Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise - Frequently Asked Questions

Franchise owners and their managers will receive comprehensive training on the Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise model, both in the classroom and on the job. When it’s time for your Grand Opening, our Merle Norman franchise team will travel to your location to add an onsite presence and make sure you are calm, confident, and excited when you open your doors. Owners will have access to the Merle Norman Cosmetics Confidential Operations Manual for daily operations. Our team is available to assist you when you need us. We are always just a call or click away.

The estimated initial investment necessary to begin operations ranges from $117,708 to $218,823. The initial package fee ranges from approximately $13,984 to $18,527. As with any new venture, it’s important to have adequate capital to fund the initial business growth stages.

The opportunity for success and potential for profit with Merle Norman Cosmetics is great for franchisees who are fully committed to every facet of business ownership. Our franchisees report satisfaction with both the financial and personal rewards of business ownership.

There is no set size. We determine territories based on demographics, including population density and brand saturation. See the markets available for franchise development.

Our team will support you as you evaluate your options for site location. You do not have to locate your Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in a mall. In fact, we have a variety of options available for development, including a store in a mall or in a strip center, a freestanding store or a store within a store. Read more about our different Studio models and floor plans.

Yes! Our Studio models and floor plans are flexible to accommodate other product lines. Many of our owners sell items, such as jewelry or accessories. We also offer the store within a store floor plan, which allows you to place a Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio inside an existing complementary retail business, such as a bridal or gift shop. Read more about our Studio model and floor plan options.

No experience in retail or cosmetics? No problem! Our studio owners come from a variety of backgrounds to develop emotionally and financially rewarding careers with Merle Norman. We are committed to comprehensive training and support to help your store succeed, which includes everything from best business practices to cosmetic artistry and application skills. Read more about the training and support we offer studio owners.

One of the things we are most proud of is the integrity of our products. Made of the highest quality ingredients in Los Angeles, California, we have a tight rein on the production process every step of the way — from conceptualization to testing to packaging to distribution. We have been creating and manufacturing exceptional products since 1932, satisfying customers who stay with us for their lifetimes and have beautiful skin to show for it.

We conduct all of our product testing through our research and development department. We never test on animals, nor ask any other party to test on animals on our behalf. Testing is thorough and rigorous through clinical trials. Product safety is our highest concern.

Yes, we do hear this a lot; that we’re “Grandma’s makeup,” but we enthusiastically ask, “Have you seen Grandma’s skin?” We proudly claim our rich heritage of serving women for almost 90 years, most of whom have glowing and radiant skin that looks at least 15-20 years younger, simply because they’ve only ever used our products! We have a rich legacy, but also the innovation of cutting-edge technology that makes us relevant and attractive to today’s consumers. We are eager for the next 90 years, and how many more grandmas will be gorgeous after using Merle Norman. Find out more about our complete line of skincare and cosmetics products here.

The timeline to open varies greatly due to factors beyond our control, such as finding a location and construction as needed. The average time to open, however, ranges between 6 to 12 months.

We do not provide direct financing to franchise owners, but we may refer to financing sources on a case-by-case basis.

In short, NO, Merle Norman does not have ongoing royalty fees or hidden costs – as well as NO franchise up front fee! For a full list of fees and requirements, please refer to our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

The initial term of your agreement is 10 years with a subsequent successor agreement of 10 years.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise Opportunity, contact us at (800) 421-6648 or mn4me@merlenorman.com. Let’s discuss setting up a meeting, speaking with our management staff, and receiving our FDD, for all the important details you’ll need to make an informed decision.