Staffing franchise comparison · 2025 FDD data
ApTask vs HireQuest Direct
How the ApTask Franchise compares with a HireQuest Direct franchise on upfront cost, ongoing fees, payroll funding and support. HireQuest Direct figures are quoted from its 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document as filed with state regulators.
The short answer
HireQuest Direct's 2025 FDD estimates a total initial investment of $45,150 to $150,750, including its franchise fee. ApTask Franchise has zero startup costs: the first-year check is $1,001, with payroll funding, compliance, technology and the back office included, and no office required.
ApTask vs HireQuest Direct, side by side
Amounts in USD.
| ApTask Franchise | HireQuest Direct | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | Franchise fee of 1, plus a 1,000 software fee (first-year check: 1,001) | 2,500-25,000, based on territory population (Item 5) |
| Total initial investment (USD) | Zero startup costs | 45,150 – 150,750 (FDD Item 7) |
| Ongoing fees / revenue split | Minimum gross margins of 18% for C2C / IC placements and 32% for W2 (subject to change per the FDD); margin above the floor shares favorably with the franchisee. Pass-through business: a flat 10% (C2C / IC) or 20% (W2), with margin above that split 50/50. | Continuing Fees of 6%-8% depending on sales; 7.0% of permanent placement fees. Health insurance pool up to 3% of Gross Billings (Item 6). The HireQuest 10-K describes the 6-8% as applying to gross temporary labor sales. |
| Payroll funding | Payroll funding included; ApTask runs the back office (payroll, compliance, technology) | Franchisor funded. The affiliate is employer of record, fees are deducted from Gross Margin weekly, and a Payroll Funding Deposit applies (Items 1 and 6). |
| Financial performance (FDD Item 19) | Earnings claims are limited to the top two franchisees (1.5M and 1M a year); results vary and are not typical. | 2024: 128 offices (satellites counted separately); average Gross Profit 1,527,083 (median 1,386,511); average Net Profit 369,570 (median 328,984). |
| Units | See the ApTask FDD | 82 franchised, 0 company-owned (as of 2024-12-31) |
| Founded / franchising since | Founded 2010 | franchising since 2019 |
| Headquarters | Iselin, NJ | 111 Springhall Drive, Goose Creek, SC 29445 |
| Industries | IT, professional, healthcare and more | unskilled industrial, construction, day labor / on-demand |
| Office | No office required: run the business from home or anywhere | See the brand’s FDD (Items 7 and 11) |
ApTask vs HireQuest Direct: common questions
How much does a HireQuest Direct franchise cost?
HireQuest Direct's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document lists a franchise fee of $2,500-$25,000, based on territory population (Item 5) and a total initial investment of $45,150 to $150,750 (Item 7).
How much does it cost to start an ApTask Franchise?
ApTask Franchise has zero startup costs. The first-year check is $1,001: a $1 franchise fee plus a $1,000 software fee covering email, phone, business card and CRM access. Payroll funding and the back office are included.
How does HireQuest Direct charge its franchisees?
Continuing Fees of 6%-8% depending on sales; 7.0% of permanent placement fees. Health insurance pool up to 3% of Gross Billings (Item 6). The HireQuest 10-K describes the 6-8% as applying to gross temporary labor sales.
Does HireQuest Direct fund payroll?
Franchisor funded. The affiliate is employer of record, fees are deducted from Gross Margin weekly, and a Payroll Funding Deposit applies (Items 1 and 6).
How many HireQuest Direct franchise locations are there?
HireQuest Direct's FDD reports 82 franchised, 0 company-owned (as of 2024-12-31) (Item 20).
Does HireQuest Direct publish financial performance (Item 19)?
Yes. 2024: 128 offices (satellites counted separately); average Gross Profit $1,527,083 (median $1,386,511); average Net Profit $369,570 (median $328,984).
Where can I read the HireQuest Direct FDD?
Filed copies are public in these state franchise databases: MN. Links are in the Sources section of this page. Always review the current FDD with your own counsel before investing.
Sources
HireQuest Direct facts are quoted from its Franchise Disclosure Document and state regulator filings, accessed 2026-09-26. Franchise terms change every year; read the current FDD before making any decision.
- HireQuest Direct FDD 2025 (MN state filing) — MN file 10961
ApTask is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by HQ Franchising Corporation (Delaware; subsidiary of HireQuest, Inc.). HireQuest Direct is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify it. This page compares publicly filed disclosure data and is not an offer to sell a franchise; an offer is made only by Franchise Disclosure Document.
Own a staffing business without the startup cost.
Book a free, confidential discovery call to walk through the ApTask Franchise model and FDD.