Snip-its Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Snip-its is a children's hair salon franchise providing haircuts and styling services in a fun and engaging environment, making haircuts enjoyable for kids and parents alike.

Snip-its is a premier children's hair salon franchise that revolutionized the kids' haircut experience by making it enjoyable and stress-free. Established in 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Joanna Meiseles, the brand has grown to become a trusted name among families seeking quality haircare for their children.

The company's headquarters is located in Burnsville, Minnesota. Snip-its began franchising in 2003 and has since expanded to over 40 locations across the United States.

The franchise specializes in providing haircuts and spa services tailored specifically for children.

What sets Snip-its apart is its unique, interactive salon environment featuring proprietary cartoon characters, engaging games, and the signature "Magic Box" that dispenses a prize after each service.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee$35,000
Security Deposit and Rent$7,500 - $20,000
Staff Recruiting$500 - $3,500
Initial Training$1,000 - $3,000
Staff Wages During Training$2,500 - $3,000
Optional Construction Project Management$0 - $27,500
Base Construction and Leasehold Improvements$47,975 - $100,775
Millwork$35,200 - $48,600
“Snipification” of Salon$20,700 - $23,100
Computer Hardware/POS System$2,600 - $4,000
POS Software System Fee$150 - $225
Exterior Signage$4,300 - $6,450
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Decor$8,300 - $10,000
Audio Visual Equipment$2,000 - $2,400
Proprietary Products$1,830 - $3,225
Other Initial Inventory and Salon Supplies$3,550 - $7,525
Shipping$4,900 - $14,000
Insurance$1,500 - $2,500
Professional Fees$500 - $6,500
Grand Opening Program$15,000
Additional Funds (3 Months)$5,450 - $20,600
Total Estimated Initial Investment$200,455 - $356,900
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee$35,000
Security Deposit and Rent$7,500 - $20,000
Staff Recruiting$500 - $3,500
Initial Training$1,000 - $3,000
Staff Wages During Training$2,500 - $3,000
Optional Construction Project Management$0 - $27,500
Base Construction and Leasehold Improvements$47,975 - $100,775
Millwork$35,200 - $48,600
“Snipification” of Salon$20,700 - $23,100
Computer Hardware/POS System$2,600 - $4,000
POS Software System Fee$150 - $225
Exterior Signage$4,300 - $6,450
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Decor$8,300 - $10,000
Audio Visual Equipment$2,000 - $2,400
Proprietary Products$1,830 - $3,225
Other Initial Inventory and Salon Supplies$3,550 - $7,525
Shipping$4,900 - $14,000
Insurance$1,500 - $2,500
Professional Fees$500 - $6,500
Grand Opening Program$15,000
Additional Funds (3 Months)$5,450 - $20,600
Total Estimated Initial Investment$200,455 - $356,900

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Snip-its provides a comprehensive training structure for its franchisees to ensure quality operations across all locations.

  1. Initial Training Program: Offered free for up to three individuals if attended simultaneously, this training is mandatory for the Operating Partner and Salon Manager. It must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction before the store opens and includes all instruction, with the franchisee covering travel, lodging, and meal expenses.
  2. Staff Training: For first and second-time franchisees, Snip-its provides training for managers, stylists, and receptionists. This can be conducted virtually, at the business location, or at another approved site. Franchisees are responsible for securing the location and associated costs.
  3. Training for Replacements and Additional Personnel: Franchisees must pay a training fee for additional or replacement staff attending either initial or post-opening training. This also applies to individuals retaking the training after a failed attempt.
  4. Requested and Remedial Training: Additional or remedial training may be provided upon request or mandated if operational deficiencies are identified. All costs, including fees and the franchisor’s expenses for travel and accommodation, must be reimbursed by the franchisee.
  5. Conferences and Ongoing Education: Snip-its may hold regional or national conferences that could be mandatory or optional. Franchisees must pay a conference fee and all related expenses regardless of attendance status.

Territory Protection

Snip-its grants franchisees a nonexclusive territory that is typically defined by a geographic radius—usually two miles for urban and five miles for suburban locations. Within this designated area, the franchisor agrees not to establish or authorize other Snip-its Salon businesses.

However, this territory is not exclusive, and franchisees may still face competition from other franchisees or company-owned locations that are outside their designated area but close enough to impact their business.

The franchisor retains broad rights to operate or license others to operate similar businesses outside the designated territory, even if this affects the franchisee’s performance.

Competitors

Below are some of

Snip-its

key competitors in the

Hair salon

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

40

New
+
-7%
-7%

$35,000

$200,000

$361,000

n.a.

$266,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

17.2%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Moxie Salon & Beauty Bar

Moxie Salon & Beauty Bar is a salon franchise offering hair and beauty services in a modern, boutique setting, serving fashion-forward adults seeking affordable luxury, and known for bold decor, strong brand identity and full franchisee support.

Franchisees

?

20
+
43%
43%
Investment

?

$226,000 - $464,000
Beauty
Hair salon

Dessange

Dessange is a beauty-service franchise offering upscale hair, beauty and spa treatments, serving style-conscious clients, and known for premium ambiance, brand heritage and standardized franchise operations.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$444,000 - $1,068,000
Beauty
Hair salon

Knockouts

Knockouts offers a unique sports-themed grooming experience for men, combining haircuts, shaves, and relaxation in a comfortable environment.

Franchisees

?

51
+
11%
11%
Investment

?

$245,000 - $388,000
Beauty
Hair salon

Scissors & Scotch Barbershop

Scissors & Scotch Barbershop offers grooming services for men, combining classic barbering with modern amenities and providing a full-service bar for relaxation.

Franchisees

?

16
+
23%
23%
Investment

?

$631,000 - $845,000

Lemon Tree Hair Salons

Lemon Tree Hair Salons is a family-focused hair salon franchise. Franchisees receive comprehensive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing support to run a successful salon business.

Franchisees

?

34
+
3%
3%
Investment

?

$179,000 - $271,000
Beauty
Hair salon

Primp and Blow

Primp and Blow offers blowout and styling services, providing a luxurious salon experience with professional hair care and makeup services for special occasions and everyday pampering.

Franchisees

?

12
+
33%
33%
Investment

?

$353,000 - $620,000
Beauty
Hair salon