First Choice Haircutters vs SmartStyle Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
First Choice Haircutters Franchise
SmartStyle Franchise
Investment $163,880 - $302,600$149,430 - $305,200
Franchise Fee $29,500 - $49,500$39,500
Royalty Fee 5% - 7%5%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 19801996
Year Franchised 19822016
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee To $3K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
First Choice Haircutters Franchise
SmartStyle Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Customer-service oriented, management skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    First Choice Haircutters Franchise
    SmartStyle 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
    SmartStyle Franchise
    Training Classroom Training: 5 days On-The-Job Training: 5 hours Classroom Training: 25 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection 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 Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media
    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
    SmartStyle Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    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 SmartStyle

    With convenient locations in Walmart stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, SmartStyle is a full-service hair salon that provides the hairstyle you want at an affordable price, all in a welcoming and relaxing environment.  SmartStyle is proud to be part of Regis Corporation, the world's largest and leading hair salon company.


    "Entrepreneur
    #325 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #130 in Franchise 500 for 2021.