FranchiseBudget

Ace Hardware vs Great Clips Franchise Cost 2026

Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Great Clips runs $183K–$382K. The gap at midpoint: $903K.

Ace Hardware

$286K–$2.1M

total investment

Investment Difference

$903K

Great Clips costs less

Great Clips

$183K–$382K

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Ace Hardware Great Clips Lower Cost
Total Investment $286K–$2.1M $183K–$382K Great Clips
Franchise Fee $5,000 $20,000 Ace Hardware
Royalty Rate 0.0% 6.0% Ace Hardware
Ad Fund Fee 0.0% 5.0% Ace Hardware
Net Worth Required $400K $300K Great Clips
Liquid Capital $250K $75K Great Clips
Est. Break-Even 5.3 yr 20.2 yr Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware Profile

Category
retail
Total Investment
$286K–$2.1M
Franchise Fee
$5,000
Royalty
0.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$2.8M
Full Ace Hardware Cost Breakdown →

Great Clips Profile

Category
beauty
Total Investment
$183K–$382K
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Royalty
6.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$350K
Full Great Clips Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Great Clips costs $903K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.