Set The Stage Franchise — Veteran Cost & Requirements (2026)
Transform empty houses into stunning staged homes that sell faster and furnish short-term rentals that earn more. This is home staging reimagined as a scalable business with multiple revenue streams — both staging services and furniture rental income.
Investment at a Glance
Military Fit Score
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What Is Set The Stage?
Set the Stage is the leader in the Home Staging and Short-Term Rental furnishing industry. This is a recession resistant business with multiple revenue streams and a proven business model for quick scalability. Furnishing revenue makes up 45% of our sales - Set The Stage is just as much a furnishing business as a staging business. We are the largest Home Staging and Short-Term Rental furnishing franchise. Since 2016 we have operated with systems and processes that allow you to scale quicker, generate more revenue faster and create more freedom of time.
You'll run a home staging and furniture rental operation that serves two distinct markets: real estate agents who need vacant homes staged to sell, and property owners who need their short-term rentals fully furnished to maximize booking rates. The business splits pretty evenly between these services, with furniture rental making up about 45% of revenue. Your day-to-day involves meeting with agents and property owners, managing your staging team's schedule, overseeing furniture inventory and logistics, and building relationships with local real estate professionals. You'll coordinate the movement and placement of furniture, manage your warehouse space, and ensure every property meets Set The Stage's design standards. Revenue comes from both one-time staging projects and ongoing furniture rental contracts. The staging side brings quick turnaround projects with upfront payments, while the rental side provides steady monthly income. It's a mix that helps smooth out cash flow and creates opportunities to scale.
Quick Facts
Founded
2016
Franchising Since
2022
Total Locations
24
Headquarters
Utah
Location Type
Commercial Location
Semi-Absentee
No
SBA Approved
Yes
Set The Stage Franchise Cost Breakdown (2026)
The total investment to open a Set The Stage franchise starts at $190,320. Here's what that covers and what you'll need to qualify.
Investment Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $59,500 | $59,500 |
| Starter Package | $99,000 | $129,000 |
| Launch Support Fee | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Rent | $2,200 | $2,800 |
| Infrastructure, Improvements, and Tools | $1,420 | $5,325 |
| Vehicle | $0 | $2,500 |
| Laptop Computer and Smartphone (PC or MacBook recommended) | $0 | $1,000 |
| Insurance | $0 | $2,000 |
| Marketing Expenses | $2,700 | $2,700 |
| Training Attendance Expenses | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Additional Funds - initial period | $9,000 | $15,000 |
Initial investment starts with the $59,500 franchise fee and a substantial starter package ranging from $99,000 to $129,000 for your initial furniture inventory. There's also a $15,000 launch support fee to get you up and running. The total investment range is $190,320 to $237,825, which covers everything needed to be fully operational including working capital, warehouse space, and marketing. Ongoing fees include a 6% royalty on gross revenues and up to 2% for the ad fund, plus a monthly technology fee of 250-500. We'll break down your actual out-of-pocket costs and financing options during our consultation.
Beyond your initial investment, you'll pay a 6% royalty on gross sales plus a Up to 2% of annual Gross Revenues 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 Set The Stage Franchise Owners Make?
Set The Stage 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.
Set The Stage 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 Set The Stage 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.
Not every franchise provides this level of transparency. The fact that Set The Stage 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 Set The Stage'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 Set The Stage
This business demands precise logistics, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate multiple moving parts — sound familiar? You're managing inventory, scheduling teams, maintaining standards, and ensuring every project gets completed on time and on budget. But what really makes this opportunity click for former service members is the mission-driven aspect. You're helping families present their biggest asset in the best possible light, and you're helping property owners build sustainable businesses. Every staged home that sells quickly, every rental property that books solid — that's a win for your community. The operational tempo can be intense, with multiple projects running simultaneously and tight turnaround times. Success requires the kind of disciplined execution and calm under pressure that comes naturally to those who've served.
Military Fit Analysis
Military Fit Score
Best Suited For
If you've got experience managing logistics, coordinating teams, or overseeing complex operations, you'll recognize familiar patterns here. Those who handled supply operations or managed facilities will find the inventory and warehouse aspects particularly relevant. Leadership experience matters — you'll be building and managing a team while maintaining high standards across multiple projects.
Is Set The Stage 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.
Set The Stage Training & Support
The franchisor provides online training materials and requires franchisees to lease, purchase, or acquire computer equipment, software, and hardware that conform to their specifications. Additional training is available at a rate of $300 per day plus travel, lodging, and meals for the trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Set The Stage
How much does a Set The Stage franchise cost?
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Does Set The Stage offer a veteran or military discount?
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Is Set The Stage a home-based franchise?
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Can you run a Set The Stage franchise semi-absentee?
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What do Set The Stage franchise owners make?
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Is Set The Stage a good franchise for veterans?
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What is Set The Stage's FDD and where can I read it?
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Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You've done the research. You've looked at the numbers. Now the question is whether Set The Stage — 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
Free. No obligation. Veteran to veteran.
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