Cost Cutters vs Smartstyle
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Cost Cutters and Smartstyle are personal care & beauty franchises. Cost Cutters requires an investment of $181K – $342K while Smartstyle requires $184K – $336K. Cost Cutters discloses average revenue of $280K; Smartstyle makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. Smartstyle has SBA lending data on file with a 2.3% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Cost Cutters B (Above average) and Smartstyle B (Above average).
| Metric | Cost Cutters | Smartstyle |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | BAbove average | BAbove average |
| Investment Range | $181K – $342K | $184K – $336K |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 4.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $280K | N/ANo Item 19 representation |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | Limited data | 2.3% (75 loans) |
| Total Units | 405 | 911 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | -134 units | -166 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 1982 | 2016 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$181K – $342K
$184K – $336K
Franchise Fee
$40K
$40K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
4.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$280K
N/ANo Item 19 representation
SBA Charge-Off Rate
Limited data
2.3% (75 loans)
Total Units
405
911
Unit Growth (YoY)
-134 units
-166 units
Year Began Franchising
1982
2016
FDD Year
2025
2025