Just Between Friends Franchise — Veteran Cost & Requirements (2026)
Run premium children's consignment sales events that help local families save money on kids' clothing and gear while letting others earn cash for outgrown items. A proven business model that creates win-win opportunities in your community.
Investment at a Glance
Military Fit Score
30-minute call. No pressure. No cost.
What Is Just Between Friends?
10% discount to veterans & military spouse franchise owners.
Just Between Friends is an event-based business where you organize and run large-scale children's consignment sales, typically 2-4 times per year in your territory. You'll secure venue space, coordinate with consignors who want to sell their gently-used kids' items, and market to local families looking for great deals on everything from strollers to soccer cleats. Your role is primarily executive and marketing-focused. You'll build relationships with local parent groups and community organizations, manage a team of temporary workers during events, and oversee the logistics of setting up what's essentially a pop-up department store. Between events, you're planning marketing strategies, recruiting consignors, and building your customer database. Revenue comes from splitting sales with consignors – they get paid for their items, and you earn a percentage of each sale. The business model is scalable – many owners start with two events annually and grow to quarterly events as they build their consignor and customer base.
Quick Facts
Founded
2003
Franchising Since
2003
Total Locations
151
Headquarters
Pennsylvania
Location Type
Commercial Location
Semi-Absentee
No
SBA Approved
Yes
Just Between Friends Franchise Cost Breakdown (2026)
The total investment to open a Just Between Friends franchise starts at $66,665. Here's what that covers and what you'll need to qualify.
Investment Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $24,900 | $24,900 |
| Initial Equipment | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Storage | $0 | $375 |
| Pre-Opening Labor | $700 | $1,000 |
| Jump Start Guide | $3,000 | $4,000 |
| Estimated Travel and Living Expenses during Onsite Apprenticeship | $1,800 | $2,800 |
| New Franchise Technology License & Set-Up Fee | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| JBF Conference Registration Fee | $500 | $1,000 |
| Venue Lease | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| Business Registration and tax permits | $800 | $1,000 |
| Insurance | $500 | $1,000 |
| Advertising | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Technology Fee | $215 | $1,290 |
| Financial Management Course | $0 | $400 |
| Additional Funds- Initial Period | $10,250 | $15,250 |
The initial franchise fee is $24,900, and veterans receive a 10% discount. Your startup costs include essential equipment, initial marketing, and working capital, bringing the total initial investment range to $66,665-$97,515. SBA financing is available to qualified candidates. Ongoing fees include a 3% royalty on gross sales (with minimum annual royalties starting at $5,250) and a 1% advertising fund contribution. There's also a technology fee of $2,460 annually. The business model is designed for efficient cash flow management since you're not carrying inventory or paying ongoing retail rent – your main expenses align with your event schedule.
Beyond your initial investment, you'll pay a 3% of Gross Sales royalty on gross sales plus a 1% of Gross Sales marketing contribution. The true monthly cost of ownership includes additional fees most buyers don't account for until they're already in.
→ We break down your realistic monthly overhead during your consultation.
What Do Just Between Friends Franchise Owners Make?
Just Between Friends includes an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in their Franchise Disclosure Document — which means they voluntarily share revenue and earnings data from their franchise system.
Not every franchise provides this level of transparency. The fact that Just Between Friends does tells you something about their confidence in franchisee performance.
But raw numbers don't tell the full story. What matters is how those numbers apply to your market, your investment level, and your operating model.
Want the Full Financial Picture?
We've analyzed Just Between Friends's FDD and can walk you through what the numbers actually mean for someone with your background and budget.
See If This Franchise Fits Your GoalsFree 30-min consultation. We earn nothing unless you find the right fit.
Why Veterans Succeed with Just Between Friends
Running successful JBF events demands strong operational planning and the ability to coordinate multiple moving parts under pressure – skills that come naturally after years of military service. The business requires someone who can think three steps ahead while staying focused on immediate execution. What makes this opportunity different is the impact you see immediately. Every event helps hundreds of local families stretch their budgets while giving others a way to recoup money from outgrown items. It's a mission that matters, especially in communities where military families understand the value of making every dollar count. The seasonal rhythm of the business also appeals to people who appreciate structure but want more control over their schedule. You'll have intense event periods balanced with flexible planning time, perfect for someone who knows how to prepare thoroughly and execute efficiently.
Military Fit Analysis
Military Fit Score
Best Suited For
This business is ideal for someone who excelled at coordinating complex operations and managing temporary duty teams. If you've handled logistics, led training operations, or managed large-scale events, you'll recognize many parallels. The ability to build and motivate a temporary workforce while maintaining high standards is especially valuable.
🎖️ Veteran & Military Discount
Just Between Friends participates in the VetFran program and offers a 10% discount on the franchise fee for qualified veterans, active duty, and military spouses.
10% discount to veterans & military spouse franchise owners.
This discount applies to the initial franchise fee. Combined with SBA veteran loan programs and VA small business resources, your actual out-of-pocket investment could be significantly lower than the listed range.
→ We calculate your true cost — including available discounts, financing options, and veteran-specific programs — during your consultation.
Is Just Between Friends the Right Franchise for Your Background?
Every veteran's transition is different. Your MOS, leadership experience, and financial goals all factor into which franchise makes sense. We've helped veterans across every branch find franchise businesses that match their strengths — not just their budget.
Find Your Franchise FitTalk to a veteran franchise consultant who's been where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Just Between Friends
How much does a Just Between Friends franchise cost?
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Is Just Between Friends a home-based franchise?
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Can you run a Just Between Friends franchise semi-absentee?
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What do Just Between Friends franchise owners make?
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Is Just Between Friends a good franchise for veterans?
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What is Just Between Friends's FDD and where can I read it?
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The Learning Experience
Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You've done the research. You've looked at the numbers. Now the question is whether Just Between Friends — or one of 500+ franchises in our network — is the right fit for where you're headed.
In 30 minutes, we'll cover:
- Whether this franchise matches your skills & goals
- What the FDD reveals that most buyers miss
- Your true cost after veteran discounts & financing
- 2-3 alternative franchises worth comparing
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