FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Great Clips.
Based on 2025 FDD · 5 filings in corpus
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Great Clips franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $188K – $420K. Reported owner economics show $42K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.
Quick fee read: $20K franchise fee · 11% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
Great Clips requires a total initial investment of $188K to $420K (midpoint approximately $304K), with an initial franchise fee of $20K. The ongoing fee burden is 11% (6% royalty plus 5% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 15.5%, leaving more margin for the operator.
According to Item 19 of the 2025 FDD, the median revenue for Great Clips locations is $382K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $42K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 13.8% with a payback period of approximately 7.2 years.
Great Clips operates approximately 0 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 2.3% is well below the industry average of approximately 7.2%, indicating strong franchisee financial outcomes.
Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
Analysis based on 2025 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology
Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.
Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.
Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2010-2026). 298 loans across 36 states.
Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.
Common questions buyers ask about Great Clips, answered from FDD and SBA data.
The total initial investment for a Great Clips franchise ranges from $188K to $420K, according to their Franchise Disclosure Document.
Great Clips charges a 6% royalty fee on gross sales.
The initial franchise fee for Great Clips is $20,000.
There are approximately 0 Great Clips franchise locations as of 2023.
The median revenue for a Great Clips franchise is $382K, with a cash-on-cash return of 13.8%, according to FDD Item 19 data.
Great Clips has an SBA loan default rate of 2.3% based on SBA 7(a) loan data.
Whether a Great Clips franchise is worth it depends on total startup cost, royalty burden, FDD Item 19 economics, SBA loan performance, and local operator execution. FDDIQ compares these signals against similar franchises so buyers can screen the opportunity before paying for diligence.
Great Clips franchise costs $187,800-$419,900 to open with a $20,000 franchise fee. 6% royalties.
Sport Clips franchise costs $288,500-$475,000 to open with a $69,500 franchise fee. 6% royalties.
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