Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Armstrong McCall Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Armstrong McCall Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$75,000 - $500,000
Franchise Fee N/AN/A
Royalty Fee 0-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19311939
Year Franchised 19891996
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Armstrong McCall Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Armstrong McCall Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-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

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Armstrong McCall 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

Initially franchise distributors receive a 2-day training at the Armstrong McCall Support Center. Additional Regional training in consultative selling

Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform

Assistance from the Support Center includes: Field sales managers & sales meetings Product knowledge DVDs Distributor-only secure website Innovative Promotions & Merchandising Through close management of franchise operations, Armstrong McCall benefits from a cohesive system where franchises focus on specific promotions. The Support Center provides innovative promotions and incentives such as: Commissioned show sales VIP sales Seasonal in-store sales Store merchandising Monthly print advertising Customer education coordination

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.

-

Expansion Plans

 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Armstrong McCall Franchise
US Expansion 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

"Entrepreneur
#366 in Franchise 500 for 2020.




About Armstrong McCall

Armstrong McCall seeks a limited number of highly qualified individuals to become multi-unit franchise owner/operators in select areas of the U.S. and Mexico. We are currently focusing our U.S. expansion in the Central Plains with plans for further territory development on the horizon. Armstrong McCall owners work on their business by direct involvement in this recession-resistant industry of professional salon distribution.

No Royalties!  Unlike many franchises, Armstrong McCall collects no royalties from its franchisees.