2026 FDD Issued Mar 31, 2026, amended Sep 14, 2026 Minnesota Commerce (CARDS) Checked Nov 2, 2026
Waxing the City Franchise Cost (2026)
A Waxing the City franchise costs an estimated $339,945 – $646,195 to open, according to Item 7 of the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). That total includes the $42,500 initial franchise fee (Item 5) and covers this format: Single Waxing Studio. Item 6 lists royalty fee: 6% of Gross Revenue, subject to the conditions below.
- Total investment
- $340K – $646KItem 7 source and qualifications
- Franchise fee
- $42.5KItem 5 source and terms
- Royalty
- 6% of Gross RevenueItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Brand fund
- 2% of Gross RevenueItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Units (2025)
- 167Item 20 source and scope
- Franchise exit rate
- 8.1% / yrCalculated 3-year average; definition and source
What stands out about Waxing the City
The first term is short. Item 17 sets a 6-year initial term and a single, shorter renewal, and renewing means updating or moving the studio and may come with a smaller protected territory. Item 6 recommends setting aside a monthly amount per square foot toward that remodel, and the franchisor can require that money to be paid to it to hold.
Supplies run through a single channel. The franchisor is the only source of the wax and waxing strips, and Item 6 estimates ongoing product purchases in the tens of thousands of dollars a year. On top of a royalty of 6% of Gross Revenue with a weekly minimum, the technology fee is set to rise by a fixed percentage each year, compounding.
Memberships matter to sales. Item 19 reports that monthly Club Orange subscriptions made up a large part of studio revenue in 2025, and studios open the full year averaged $478,025 in total gross revenue, with the bottom quarter far below the top.
Exits come through terminations rather than voluntary closures. Item 20 lists 31 openings and 15 terminations in 2025, leaving 167 studios, and the amended FDD's partial-year figures for 2026 show terminations and non-renewals continuing. The minimum royalty also starts a year after signing even if the studio has not opened, unless the owner is working with the franchisor's real estate team.
What are the initial franchise fees and financial requirements for Waxing the City?
Item 5 lists an initial franchise fee of $42,500 for Waxing the City. Check the cited Item 5 for payment timing, discounts and format-specific terms.
Item 5 (PDF pages 15-18): $42,500 for a single studio, paid at signing and non-refundable. Qualifying veterans pay $38,250, existing franchisees of the brand or its affiliates $37,500, and existing franchisees who are veterans $33,750. In 2025 fees ranged from $27,583 to $42,500. Area Development Agreements cost $97,500 for 3 studios or $150,000 for 5, plus $30,000 for each additional studio, paid up front. You must open within 12 months of signing; after that the Minimum Royalty Fee starts whether or not the studio is open, unless you are working with the franchisor's real estate team. Before opening you buy initial supplies and retail products ($13,656 to $14,480) and furniture, fixtures and equipment ($39,405 to $59,809) from the franchisor or an affiliate, and you must spend at least $25,000 on a Grand Opening and Ramp Up Plan.
Source: Waxing the City 2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 15.
This record lists no minimum net worth or liquid-capital requirement for Waxing the City, because no sourced figure has been recorded. Ask the franchisor for its current financial qualifications in writing.
How much does it cost to open a Waxing the City franchise? (Item 7)
Source: Waxing the City 2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 26.
Item 7 of Waxing the City’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document estimates the total cost to open one single waxing studio at $339,945 – $646,195. This total includes the initial franchise fee.
| Expense Category | Low ($) | High ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $42,500 | $42,500 |
| Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $1,395 | $2,640 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $114,200 | $277,720 |
| 3 Months' Rent and Security Deposit | $18,200 | $30,300 |
| Construction Management Fees | $0 | $12,500 |
| Architect/Design Fees | $11,085 | $21,530 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $39,405 | $59,809 |
| Office Supplies | $3,500 | $4,500 |
| Technology Package and Licenses | $13,084 | $25,806 |
| Interior & Exterior Signage | $16,500 | $34,800 |
| Initial Retail Inventory | $5,578 | $6,108 |
| Initial Waxing Supply Inventory | $8,078 | $8,372 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Insurance | $2,550 | $2,850 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $4,270 | $7,100 |
| Additional Funds and Working Capital for First 3 Months | $34,600 | $84,660 |
| Total | $339,945 | $646,195 |
Item 7 (PDF pages 26-30) prints $339,945 to $646,195 for a single studio, from a 4-room, 1,200 square foot studio to a 6-room, 2,000 square foot one; its 16 lines add to that total. Leasehold improvements are the largest line. Additional funds cover the first three months. An Area Development Agreement adds a development fee of $97,500 to $150,000 at signing (PDF page 30).
