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Guide 8 min read Updated May 6, 2026

Cost to Start an Image Studios Franchise in 2026

Image Studios franchise startup costs run $980K–$1.85M for a salon-suite rental facility under the WellBiz Brands portfolio. The private suite leasing model targets independent beauty professionals seeking studio-grade private space with full facility management handled by the franchisee.

Image Studios franchise costs at a glance

Total investment $980,000–$1.9M
Franchise fee $55,000
Liquid capital required $250,000
Net worth required $1M
Source: Image Studios Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) · as of 2026-05-06. Figures vary by market and site; verify against the current FDD before signing.

Key takeaways

  • Total estimated startup cost: $980,000–$1,850,000 (salon-suite rental real estate concept)
  • Franchise fee: $55,000
  • Part of the WellBiz Brands portfolio (also includes Elements Massage, Fitness Together, blur Workshop)
  • Private suite leasing model — franchisees are real estate operators, not beauty service providers
  • Listed on the SBA Franchise Directory — eligible for expedited SBA loan processing
Ready to fund your Image Studios franchise?

Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for an Image Studios franchise runs $980,000–$1,850,000. The higher-end range reflects Image Studios' premium build specifications relative to other salon-suite concepts:

  • Franchise fee: $55,000
  • Real estate and leasehold improvements: $650,000–$1,250,000 (premium build-out of 25–45 individual salon suites, shared amenities, reception, plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
  • Fixtures, suite furnishings, and cabinetry: $100,000–$250,000 (high-end built-in cabinetry, shampoo bowls, mirrors, and shared amenity finishes)
  • Signage and branding: $15,000–$35,000
  • Technology (WellBiz tenant management platform, digital access, lease tracking): $10,000–$20,000
  • Training and travel: $5,000–$15,000
  • Grand opening marketing: $15,000–$30,000
  • Working capital (3 months): $60,000–$150,000
  • Permits, licenses, insurance, and professional fees: $30,000–$60,000

Ongoing fees

Image Studios charges ongoing royalty and marketing fund contributions per the FDD. Revenue is rental income collected from suite tenants on weekly or monthly terms. WellBiz Brands' technology platform (shared across the portfolio) provides automated billing, digital suite access, lease management, and tenant communications — reducing the operational overhead of managing a multi-suite facility. At full occupancy, the landlord-style recurring revenue model produces predictable monthly cash flow.

Financing options

Image Studios is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. At $980K–$1.85M, financing typically involves a blend of:

  • SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, suite build-out, and working capital per the SBA 7(a) program. Maximum $5M — the Image Studios range fits standard SBA 7(a) structures.
  • SBA 504 loan: For operators acquiring commercial real estate, the SBA 504 program provides below-market fixed-rate financing on up to 40% of the real property component.
  • Conventional commercial real estate loan: The real-estate-centric model supports conventional commercial lending structures in addition to SBA programs.
  • Equipment financing: Suite fixtures, high-end cabinetry, and built-in plumbing can be financed separately to reduce upfront capital requirements.
  • Working capital line of credit: Supports the occupancy ramp-up period before rental income stabilizes at full occupancy.

Realistic ROI timeline

Salon-suite real estate concepts at the $980K–$1.85M investment level typically target breakeven within 42–60 months depending on the occupancy ramp. Image Studios' premium build quality supports above-market suite rental pricing relative to standard salon-suite concepts, which partially offsets the higher initial investment. Markets with established demand for private studio space from independent beauty professionals and limited competing salon-suite inventory reach breakeven fastest. WellBiz Brands' operational systems and technology platform reduce ongoing management overhead.

Who's a good fit

Image Studios suits operators with commercial real estate, property management, leasing, or multi-unit business backgrounds. Franchisees manage tenant relationships, lease agreements, facility operations, and occupancy — not beauty services. Financial benchmarks typically include net worth of $1M+ and liquid capital of $250K+. Target markets are affluent suburban areas with strong independent beauty professional populations seeking premium private studio space at above-average rental rates.

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with salon-suite and commercial real estate franchise operators on SBA 7(a), SBA 504, conventional commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing. Start at small business financing or apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners best matched to your file.

What lenders look for in an Image Studios franchise application

SBA lenders underwriting a $980K–$1.85M Image Studios franchise evaluate five core factors. As a WellBiz Brands premium salon-suite concept, Image Studios has a higher build cost than standard salon-suite concepts — lenders model occupancy ramp and leasehold collateral quality as the primary variables on a deal of this size.

