At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 1% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | N/A | +6%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 8.0% | 14.0% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Radiant Waxing vs Planet Fitness
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Radiant Waxing and Planet Fitness are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Fitness & Health sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Planet Fitness has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Radiant Waxing 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. Radiant Waxing charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
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 | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $159K | $1.5M |
| Max Investment | $335K | $4.9M |
| Franchise Fee | $45K | $20K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 2.0% | 7.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | N/A | $2.5M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 90 | 2,500 |
| Annual Growth | N/A | 6.0% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | 1.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | N/A | 82/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 16 | 32 |
| Years Franchising | 14 | 22 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | $3.0M |
| Liquid Capital Required | $75K | $1.5M |
Operations
| Metric | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | 20 |
| Training Weeks | N/A | 4 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Radiant Waxing | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 1.0% |
| Annual Unit Growth | N/A | 6.0% |
| Units Opened Last Year | N/A | 150 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Radiant Waxing or Planet Fitness a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Radiant Waxing has 90 total units and a track record in its industry. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units and a 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Radiant Waxing franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Radiant Waxing franchise requires an initial investment of $159K – $335K. The franchise fee is $45K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Planet Fitness franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Planet Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $4.9M. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Radiant Waxing vs Planet Fitness?
Radiant Waxing's royalty rate is 6.0%. Planet Fitness's royalty rate is 7.0%. That means Radiant Waxing has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Radiant Waxing or Planet Fitness?
Radiant Waxing has 90 total units. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Radiant Waxing or Planet Fitness semi-absentee friendly?
Radiant Waxing is typically run as a owner-operator model. Planet Fitness 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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