Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Sola Salon Studios Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Sola Salon Studios including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Sola Salon Studios Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$531,150 - $1,714,370
Franchise Fee N/A$55,000
Royalty Fee 05.5%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19312003
Year Franchised 19892005
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Sola Salon Studios Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Sola Salon Studios Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment Yes/No-/-
Inventory Yes/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Sola Salon Studios Franchise
Training Field training classes, field visits, advanced home office training and point-of-sale software training Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: Online training -
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform -
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing -
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchisee is allowed.

-

Expansion Plans
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Sola Salon Studios Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

About Merle Norman Cosmetics

Even before she opened her first studio in Santa Monica in 1931, Merle Norman's philosophy of "Try Before You Buy" was being carried out as she offered free samples of her products to neighbors, hoping they'd discover the benefits and return as paying customers. And return they did. Many even opened their own studios and the company now has studios throughout the United States and Canada. Carrying on the Merle Norman tradition, franchisees now offer skin care, from cleansers and toners to sun defense, and a full line of cosmetics.

Veteran Incentives  $5,000 in inventory

"Entrepreneur
#366 in Franchise 500 for 2020.




About Sola Salon Studios

The totally unique approach of Sola Salon Studios is that we provide high impact, modern, and upscale rental space in a "salon mall" concept that allows salon professionals the opportunity to have their own business and make more money without the risks and challenges of owning a conventional salon....all for the same rate as a chair rental, and often less.
License individual turn-key salon studios to independent salon professionals under the trade name “Sola Salon Studios” using their unique system of build-out.

"Entrepreneur

#75 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#26 in Franchise 500 for 2021.