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Updated RecentlyMerle Norman Cosmetics vs Cirque Salon Studios Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Cirque Salon Studios including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $39,471 - $180,888 | $572,837 - $743,085 |
| Franchise Fee | N/A | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 0 | 5% |
| Advertising Fee | - | 1% Nat'l + At least $500/mo local |
| Year Founded | 1931 | - |
| Year Franchised | 1989 | - |
| Term Of Agreement | Open-ended | - |
| Term Of Agreement | Open-ended | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | Management and real estate experience is a plus for Cirque Salon Studios owner/operators. Some of the people who'd make optimal franchisees include real estate professionals (anyone involved in leasing, buying, selling or managing property) and other business professionals with sales, marketing or management experience. |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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| Training | Field training classes, field visits, advanced home office training and point-of-sale software training Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: Online training | Comprehensive pre-opening training and marketing assistance, such as helping you to develop an appropriate local marketing plan and materials to attract studio owners, and conducting recruiting and sales efforts. |
| Support | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform | As a Cirque Salon Studios franchise owner, you can take advantage of an established system that is focused on quality, consistency, and growth. Our track record is supported by an experienced team that can assist with all phases of your commercial real estate franchise growth: - Site selection and build-out guidance, including our approach to identifying appropriate sites, as well as help with facility designs, architectural resources, and equipment packages. - Comprehensive pre-opening training and marketing assistance, such as helping you to develop an appropriate local marketing plan and materials to attract studio owners, and conducting recruiting and sales efforts. - Confidential operations manual, a detailed, proprietary guide with the critical information you need to operate your franchise business, including daily operating procedures, management functions, reporting, forms, and more. - Ongoing support, including remote support by phone and email, plus webinars, newsletters, and also periodic field visits from a dedicated corporate support rep. - Technology tools, including automated facility entry systems to other tech-based operational tools, to help you manage your commercial real estate franchise business. |
| 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.
| Operate an efficient, technology-driven, real estate-based business, as they lease space to 25 to 30 independent studio owners. The franchise operation is designed to be far less complex and time-consuming than other opportunities, and allows franchise owners to better manage their investments, as well as their personal and professional schedules. |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| 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
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About Cirque Salon Studios
Cirque Salon is part of a unique niche within two immense industries: the $12 trillion commercial real estate industry and the $42 billion hair salon industry . Our real estate investment franchise model is not only highly attractive to studio owners; it is also relatively resistant to economic fluctuations. Plus, our real estate investment franchise is a risk-adjusted, market tested concept with established standards and procedures. Our model is designed to be fully replicable and relatively simple to implement and follow - and it is backed by a full suite of support services and tools. Best of all, with Cirque Salon Studios' built-in automation, minimized staffing needs (no receptionist or other employed staff required), and focus on tenant retention, once your location reaches optimized occupancy rates, you won't have to spend a lot of time managing it.