  • Occupancy ramp DSCR at premium pricing: Image Studios' higher build specifications support above-market suite rental pricing, but lenders stress-test the pro forma against realistic ramp occupancy (40–60% opening, 80–90% stabilized). Pre-opening signed suite lease agreements or LOIs from prospective beauty professionals are the strongest ramp evidence.
  • Leasehold collateral discount at premium build cost: At $650K–$1.25M in leasehold improvements, Image Studios carries substantial build cost. Lenders discount leasehold improvements 50–70% for collateral (location-specific, not portable). Personal liquidity and the occupancy ramp pro forma carry more underwriting weight than the improvement collateral itself.
  • WellBiz Brands portfolio comparables: Lenders evaluate the WellBiz Brands system FDD Item 19 data — median franchisee gross revenues and AUV across the portfolio — to stress-test the Image Studios pro forma. Request the most recent FDD and Item 19 disclosure before submitting the loan package.
  • SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504 structure: SBA 7(a) (up to $5M) is the standard path for leasehold build-out + working capital. If the franchisee acquires the commercial real estate, SBA 504 provides below-market fixed-rate financing on the real property component — a meaningful rate advantage on $1M+ real estate.
  • Master lease quality and term alignment: The master lease on the commercial space must align with the SBA loan repayment term. A 10-year SBA 7(a) requires a 10-year lease or documented renewal options extending to 10+ years, plus a landlord consent/estoppel letter confirming the lender's collateral position.

Sources

  • Image Studios is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility review. — SBA Franchise Directory
  • SBA 7(a) loans — maximum $5M — cover franchise fees, leasehold improvements, build-out costs, and working capital for salon-suite real estate franchise operations. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
  • SBA 504 loans provide below-market fixed-rate financing on the real property component of commercial real estate transactions. — SBA 504 Loan Program
  • All franchise cost and fee disclosures are governed by the FTC Franchise Rule requiring a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be delivered at least 14 days before signing. — FTC Franchise Rule — 16 CFR Part 436
  • Qualifying suite fixtures, built-ins, and equipment placed in service during the tax year may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Image Studios franchise cost in 2026?
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $980,000–$1,850,000. The premium build specifications and larger suite counts drive the higher-end range compared to other salon-suite concepts.
Who owns Image Studios?
Image Studios is part of the WellBiz Brands portfolio, which also includes Elements Massage, Fitness Together, and blur Workshop. WellBiz Brands provides shared technology, operations systems, and national brand infrastructure across its portfolio.
What does an Image Studios franchisee do?
Image Studios franchisees are real estate operators. They build and manage a premium multi-suite facility and lease individual suites to independent beauty professionals. Revenue is rental income — franchisees do not provide beauty services directly.
Can I finance an Image Studios franchise with an SBA loan?
Yes. Image Studios is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) loans (up to $5M) cover build-out and working capital. SBA 504 is available for operators acquiring commercial real estate.
How does Image Studios compare to other salon-suite concepts?
Image Studios is positioned as a premium salon-suite concept with higher-grade build specifications and suite finishes than standard salon-suite concepts. The higher investment ($980K–$1.85M vs. $750K–$1.65M for comparable concepts) supports above-market suite rental pricing in premium suburban markets.
What DSCR do lenders require for an Image Studios franchise?
SBA guidelines require a minimum 1.15× DSCR. For premium salon-suite concepts, lenders model DSCR at stabilized occupancy — 80–90% of total suites — which is typically reached 12–18 months post-opening. Pro formas should reflect realistic ramp occupancy (40–60% in months 1–6) with DSCR exceeding 1.25× by stabilization. WellBiz Brands FDD Item 19 franchisee revenue data is the strongest benchmarking input. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).
How much equity do I need to open an Image Studios franchise?
SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection of total project cost — $98,000–$185,000 on $980K–$1.85M. Lenders on premium real estate-intensive salon-suite projects at this investment level typically require 20–25% ($196,000–$462,500) to cover the build-out risk and occupancy ramp period. Equity can be from personal savings, ROBS (retirement funds rolled into the business without early withdrawal penalties), or home equity — all must be documented with source-of-funds verification. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 8, Subpart B, Chapter 4.
Summary:

Image Studios franchise startup costs run $980K–$1.85M for a salon-suite rental facility under the WellBiz Brands portfolio. The private suite leasing model targets independent beauty professionals seeking studio-grade private space with full facility management handled by the franchisee.

This article is for educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, fees, qualification requirements, and product availability are illustrative ranges that vary by lender, market conditions, and individual business profile. ClearValue Lending is a funding platform; all financing is subject to lender partner approval and terms. Always read your contract end-to-end and verify specific numbers before signing.

https://clearvaluelending.com/franchises/image-studios/cost-to-start

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