Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$145,500 - $1,111,000
Franchise Fee N/AN/A
Royalty Fee 0-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19312004
Year Franchised 19892018
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) 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
Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) 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 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 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
Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC) Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
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 Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC)

"SPEC

Salon Professional Education Company is a network of amazing schools producing salon-ready professionals all across the country. Our leadership team is comprised of seasoned industry executives, educators, franchise experts, and business owners from many walks of life. The diverse nature of this group brings a unique insight and perspective to the beauty school industry and has led to the development of one of the strongest beauty school franchise systems in the nation.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new TSPA, ESI or SPA Salon Professional Education Company beauty school franchised business is $668,000 to $1,111,000 for the model that includes hairstyling and $448,000 to $838,000 for the model that does not include hairstyling. This includes $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. This applies regardless of the service mark you may choose for operating your franchise.
The total investment necessary to convert an existing beauty school is $145,500 to $628,500. This also includes the $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates, and applies regardless of the service mark you may choose for operating your franchise.