Pearle Vision vs Smile Source Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Pearle Vision vs Smile Source including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Pearle Vision Franchise
Smile Source Franchise
Investment $77,695 - $644,264$27,800 - $435,000
Franchise Fee $30,000N/A
Royalty Fee 7%-
Advertising Fee 8%-
Year Founded 19612006
Year Franchised 19802006
Term Of Agreement 10 years (co-terminus w/lease)-
Term Of Agreement 10 years (co-terminus w/lease)-
Renewal Fee $2.5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Pearle Vision Franchise
Smile Source Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Industry experience not always necessary; depends on business acumen and financial condition
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Pearle Vision Franchise
    Smile Source Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory Yes/No-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Pearle Vision Franchise
    Smile Source Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 86 hours Classroom Training: 32 hours Additional Training: Webinars-
    Support 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 SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app-
    Operations 55% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (97% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Pearle Vision Franchise
    Smile Source Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Pearle Vision


    Pearle Vision: Optical franchise is focused on genuine eye care
    Optical franchise generates revenue while helping independent operators stay focused on patient care
    Pearle Vision is one of the largest brands in the optical industry, with hundreds of eye care centers in the United States and Canada. We were founded in 1961 by Dr. Stanley Pearle, a visionary optometrist who brought doctors and opticians together under one roof so patients could receive a convenient, holistic, eye care experience. Today, our mission is to provide more patients, and more communities, with genuine eye care by partnering with optometrists, opticians and investors who share our passion for genuine eye care.
    Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #58 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #32 in Franchise 500 for 2021.



    About Smile Source

    "Smile

    Smile Source is dedicated to preserving the elite business of independent dentistry and providing highly personalized services delivered through a unique heritage of shared expertise.
    There is no initial franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smile Source franchise is $60,500 to $435,000 if you open a new office and $27,800 to $86,200 if you convert an existing office. None of this amount is paid to the franchisor or any affiliate.