At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Great Clips | Cruise Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $181K | $2K |
| Max Investment | $387K | $23K |
| Franchise Fee | $20K | $695.00 |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 3.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 5.0% | 1.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Great Clips | Cruise Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $400K | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Great Clips | Cruise Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 4,500 | 2,500 |
| Annual Growth | 1.0% | N/A |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Great Clips | Cruise Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 78/100 | N/A |
Track Record
| Metric | Great Clips | Cruise Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 42 | 30 |
| Years Franchising | 39 | 28 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Great Clips | Cruise Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | $50K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | $10K |
Operations
| Metric | Great Clips | Cruise Planners |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 8 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 2 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Clips or Cruise Planners a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Great Clips has 4,500 total units and a 78/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Cruise Planners has 2,500 total units and a track record in its industry. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Great Clips franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Great Clips franchise requires an initial investment of $181K – $387K. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Cruise Planners franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Cruise Planners franchise requires an initial investment of $2K – $23K. The franchise fee is $695.00, with ongoing royalties of 3.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Great Clips vs Cruise Planners?
Great Clips's royalty rate is 6.0%. Cruise Planners's royalty rate is 3.0%. That means Cruise Planners has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Great Clips or Cruise Planners?
Great Clips has 4,500 total units. Cruise Planners has 2,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Great Clips or Cruise Planners semi-absentee friendly?
Great Clips is typically run as a semi-absentee model. Cruise Planners 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.
Related Comparisons
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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