What ongoing royalties and fees does Waxing the City charge? (Item 6)
Source: Waxing the City 2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 18.
Item 6 of Waxing the City’s 2026 FDD lists the charges below. Recurring charges and charges triggered by a transfer, renewal or other event have different conditions. Read each fee’s basis and notes before comparing rates.
How to read an Item 6 fee table.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate | Payment Frequency | Notes & Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Revenue | Every period | The greater of 6% of Gross Revenue (net collections, including gift card and membership sales when sold) or the $100 weekly Minimum Royalty Fee, paid each Monday for the prior week. The minimum starts at the earlier of the month after opening or 12 months after signing (note 2). (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| General Advertising and Marketing Fund Contributions | 2% of Gross Revenue | Every period | Currently 2% of monthly Gross Revenue; may rise to as much as 3% on 60 days' notice. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Ongoing Purchases of Wax & Service Offering Products and Other Promotional Items | Varies | When it applies | Typically $50,000 to $77,000 a year. The franchisor is the sole source of hard and soft wax and waxing strips and of other retail and service products. (Item 6, PDF p. 19) |
| Technology Fee | $799 per month | Every period | Currently $799 per month for studio management software, mobile device management, email hosting and website maintenance, starting when the software account is activated before opening. Increases by up to 10% a year, compounded and cumulative (note 4). (Item 6, PDF p. 19) |
| Pre Transfer / Renewal Technology Inspection Fee | $550 | When it applies | $550 if you have ProVision inspect your technology before a renewal or transfer. (Item 6, PDF p. 19) |
| Charitable Contribution | Varies | When it applies | Voluntary: $100 per month if you join the Charitable Contribution Program. (Item 6, PDF p. 19) |
| Marketing Materials | Varies | When it applies | Currently $650 to $1,200 for the first year for required point-of-purchase kits, which ship automatically. (Item 6, PDF p. 19) |
| Conference Fee | Varies | When it applies | Currently $799 for the first ticket ($499 or $599 for more), capped at $1,000; billed for one studio even if you do not register. Conferences are typically every other year (note 5). (Item 6, PDF p. 19) |
| Regional Meeting or Other Franchisee Meeting Fee | Varies | When it applies | No charge currently; up to $250 per person. (Item 6, PDF p. 20) |
| Continuing Engagement Credit Fees | Varies | When it applies | Not currently charged; up to $1,200 per studio for each year you fail to complete 1,200 continuing engagement credits. (Item 6, PDF p. 20) |
| No Show Fees | Varies | When it applies | Currently $500 or the actual rescheduling travel cost, whichever is greater; may rise to $1,500. (Item 6, PDF p. 20) |
| Training Compliance Fee | Varies | When it applies | $500 per month per violation if staff perform services before training, or $2,500 per month if you open before completing pre-opening obligations. (Item 6, PDF p. 20) |
| Training for Each New Aesthetician or Cosmetologist | Varies | When it applies | No charge for virtual support currently (up to $250 per hour later); in-person support up to $1,500 per day plus travel, capped at $3,000 per day (note 6). (Item 6, PDF p. 20) |
| Additional Services Training | Varies | When it applies | No charge for virtual training currently (up to $250 per hour later); on-site up to $1,500 per day plus travel, capped at $3,000. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Retail Training | Varies | When it applies | No fee currently; up to $250 per hour later, plus employee travel costs. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Additional Customer Experience / Operations Training | Varies | When it applies | Up to $1,500 per day per representative plus travel, capped at $3,000 per day. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Leadership Training | Varies | When it applies | No fee currently; up to $1,500 per day per representative later, capped at $3,000. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Lash Lift & Lamination Certification | Varies | When it applies | Currently $125 per Cerologist per certification, capped at $250. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Renewal Fee | $6,000 | When it applies | $6,000, reduced to $5,000 if paid with signed renewal documents at least 30 days before expiration. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Transfer Fee | Varies | When it applies | $12,000 before the studio opens or $7,500 after, plus any broker fees (note 7). (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Relocation Fee | Varies | When it applies | $1,500 plus expenses; refunded if not approved, and currently waived if you work with the real estate team. