Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Image Studios Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Image Studios Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$555,387 - $1,236,840
Franchise Fee N/A$49,750
Royalty Fee 05.5%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19312010
Year Franchised 19892015
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Image Studios Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
Image Studios 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
Image Studios 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
Image Studios 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 Image Studios

Image Studios proven business model provides a flexible, needs-based platform for beauty professionals to open their own salon easily without the typical investment that would be required to open their own business. Image Studios also provide ongoing training and education to your salon professionals that helps them run their business effectively. First time entrepreneurs and experienced business owners alike can benefit from this incredible opportunity.

#160 in Franchise 500 for 2021   Not in Franchise 500 for 2020