First Choice Haircutters

Founded: 1980 Franchising since: 1980
In 1980, A. Bud Cowan started First Choice Haircutters as a low-priced hair salon for the entire family, offering a "no appointment necessary" concept for on-the-go customers. Two years later, the company started franchising the concept. First Choice Haircutters is now owned by Regis Corp., which also franchises City Looks, Cost Cutters Family Hair Care, Pro-Cuts, Magicuts and Supercuts.

6465 Millcreek Dr., #210 Mississauga, Ontario L5N 5R6

Phone: (800)617-3961

Franchisor has 0 employee(s); 6 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	0	186	0	259
2008	0	181	0	262
2007	0	209	0	238
2006	0	206	0	229
2005	0	196	0	213

Where Seeking Franchisees
Not available in the U.S.
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Varies

Total investment: $90.5K-170.5K Franchise fee: $12.5K/22.5K

Ongoing royalty fee: 7% Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	Yes
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $300K
Cash liquidity requirement: $100K
Business Experience:

• General business experience

Operations

• 85% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 6
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

Training

• Available at headquarters: 5 days

Ongoing Support

• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• Ad slicks

Franchise 500® rank:
#198 (2009); #174 (2008); #168 (2005);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#153 (2009); #139 (2008); #103 (2005);