Cookie Cutters vs Sport Clips
Cookie Cutters vs Sport Clips: Cookie Cutters costs $118K–$365K to open; Sport Clips costs $289K–$475K. Cookie Cutters has 44 units, Sport Clips has 349. SBA loan history: Cookie Cutters = 50 loans (2.0% default); Sport Clips = 320 loans (7.5% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 56/100 | 47/100 |
Health Tier | Moderate | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 50 | 320 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 2.0% | 7.5% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $118K – $365K | $289K – $475K |
Franchise Fee | $40K | $70K |
Royalty Rate | 5% | 6% |
Ad Fund | 1% | 5% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $200K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $400K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 44 | 349 |
Franchised Units | 44 | 349 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 5 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1994 | 1993 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 1960 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | Salt Lake City, CA | Georgetown, TX |
Category | Beauty Salons | Beauty Salons |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Which Is Better — Cookie Cutters or Sport Clips?
Lower upfront capital required
Cookie Cutters
Cookie Cutters: $118K starting · Sport Clips: $289K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Sport Clips
Cookie Cutters: 50 SBA loans · Sport Clips: 320 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Cookie Cutters
Cookie Cutters: 2.0% · Sport Clips: 7.5%
Larger system & brand presence
Sport Clips
Cookie Cutters: 44 units · Sport Clips: 349 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Cookie Cutters
Cookie Cutters: 5% · Sport Clips: 6%
More lender financing options
Sport Clips
Cookie Cutters: 18 unique lenders · Sport Clips: 39 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation — your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Cookie Cutters vs Sport Clips: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Cookie Cutters and Sport Clips is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $118K to $475K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Cookie Cutters with 50 SBA loans and Sport Clips with 320. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands — not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice — consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.