First Choice Haircutters vs Armstrong McCall Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of First Choice Haircutters vs Armstrong McCall including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
First Choice Haircutters Franchise
Armstrong McCall Franchise
Investment $163,880 - $302,600$75,000 - $500,000
Franchise Fee $29,500 - $49,500N/A
Royalty Fee 5% - 7%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19801939
Year Franchised 19821996
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee To $3K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
First Choice Haircutters Franchise
Armstrong McCall Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Customer-service oriented, management skills
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    Financing Options
     
    First Choice Haircutters Franchise
    Armstrong McCall Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-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
     
    First Choice Haircutters Franchise
    Armstrong McCall Franchise
    Training Classroom Training: 5 days

    Initially franchise distributors receive a 2-day training at the Armstrong McCall Support Center. Additional Regional training in consultative selling
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection

    Assistance from the Support Center includes: Field sales managers & sales meetings Product knowledge DVDs Distributor-only secure website Innovative Promotions & Merchandising Through close management of franchise operations, Armstrong McCall benefits from a cohesive system where franchises focus on specific promotions. The Support Center provides innovative promotions and incentives such as: Commissioned show sales VIP sales Seasonal in-store sales Store merchandising Monthly print advertising Customer education coordination
    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
     
    First Choice Haircutters Franchise
    Armstrong McCall Franchise
    US Expansion --
    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.

    "Top

    #102 in Canada's Top franchises.

    About Armstrong McCall

    Armstrong McCall seeks a limited number of highly qualified individuals to become multi-unit franchise owner/operators in select areas of the U.S. and Mexico. We are currently focusing our U.S. expansion in the Central Plains with plans for further territory development on the horizon. Armstrong McCall owners work on their business by direct involvement in this recession-resistant industry of professional salon distribution.

    No Royalties!  Unlike many franchises, Armstrong McCall collects no royalties from its franchisees.