SERVISTAR vs True Value
SERVISTAR vs True Value: SERVISTAR costs $53K to $258K to open; True Value costs $75K to $860K. SERVISTAR has 7 units, True Value has 239. SBA loan history: SERVISTAR = 9 loans (22.2% default); True Value = 242 loans (12.8% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
SERVISTAR vs True Value: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
SERVISTAR requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($53K vs $75K for True Value), a 29% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, True Value operates 239 units to SERVISTAR's 7, roughly 34× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
True Value has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 242 7(a) approvals compared with 9 for SERVISTAR. SERVISTAR's peak SBA year was 1994 (3 loans); True Value's peak was 2016 (17 loans). True Value's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. SERVISTAR has the most SBA funded units in OK, with 1. True Value leads in IL, with 27. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded SERVISTAR deals is $160K vs $391K for True Value, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 22.2% for SERVISTAR and 12.8% for True Value, True Value has the cleaner SBA loss record by 9.4 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 29 (Fair) for SERVISTAR and 28 (Fair) for True Value, giving SERVISTAR the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 29/100 | 28/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | N/A | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 9 | 242 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 22.2% | 12.8% |
Peer Tier | emerging | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $53K to $258K | $75K to $860K |
Franchise Fee | N/A | $53K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | N/A |
Ad Fund | N/A | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $75K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $150K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 7 | 239 |
Franchised Units | 7 | 239 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1948 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 1960 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | FL | Chicago, IL |
Category | Hardware Stores | Hardware Stores |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | N/A |
Which Is Better, SERVISTAR or True Value?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
SERVISTAR: $53K starting · True Value: $75K starting
More SBA lender confidence
True Value
SERVISTAR: 9 SBA loans · True Value: 242 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
True Value
SERVISTAR: 22.2% · True Value: 12.8%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
SERVISTAR: 7 units · True Value: 239 units
More lender financing options
True Value
SERVISTAR: 9 unique lenders · True Value: 140 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
SERVISTAR vs True Value: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing SERVISTAR and True Value is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $53K to $860K.
SERVISTAR has 9 SBA loans on record and True Value has 242. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
SERVISTAR vs True Value, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, SERVISTAR or True Value?
How much does a SERVISTAR franchise cost compared to True Value?
Can I finance SERVISTAR or True Value with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, SERVISTAR or True Value?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman