As you are searching for a franchise, you undoubtedly have come across the term, “Total Investment.” Here is a short definition as it relates to franchises. Total investment is the total sum of the “Estimated Initial Investments” that are stated in a franchise’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), Item 7. It is usually expressed as a range. This range usually includes, but is not limited to: Franchise Fee Real Estate/Rent Leasehold Improvements Utility Deposits Insurance Office Equipment/Supplies Training Signage Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment Initial Inventory Computer Software Dues/Subscriptions Licenses/Permits Legal/Accounting Payroll Operating Funds   Each franchisor discloses through their FDD, a suggested range for the Estimated Initial Investment. To know exactly what your cost will be, you’ll need to conduct research to the associated costs related to your market.