How much does it cost to open a Great Clips franchise?

The total investment to open a Great Clips franchise ranges from $156,200–$343,150, based on the 2024 FDD. The initial franchise fee is $20,000. Most buyers in standard markets land near the midpoint of that range.

What is the Great Clips franchise royalty?

6% of gross sales. The brand/ad fund contribution is 5% of gross sales. No-appointment hair salon model. Multi-unit operators dominate the system.

Can you get an SBA loan for a Great Clips franchise?

Yes. Great Clips is on the SBA Franchise Registry, meaning SBA 7(a) lenders can process the loan without reviewing the franchise agreement separately. Minimum 10% cash injection applies.

How much liquid capital do you need for a Great Clips franchise?

Great Clips requires $50,000 in liquid capital (cash and easily accessible funds). Net worth requirement is $300,000. Verify current requirements in the FDD - these figures can change between disclosure periods.

What is the FDD for Great Clips?

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that franchisors must provide to prospective franchisees. It covers the 23 items defined by the FTC Franchise Rule, including fees, obligations, financial performance data (Item 19), and a list of existing franchisees. Always read the full FDD - not just the summary materials - before signing.

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Great Clips Franchise Cost: What You'll Actually Pay in 2024

FundBizPro is an educational resource. We are not a licensed lender, broker, or financial advisor. Information here is for general education only - consult licensed professionals before making financing decisions. Full disclaimer →

TL;DR — Key Facts

→Total investment: $156,200–$343,150.
→Initial franchise fee: $20,000.
→Royalty: 6% of gross sales. Ad fund: 5% of gross sales.
→Liquid capital required: $50,000.
→SBA-approved - may qualify for SBA 7(a) loan with 10% down.
→Average unit volume: $427,000/year (FDD 2024).

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What It Costs to Open a Great Clips Franchise

The total investment range for a Great Clips franchise is $156,200–$343,150, based on the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. The initial franchise fee is $20,000.

The range reflects real variation: market size, whether you're building new or converting an existing location, real estate costs in your territory, and local labor and construction rates. Most buyers land near the midpoint of the published range - plan for the high end during due diligence.

Verify all figures against the current FDD before signing anything. Franchisor websites post summary figures; the FDD is the legally binding source.

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Ongoing Fees: What You Pay After Opening

Ongoing costs matter more than the opening investment because they repeat every week for the life of your agreement.

Royalty: 6% of gross sales Ad fund: 5% of gross sales

Model note: No-appointment hair salon model. Multi-unit operators dominate the system.

Run these against the average unit volume for your target market before assuming the business can carry the debt. A location doing $249,675 in investment needs to generate enough gross margin to cover royalties, debt service at DSCR 1.25x or higher, and a reasonable owner salary. Use the DSCR calculator to pressure-test the numbers before signing.

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How to Finance a Great Clips Franchise

Great Clips is on the SBA Franchise Registry, which means SBA 7(a) lenders can skip the franchise agreement review and move faster. The minimum cash injection is 10% of the total project cost for SBA 7(a) loans. On a $156,200–$343,150 investment, that's $15,620–$34,315 out of pocket before closing costs and working capital.

Liquid capital requirement: $50,000. Net worth requirement: $300,000.

Request the franchisor's preferred lender list during discovery. Lenders who have already reviewed the FDD and financed multiple Great Clips units move faster and understand the deal structure.

Key Due Diligence Steps Before You Sign

Before signing the Franchise Disclosure Document for a Great Clips franchise:

1. Read Item 19 fully. This franchisor discloses financial performance data. Verify the figures against the stores you visit.

2. Talk to existing franchisees. Item 20 in the FDD lists current and former franchisees with contact information. Call at least 10. Ask about realistic revenue in year one, the support you receive after opening, and what they know now that they wish they'd known before signing.

3. Review the lease independently. Your franchise agreement may specify location criteria. Have a commercial real estate attorney review the lease before your FDD review period closes.

4. Score your location. The franchisor's site team is not working for you - they're working for network growth. Use independent location data to verify the trade area before committing.

Verify all figures in this guide against the current FDD. Sources: https://www.greatclipsfranchise.com, FDD 2024 (estimated).

Compare Similar Franchises

Comparing franchise costs side by side before signing helps you understand what you're getting for your investment. Related guides: Sport Clips franchise cost, Supercuts franchise cost.

The right comparison isn't just total investment - it's total investment divided by realistic unit economics. A franchise that costs 50% more but earns 100% more revenue in your market is the better deal.

Sources

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice - consult a licensed professional before making acquisition or financing decisions.

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By FundBizPro Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · United States

Written by

FundBizPro Editorial Team

Backgrounds in commercial banking, SBA lending, and franchise industry research

The FundBizPro Editorial Team covers North American franchise costs, FDD analysis, site selection, and acquisition financing. Articles draw on current FDD filings and primary industry sources and are reviewed before publication. Content is educational only and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed professional.

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