Sport Clips vs FASTSIGNS: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Retail & Services Real Data Not Investment Advice
SC

Sport Clips

Retail & Services
$266K – $440K
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VS
F

FASTSIGNS

Retail & Services
$234K – $307K
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
FASTSIGNS wins on investment range ($132K less) vs Sport Clips.
Fee Burden
Both have the same royalty rate.
Unit Count
Sport Clips wins on total units (1,130 more) vs FASTSIGNS.
Satisfaction
FASTSIGNS wins on franchisee satisfaction vs Sport Clips.

Investment & Fees

Metric Sport Clips FASTSIGNS
Min Investment $266K $234K
Max Investment $440K $307K
Franchise Fee $25K $50K
Royalty Rate 6.0% 6.0%
Ad Fund Rate 5.0% 2.0%

Unit Economics

Metric Sport Clips FASTSIGNS
Avg Unit Revenue $500K $900K
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric Sport Clips FASTSIGNS
Total Units 1,900 770
Annual Growth 1.0% 2.0%
Failure Rate 2.5% 2.5%

Franchisee Performance

Metric Sport Clips FASTSIGNS
Franchisee Satisfaction 76/100 80/100

Track Record

Metric Sport Clips FASTSIGNS
Years in Business 30 38
Years Franchising 28 36

Financial Requirements

Metric Sport Clips FASTSIGNS
Min Net Worth Required $400K $300K
Liquid Capital Required $100K $100K

Operations

Metric Sport Clips FASTSIGNS
Avg Employees 10 8
Training Weeks 3 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sport Clips or FASTSIGNS a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Sport Clips has 1,900 total units and a 76/100 franchisee satisfaction score. FASTSIGNS has 770 total units and a 80/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

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.

How much does it cost to open a FASTSIGNS franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a FASTSIGNS franchise requires an initial investment of $234K – $307K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for Sport Clips vs FASTSIGNS?

Sport Clips's royalty rate is 6.0%. FASTSIGNS's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means FASTSIGNS has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — Sport Clips or FASTSIGNS?

Sport Clips has 1,900 total units. FASTSIGNS has 770 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is Sport Clips or FASTSIGNS semi-absentee friendly?

Sport Clips is typically run as a semi-absentee model. FASTSIGNS is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

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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