First Choice Haircutters vs Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
First Choice Haircutters Franchise
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Investment $163,880 - $302,600$39,471 - $180,888
Franchise Fee $29,500 - $49,500N/A
Royalty Fee 5% - 7%0
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19801931
Year Franchised 19821989
Term Of Agreement 10 yearsOpen-ended
Term Of Agreement 10 yearsOpen-ended
Renewal Fee To $3K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
First Choice Haircutters Franchise
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Customer-service oriented, management skills
    		• -

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

    Training & Support
     
    First Choice Haircutters Franchise
    Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
    Training Classroom Training: 5 days 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 Site Selection 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 Regional Advertising Social media SEO Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing
    Operations 63% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

    Absentee ownership of franchisee is allowed.

    Expansion Plans
     
    First Choice Haircutters Franchise
    Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About First Choice Haircutters

    In 1980, A. Bud Cowan started First Choice Haircutters as a low-priced hair salon for the entire family, offering a 'no appointment necessary' concept for on-the-go customers. Two years later, the company started franchising the concept. With over 300 locations in Canada and the United States, First Choice Haircutters offers affordable, professional hair care in bright, contemporary salons.

    "Top

    #102 in Canada's Top franchises.

    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.