Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Cookie Cutters Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Cookie Cutters Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$132,000 - $339,500
Franchise Fee N/A$40,000
Royalty Fee 05%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19311994
Year Franchised 19891996
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Cookie Cutters Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Cookie Cutters 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-/Yes
Receivables No/No-/Yes
Payroll No/No-/Yes

Training & Support

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Cookie Cutters 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: As needed Classroom Training: 4-5 days
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 Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Ad Templates National Media 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.

Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 4


Expansion Plans

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Cookie Cutters Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoYes
International Expansion YesNo

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 Cookie Cutters

Cookie Cutters have been operating children’s hair salons since 1994 with franchised outlets since 1996. This experience is designed to help our franchisees operate children’s salons without prior experience in the hair industry. We train our operators completely using our confidential operations guide that was developed through the years using input from all our network of operators and employees. Your entire staff will be trained before opening to ensure quality in operations and customer service. Experiencing a Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids hair cut is an interactive experience. Our stylists are trained to guide the child and their family through the experience whether it is a first haircut, or an experienced styling. Our unique store design with an in-store playground and games sets us apart from other hair salons.

Veteran Incentives  $1,500 off franchise fee
"Entrepreneur
#146 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#136 in Franchise 500 for 2021.