Sona MedSpa vs Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Sona MedSpa Franchise
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Investment $382,000 - $747,500$39,471 - $180,888
Franchise Fee $59,500N/A
Royalty Fee 10.75%0
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19971931
Year Franchised 20021989
Term Of Agreement 15 yearsOpen-ended
Term Of Agreement 15 yearsOpen-ended
Renewal Fee 25% of franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Sona MedSpa Franchise
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Sona MedSpa Franchise
    Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesYes/No
    Inventory No/YesYes/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Sona MedSpa Franchise
    Merle Norman Cosmetics 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 Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicksCo-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
     
    Sona MedSpa Franchise
    Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Sona MedSpa

    At Sōna Dermatology, we take an integrated, clinically-led approach to skincare that brings two worlds of medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology together - care that leads to great skincare outcomes, health and vitality across a lifetime.

    In our four decades of clinical and cosmetic experience, we’ve built the clinical and cosmetic experience and expertise to give our patients the very best skincare results, optimizing skin health, skin appearance and quality of life

    Sona MedSpa offers a one-of-a-kind medical spa franchise. Sona combines state-of-the-art technology with Sona’s unique process - the Sona Concept. This concept enables laser hair removal to be performed with better results in less time. Our revolutionary, FDA-approved treatments for skin rejuvenation are individually customized to your needs, to improve and enhance your natural beauty.. Sona offers clients these services in a relaxed, up-scale, beautiful and spa-like atmosphere.


    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.