Cost Cutters franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Cost Cutters franchise fee is $39,500 and the total initial investment ranges from $175,990 to $323,558, with about $45,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Cost Cutters FDD.
What are the Cost Cutters franchise fees and investment?
The Cost Cutters franchise requires a franchise fee of $39,500 and a total initial investment of $175,990 to $323,558. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $39,500 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $175,990 to $323,558 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $45,000 |
| US locations | 463 |
| Industry | Beauty & Personal Care |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Franchising since | 1982 |
How does the Cost Cutters investment compare with other beauty & personal care franchises?
Cost Cutters's minimum investment of $175,990 is at or below the median minimum investment of $270,275 across the 175 beauty & personal care franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 125 of the other 174 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $39,500 compares with an industry median of $42,500.
By minimum investment, Cost Cutters belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the Cost Cutters FDD?
Verify six parts of the Cost Cutters Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Cost Cutters discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Cost Cutters?
These beauty & personal care franchises have the closest minimum investment to Cost Cutters:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Green Spa | $50,000 | $175,000 to $287,000 |
| The Modern Halo | $50,000 | $177,800 to $911,600 |
| Regal Nails Salon & Spa | $25,000 | $172,722 to $720,666 |
| Vitality Spa | $30,000 | $172,300 to $389,000 |
| Facialworks | $60,000 | $180,650 to $408,500 |
See every brand in beauty & personal care franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Cost Cutters franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Cost Cutters franchise ranges from $175,990 to $323,558, including a franchise fee of $39,500, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Cost Cutters franchise?
Cost Cutters lists a minimum of about $45,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Cost Cutters locations are there?
Cost Cutters reported 463 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Cost Cutters been franchising?
Cost Cutters started offering franchises in 1982 after the company was founded in 1982.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Cost Cutters and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cost Cutters. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.