Smartstyle vs Cost Cutters
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Smartstyle and Cost Cutters are personal care & beauty franchises. Smartstyle requires an investment of $184K – $336K while Cost Cutters requires $181K – $342K. Cost Cutters discloses average revenue of $280K; Smartstyle does not report Item 19 data. Smartstyle has SBA lending data on file with a 2.3% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Smartstyle C (Average) and Cost Cutters D (Below Average).
| Metric | Smartstyle | Cost Cutters |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | CAverageAverage | DBelow AverageBelow Average |
| Investment Range | $184K – $336K | $181K – $342K |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | Weeks 1-52: 4% of Gross Sales; Week 53 through end of Franchise Agreement Term: 5% of Gross Sales or $100 per week, whichever is greater | 4.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | N/A | $280K |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 2.3% (75 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 911 | 405 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1970 | 1970 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$184K – $336K
$181K – $342K
Franchise Fee
$40K
$40K
Royalty Rate
Weeks 1-52: 4% of Gross Sales; Week 53 through end of Franchise Agreement Term: 5% of Gross Sales or $100 per week, whichever is greater
4.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
N/A
$280K
SBA Charge-Off Rate
2.3% (75 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
911
405
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1970
1970
FDD Year
2025
2025