Quick answer
A House of Colour franchise suits people who want an established brand, a protected territory and several style services, and can invest $30,000 or more up front. Hathaura suits people who want to start under their own name for a monthly fee, work anywhere and give every client a finished 20+ page report.
House of Colour franchise vs Hathaura
| Feature | Hathaura | House of Colour (USA franchise) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Color analysis software you use under your own business name | A franchise: you run a House of Colour business in your territory |
| Up-front cost | None. First client report free | $30,000 franchise fee; estimated initial investment $32,345–$71,100 |
| Ongoing cost | $49 / $99 / $149 a month for 3 / 10 / 20 analyses | 4% royalty or $175 a month, plus a $125 monthly technology fee (and a 2% brand fund from June 2027) |
| Brand | Yours: your logo, name and signature on every report (Pro) | House of Colour’s |
| Where you can work | Anywhere, in person or virtually from a photo | Your franchise territory |
| Training | Guided analysis plus Style Academy training (Stylist and Pro plans) | Training in their color analysis and personal styling method, plus business guidance |
| What the client gets | A 20+ page report: season, palette, signature colors, neutrals, colors to avoid, outfits, metals and makeup | Their in-person service and House of Colour materials |
| Other services | Color analysis reports | Color and style analysis, cosmetics, wardrobe edits and personal shopping |
| Experience needed | None; you confirm each season | None required, per their site |
House of Colour figures are from their USA website, checked October 2026. They vary by country and may change; check their site for your region.
What the first year costs
House of Colour franchise
$32,345+
Estimated initial investment, before the monthly royalty (4% or $175) and $125 technology fee.
Independent with Hathaura
$588–$1,788
A year of the Starter to Pro plan ($49–$149 a month), with no up-front fee or royalty. Fabric drapes are optional.
Choose a House of Colour franchise for
- An established, recognized brand
- A protected territory
- Structured training and a franchise network
- Several services to sell: style, cosmetics, wardrobe and shopping
Choose Hathaura for
- No franchise fee or royalty: from $49 a month
- Your own brand on every report (Pro)
- Work anywhere, in person or virtually from a photo
- A finished 20+ page report for every client, made for you
Starting independently
Going independent means you choose your method, your prices and your name. Read our step-by-step guide to starting a color analysis business, see how analysts run virtual color analysis, or try a session with a sample client to see the report your clients would get.
See the report before you decide
Try a session with a sample client in two minutes, or make your first real client report free.