Merle Norman Cosmetics vs MY SALON Suite Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
MY SALON Suite Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$713,738 - $1,603,518
Franchise Fee N/A$50,000 - $200,000
Royalty Fee 05.5%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19312010
Year Franchised 19892012
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
MY SALON Suite Franchise
Experience --

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

Training & Support
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
MY SALON Suite 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 On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchisee is allowed.

-

Expansion Plans
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
MY SALON Suite Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion YesYes

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 MY SALON Suite

MY SALON Suite comes in at number 6 in the exclusive list of the year’s most promising business opportunities within the franchising industry.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best new franchise concepts,” said Ken McAllister, CEO and President of Suite Management Franchising, the established franchising subsidiary of MY SALON Suite. “This award is a testament to the hard work both our corporate team and our franchise owners have put into making our concept the best it can be.”

​“The impact of carefully selecting our franchise owners is a large reason why we have reached consistent success,” added McAllister. “Moving further into 2017, we are looking forward to adding even more talented franchisees to our family and being able to bring our upscale salon suites to a greater number of communities nationwide.”
 
MY SALON Suite has made a name for itself in major markets throughout North America for being the only salon complex to offer fully-equipped, upscale suites featuring a full-length style station, styling chair, shampoo sink and color station. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art security system, luxurious bathrooms and an elegant lobby. In addition to the attractive accommodations, members are offered ongoing training and support to grow and develop their business, which includes access to a strong referral network.

Entrepreneurially spirited individuals interested in investing in the MY SALON Suite franchise will receive a full suite of support services ranging from initial and ongoing training to sales and marketing programs. Plus, MY SALON Suite is a proud partner of the VetFran program. Approved candidates receive 10 percent off of the total franchise fee.

Franchisees may choose to become a Multi-Unit Operator, earning the right to establish and operate three, six, or ten My Salon Suite or Salon Plaza franchises under a Multi-Unit Option Agreement containing a development schedule, which includes between $99,000 and $200,000 that must be paid to franchisor at the time the Multi-Unit Option Agreement is signed.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a three Multi-Unit Operator business is between $713,738 and $1,502,518, which includes $99,000 that must be paid to the franchisor at the time the Multi-Unit Option Agreement is signed.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a six Multi-Unit Operator business is between $764,738 and $1,553,518, which includes $150,000 that must be paid to franchisor at the time the Multi-Unit Option Agreement is signed.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a ten Multi-Unit Operator business is between $814,738 and $1,603,518, which includes $200,000 that must be paid to franchisor at the time the Multi-Unit Option Agreement is signed.

"franchiserankingscom"      "Entrepreneur
#22 on Franchise Rankings.com
#279 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#61 in Franchise 500 for 2021.