SPEC franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The SPEC franchise fee is $49,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $581,800 to $2,022,800, with about $190,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the SPEC FDD.
What are the SPEC franchise fees and investment?
The SPEC franchise requires a franchise fee of $49,000 and a total initial investment of $581,800 to $2,022,800. 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) | $49,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $581,800 to $2,022,800 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $190,000 |
| US locations | 34 |
| Industry | Beauty & Personal Care |
| Headquarters | Fargo, North Dakota |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Franchising since | 2008 |
How does the SPEC investment compare with other beauty & personal care franchises?
SPEC's minimum investment of $581,800 is above the median minimum investment of $270,275 across the 175 beauty & personal care franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 21 of the other 174 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $49,000 compares with an industry median of $42,500.
By minimum investment, SPEC belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the SPEC FDD?
Verify six parts of the SPEC 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 SPEC 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 SPEC?
These beauty & personal care franchises have the closest minimum investment to SPEC:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa | $26,000 to $49,500 | $578,507 to $871,602 |
| MassageLuXe | $42,500 | $570,900 to $799,000 |
| Dessange | $25,000 to $55,000 | $593,450 to $1,094,600 |
| SweatHouz | $45,000 | $569,757 to $1,193,974 |
| Perspire Sauna Studio | $50,000 | $565,538 to $989,638 |
See every brand in beauty & personal care franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a SPEC franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a SPEC franchise ranges from $581,800 to $2,022,800, including a franchise fee of $49,000, 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 SPEC franchise?
SPEC lists a minimum of about $190,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many SPEC locations are there?
SPEC reported 34 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 SPEC been franchising?
SPEC started offering franchises in 2008 after the company was founded in 2004.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. SPEC and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by SPEC. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.