Great Clips Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Number of franchises

4427

Investment required

$183,000 - $414,000

Revenue (AUV)

$367,000

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$20,000 or $35,000
Initial Advertising Contribution to the MDAF	$5,000
Travel and Expenses While Training	$1,500 to $2,500 per participant
Architecture Fees	$250 to $3,500
Leasehold Improvements, including Labor	$70,000 to $200,000
Rent and Security Deposits	$1,000 to $10,000
Fixtures, Signage and Furnishings, including Salon Technology Hardware	$40,000 to $55,000
Freight	$4,000 to $7,000
Sales Tax on Fixtures, Signage and Furnishings	$0 to $3,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies	$4,700 to $6,400
Grand Opening Advertising	$20,000 to $25,000
Insurance	$1,500 to $3,000
Lease Liability Fee and Lease Review Fee	$0 to $4,000
Additional Funds (6-12 Months)	$15,000 to $55,000
Total	$182,950 to $414,400

Find out how profitable franchises really are

Compare 2,145 franchise brands: revenue, profits, investment and more.

Upgrade to Pro

Franchise Disclosure Document

Great Clips: Revolutionizing Haircare with Convenience and Affordability

Great Clips is a leading franchise in the haircare sector, widely recognized for its accessible and budget-friendly salon services. Established in 1982 by Steve Lemmon and David Rubenzer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Great Clips has expanded into one of the largest salon networks across North America.

The franchise initiated its franchising operations in 1983, giving entrepreneurs the chance to join a brand committed to delivering high-quality haircuts at reasonable prices. Great Clips offers a broad range of hair services, including cuts for men, women, and children, as well as various styling and grooming options.

One of the distinctive features of Great Clips is its focus on walk-in services, allowing clients to get a haircut without prior appointments. Additionally, the franchise utilizes technology through its online check-in system, minimizing wait times and improving the overall customer experience.

Training

Great Clips offers extensive training for franchisees and their key staff, incorporating various programs designed to ensure effective operation and compliance with brand standards. The training programs include:

QuickConnect Franchisee Training: This essential program for franchisees covers the foundational aspects of setting up and managing a Great Clips salon. It combines online modules via GREAT CLIPS® University, virtual sessions, in-person training, participation in the Great Clips Academy, LEADS, in-salon training, and classroom instruction.

Great Clips Academy: Mandatory for franchisees and key personnel such as stylists, this program delves into the critical elements of running a salon, ensuring the consistent delivery of the GREAT CLIPS® brand promise.

LEADS (Leading Excellence and Developing Staff): Targeted at franchisees and their management teams, this program focuses on maintaining the GREAT CLIPS® brand standards within the salon.

In-Salon Training: As part of the QuickConnect Franchisee Training, franchisees must complete hands-on training in a salon environment, gaining familiarity with daily operations, including the use of salon technology and the point-of-sale system.

Territory Protection

Great Clips does not grant franchisees an exclusive territory. Instead, franchisees receive a protected territory, delineated by a specific radius from the salon's main entrance. This radius is typically three-quarters of a mile for standard locations and one-tenth of a mile in areas with high population density.

Despite this protected territory, franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, company-operated locations, or other brands under the Great Clips umbrella, even within the designated area.

This approach allows Great Clips to strategically place salons to maximize market coverage and brand presence while ensuring each franchisee has a fair opportunity to thrive. The protected territory helps balance franchisee interests with the overall growth and accessibility goals of the Great Clips brand.