At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Detailed Analysis: Great Clips vs Sport Clips
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Great Clips and Sport Clips are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Retail & Services sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Great Clips has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Great Clips has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Sport Clips charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Great Clips leads with a 78/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Great Clips | Sport Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $181K | $266K |
| Max Investment | $387K | $440K |
| Franchise Fee | $20K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Great Clips | Sport Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $400K | $500K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Great Clips | Sport Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 4,500 | 1,900 |
| Annual Growth | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | 2.5% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Great Clips | Sport Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 78/100 | 76/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Great Clips | Sport Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 42 | 30 |
| Years Franchising | 39 | 28 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Great Clips | Sport Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | $400K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | $100K |
Operations
| Metric | Great Clips | Sport Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 8 | 10 |
| Training Weeks | 2 | 3 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Clips or Sport Clips a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Great Clips has 4,500 total units and a 78/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Sport Clips has 1,900 total units and a 76/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Great Clips franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Great Clips franchise requires an initial investment of $181K – $387K. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Sport Clips franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Sport Clips franchise requires an initial investment of $266K – $440K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Great Clips vs Sport Clips?
Great Clips's royalty rate is 6.0%. Sport Clips's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Sport Clips has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Great Clips or Sport Clips?
Great Clips has 4,500 total units. Sport Clips has 1,900 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Great Clips or Sport Clips semi-absentee friendly?
Great Clips is typically run as a semi-absentee model. Sport Clips is typically run as a semi-absentee model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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