First Choice Haircutters vs Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of First Choice Haircutters vs Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$163,880 - $302,600 | $145,500 - $1,111,000 |
Franchise Fee |
$29,500 - $49,500 | N/A |
Royalty Fee |
5% - 7% | - |
Advertising Fee |
3% | - |
Year Founded |
1980 | 2004 |
Year Franchised |
1982 | 2018 |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
To $3K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
General business experience Customer-service oriented, management skills | - |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/No | -/- |
Start-up Costs |
No/Yes | -/- |
Equipment |
No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory |
No/Yes | -/- |
Receivables |
No/No | -/- |
Payroll |
No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
Training |
Classroom Training: 5 days
| - |
Support |
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings/Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security/Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
| - |
Marketing |
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
Regional Advertising
Social media
SEO
| - |
Operations |
63% of all franchisees own more than one unit
Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
- | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
Yes | - |
Company Overviews
About First Choice Haircutters
In 1980, A. Bud Cowan started First Choice Haircutters as a low-priced hair salon for the entire family, offering a 'no appointment necessary' concept for on-the-go customers. Two years later, the company started franchising the concept. With over 300 locations in Canada and the United States, First Choice Haircutters offers affordable, professional hair care in bright, contemporary salons.
#102 in Canada's Top franchises.
About Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC)
Salon Professional Education Company is a network of amazing schools producing salon-ready professionals all across the country. Our leadership team is comprised of seasoned
industry executives, educators, franchise experts, and business owners
from many walks of life. The diverse nature of this group brings a
unique insight and perspective to the beauty school industry and has led
to the development of one of the strongest beauty school franchise
systems in the nation.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new TSPA, ESI or
SPA Salon Professional Education Company beauty school franchised business is $668,000 to $1,111,000 for the model that includes hairstyling and $448,000 to $838,000 for the model
that does not include hairstyling. This includes $45,000 that must be
paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. This applies regardless of the
service mark you may choose for operating your franchise.
The total investment necessary to convert an existing beauty school is $145,500 to
$628,500. This also includes the $45,000 that must be paid to the
franchisor or its affiliates, and applies regardless of the service mark
you may choose for operating your franchise.