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Audit | Varies | When it applies | Cost of audit if Gross Revenue was understated by at least 2%. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Inspection Fee | Varies | When it applies | Up to $500 per failed inspection for the re-inspection. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Additional On-site Training | Varies | When it applies | Up to $1,500 per day per trainer plus travel, capped at $3,000, when required (note 8). (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Compliance Fee | Varies | When it applies | Up to $500 per violation per month until you comply. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Insurance Handling Fees | Varies | When it applies | Currently $100 (up to $300) plus premiums if the franchisor buys insurance for you. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Indemnification | Varies | When it applies | Reimbursement if the franchisor is held liable for claims arising from your studio. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Liquidated Damages | Varies | When it applies | $10,000 for each studio you fail to develop by an Area Development Agreement deadline. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Cost of Enforcement or Defense | Varies | When it applies | All costs if the franchisor wins a legal action against you or defends one you bring. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Interest | Varies | When it applies | The lesser of 1.5% per month or the legal maximum on overdue amounts. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Late Report Fee | Varies | When it applies | $100 per late report or financial statement. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Insufficient Funds Fee | Varies | When it applies | $100 per returned check or failed EFT collection. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Re-Invention Program | Varies | When it applies | $0.50 per square foot per month that the franchisor recommends you set aside toward the remodel required for renewal; it may require you to pay it to the franchisor to hold (note 9). (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Recertification or Re-Training Fee | Varies | When it applies | Not currently charged; up to $1,500 per day per trainer plus travel, capped at $3,000 (note 10). (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Additional Email Addresses | Varies | When it applies | $20 per month for each additional package of 5 addresses; the Technology Fee includes 5. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Grand Opening and Ramp Up Plan | $25,000 | When it applies | $25,000 spent on digital, local and community marketing from lease signing (up to 120 days before opening) through 180 days after opening; shortfalls may be paid into the marketing fund. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Local Advertising | $1,500 per month | Every period | After the Grand Opening and Ramp Up Plan, at least $1,500 per month on approved local advertising; shortfalls may be paid into the marketing fund, and the franchisor may run it for you with a setup fee of up to $350. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
Explore annual fees and payback assumptions
This fee schedule cannot be reduced to the calculator’s simple sales-based formula. Enter your own assumptions and check them against the Item 6 terms.
Waxing the City startup investment and modeled fees over 10 years
Item 6 charges the greater of 6% of Gross Revenue or a $100 weekly Minimum Royalty Fee, which can start before the studio opens. Because of the minimum, this record does not produce an annual fee estimate or payback preset. See the fee amounts and definitions in Item 6 above. Open the calculator with your own assumptions.
Item 20: Waxing the City franchised outlet history
Source: Waxing the City 2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 70.
Item 20 Table 3 reports 167 franchised outlets at the end of 2025. The company-owned table reports a further 0 outlets. Our calculated average annual franchised exit rate is 8.1% across the 3 reported years, using the definition below.
| Year | Franchised at Start | Opened | Reported Exits | At End | Franchise Exit Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 133 | 22 | 5 | 150 | 3.8% |
| 2024 | 150 | 17 | 16 | 151 | 10.7% |
| 2025 | 151 | 31 | 15 | 167 | 9.9% |
Franchised units went from 133 to 167 over 3 years (+34).
Reported exits include terminations, non-renewals, franchisor reacquisitions and other cessations. A reacquired outlet may continue operating. How we calculate the exit rate. How to read the Item 20 outlet tables. Compare Waxing the City’s exit rate with other brands.
