Great Clips, Inc. Franchise — Veteran Cost & Requirements (2026)
Great Clips owners run modern, tech-enabled salons that keep communities looking sharp. It's a steady business built on repeat customers, professional stylists, and proven systems that have worked since 1982.
Investment at a Glance
Military Fit Score
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What Is Great Clips, Inc.?
Continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting our troops and veterans, Great Clips has partnered with VetFran to offer a $5,000 rebate to honorab...
As a Great Clips owner, you're running a business that serves hundreds of walk-in customers weekly through a team of professional stylists. You don't cut hair yourself – you build and lead the team that does. Your focus is on hiring, training, and creating an environment where both staff and customers want to keep coming back. The model is beautifully simple: walk-in haircuts, no appointments needed. Your stylists handle the technical work while you manage the business side – scheduling, inventory, marketing, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Many owners start with one location and grow to multiple units as they master the systems.
Quick Facts
Founded
1982
Headquarters
Minnesota
Location Type
Commercial Location
Semi-Absentee
No
SBA Approved
Yes
Great Clips, Inc. Franchise Cost Breakdown (2026)
The total investment to open a Great Clips, Inc. franchise starts at $187,800. Here's what that covers and what you'll need to qualify.
Investment Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| Initial Advertising Contribution to the MDAF | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Travel and Expenses While Training | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Architecture Fees | $100 | $3,800 |
| Leasehold Improvements, including Labor | $70,000 | $200,000 |
| Rent and Security Deposits | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| Fixtures, Signage and Furnishings, including Salon Technology Hardware | $40,000 | $55,000 |
| Freight | $4,000 | $7,000 |
| Sales Tax on Fixtures, Signage and Furnishings | $0 | $3,200 |
| Opening Inventory and Supplies | $4,700 | $6,400 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Lease Liability Fee and Lease Review Fee | $0 | $4,000 |
| Additional Funds (3-6 Months) | $20,000 | $60,000 |
Getting started requires between $187,800 and $419,900 total investment. The franchise fee is $20,000, with major costs including leasehold improvements ($70,000-$200,000), fixtures and equipment ($40,000-$55,000), and working capital for the first 3-6 months ($20,000-$60,000). There's a $5,000 discount on the franchise fee for veterans. Ongoing fees include 6% royalty and 5% marketing fund based on gross sales, plus a $250 monthly technology fee per location. The business model is designed for growth – second and subsequent units get a reduced franchise fee structure. We'll map out your specific investment during consultation.
Beyond your initial investment, you'll pay a 6% of gross sales royalty on gross sales plus a 5% of gross sales marketing contribution. The true monthly cost of ownership includes additional fees most buyers don't account for until they're already in.
→ We break down your realistic monthly overhead during your consultation.
What Do Great Clips, Inc. Franchise Owners Make?
Great Clips, Inc. includes an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in their Franchise Disclosure Document — which means they voluntarily share revenue and earnings data from their franchise system.
This franchise provides detailed financial performance data in their FDD. During your consultation, we'll help you understand the full picture and connect you directly with the franchisor and current owners to discuss real-world results.
Not every franchise provides this level of transparency. The fact that Great Clips, Inc. does tells you something about their confidence in franchisee performance.
But raw numbers don't tell the full story. What matters is how those numbers apply to your market, your investment level, and your operating model.
Want the Full Financial Picture?
We've analyzed Great Clips, Inc.'s FDD and can walk you through what the numbers actually mean for someone with your background and budget.
See If This Franchise Fits Your GoalsFree 30-min consultation. We earn nothing unless you find the right fit.
Why Veterans Succeed with Great Clips, Inc.
Running a Great Clips isn't about cutting hair – it's about building and leading a team that delivers consistent service day after day. Sound familiar? The skills that matter here are the ones you've already mastered: setting standards, developing people, and making sure the operation runs smoothly even when you're not there. This business rewards attention to detail and systematic thinking. Every aspect has a proven process, from opening procedures to staff scheduling to inventory management. But it's not just about following a playbook – it's about creating an environment where both your team and your customers feel valued.
Military Fit Analysis
Military Fit Score
Best Suited For
Former squad leaders, platoon sergeants, and anyone who's managed teams in high-turnover environments tend to excel here. The key is people management – you're building and maintaining a reliable staff while handling the business operations. Experience with scheduling, training programs, and maintaining standards in busy environments translates directly.
🎖️ Veteran & Military Discount
Great Clips, Inc. participates in the VetFran program and offers a $5,000 discount on the franchise fee for qualified veterans, active duty, and military spouses.
Continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting our troops and veterans, Great Clips has partnered with VetFran to offer a $5,000 rebate to honorably discharged military veterans in the United States and Canada. This rebate is awarded at the time qualified veterans open their first salon with Great Clips.
This discount applies to the initial franchise fee. Combined with SBA veteran loan programs and VA small business resources, your actual out-of-pocket investment could be significantly lower than the listed range.
→ We calculate your true cost — including available discounts, financing options, and veteran-specific programs — during your consultation.
Is Great Clips, Inc. the Right Franchise for Your Background?
Every veteran's transition is different. Your MOS, leadership experience, and financial goals all factor into which franchise makes sense. We've helped veterans across every branch find franchise businesses that match their strengths — not just their budget.
Find Your Franchise FitTalk to a veteran franchise consultant who's been where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Clips, Inc.
How much does a Great Clips, Inc. franchise cost?
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Is Great Clips, Inc. a home-based franchise?
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Can you run a Great Clips, Inc. franchise semi-absentee?
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What do Great Clips, Inc. franchise owners make?
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Is Great Clips, Inc. a good franchise for veterans?
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What is Great Clips, Inc.'s FDD and where can I read it?
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Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You've done the research. You've looked at the numbers. Now the question is whether Great Clips, Inc. — or one of 500+ franchises in our network — is the right fit for where you're headed.
In 30 minutes, we'll cover:
- Whether this franchise matches your skills & goals
- What the FDD reveals that most buyers miss
- Your true cost after veteran discounts & financing
- 2-3 alternative franchises worth comparing
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