy@franchisegrade.com*