9 units changed owners in 2025.
Item 20 Table 3 totals (PDF page 70) match Table 1 (PDF page 64). Every franchised exit in 2023-2025 was a termination or non-renewal. Six company-owned studios were sold to franchisees in 2023 and are shown as openings. The amended FDD adds 2026 figures through September 11, 2026: 12 openings, 7 terminations and 4 non-renewals, leaving 168 studios. Table 5 lists 33 franchise agreements signed but not opened.
How much do Waxing the City franchise owners make? (Item 19)
Source: Waxing the City 2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 61.
Item 19 of the 2026 FDD reports average Total Gross Revenues, all Studios of $478,025 (2025 calendar year, 138 franchised Waxing Studios open the entire year; 63 (46%) met or exceeded the average). Waxing the City’s Item 19 reports sales but no profit, costs or owner pay. Rent, payroll, supplies, loan payments and Item 6 fees such as the royalty (6% of Gross Revenue) come out of sales before an owner is paid, so these figures cannot show what an owner earns.
See every Waxing the City Item 19 figure, with its period and sample.
Payback calculator (enter your own assumptions) Check any inputs against this record’s Item 7 startup costs and Item 6 fee rules.
How to interpret Waxing the City’s Item 19 figures and sample limits.
How long is the Waxing the City franchise agreement term?
Source: Waxing the City 2026 FDD, Item 17, PDF p. 56.
The standard Waxing the City franchise agreement runs 6 years, with renewal terms of 5 years.
Item 17 (PDF pages 56-57): a 6-year initial term with one 5-year renewal if you are in good standing, sign the then-current agreement (which may shrink the protected territory), update or move the studio, sign a release and pay the renewal fee.
How long does it take to open a Waxing the City franchise? (Item 11)
Source: Waxing the City 2026 FDD, Item 11, PDF p. 49.
Item 11 of the 2026 FDD states the time from signing the Franchise Agreement to opening: approximately 12 months.
Franchises with a similar investment range
These published records are selected by proximity to Waxing the City’s $339,945 low-end Item 7 investment, starting with Beauty & Personal Care. Formats, fees and source qualifications differ; the figures are not interchangeable budgets:
- European Wax Center $332K – $777K Source review pending Provisional publication Beauty & Personal Care
- Floyd's 99 Barbershop $400K – $773K Beauty & Personal Care
- Play It Again Sports $346K – $460K Retail
- FS8 $349K – $841K Fitness
- Crave Cookies $328K – $735K Source review pending Provisional publication Restaurants & Food
- Once Upon A Child $356K – $486K Retail
Compare other beauty & personal care franchises
Sources
Waxing the City Franchise Disclosure Document, issued March 31, 2026, as amended September 14, 2026, as filed with the Minnesota Commerce (CARDS). Read the source FDD PDF. How to get this FDD yourself.
- Item 5: cited PDF p. 15
- Item 6: cited PDF p. 18
- Item 7: cited PDF p. 26
- Item 19: cited PDF p. 60
- Item 20: cited PDF p. 70
- Agreement term (Item 17): cited PDF p. 56
Page references for Waxing the City use the PDF viewer's digital page count, not printed page headers. Some viewers download the document instead of opening the referenced page.
If the state document viewer does not open, use Minnesota Commerce's public filing instructions to look up the filing by franchisor name and document date.
Document & verification changelog
- November 2, 2026: Source check completed against the recorded FDD.
- November 2, 2026: Initial cost profile published from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (issued March 31, 2026).
- November 2, 2026: Independently checked against the March 31, 2026 Minnesota FDD, as amended September 14, 2026: cover, Items 5, 6, 7, 11, 17, 19 and 20. Recorded the amendment date. Item 6 now lists all 37 rows (the draft had 6); the minimum royalty is recorded in a model note, and the sole-source supply purchases and Re-Invention set-aside are added. Added the renewal term, opening time, Club Orange revenue and source notes, including partial 2026 outlet figures. Removed stray fields. Rewrote the analysis.
- September 14, 2026: Amendment date recorded for the source FDD.