Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Farm Stores / Swiss Farms
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Merle Norman Cosmetics and Farm Stores / Swiss Farms are retail franchises. Merle Norman Cosmetics requires an investment of $134K – $263K while Farm Stores / Swiss Farms requires $145K – $249K. Farm Stores / Swiss Farms discloses average revenue of $824K; Merle Norman Cosmetics makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. Merle Norman Cosmetics has SBA lending data on file with a 20.0% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Merle Norman Cosmetics D (Below average) and Farm Stores / Swiss Farms B (Above average).
| Metric | Merle Norman Cosmetics | Farm Stores / Swiss Farms |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | DBelow average | BAbove average |
| Investment Range | $134K – $263K | $145K – $249K |
| Franchise Fee | N/A | $15KConditional fee |
| Royalty Rate | No royalty is charged. Franchisee's ongoing payments to MNC arise instead from wholesale purchases of MN Products/supplies and small fixed technology/marketing service fees (POS support $300/yr, Social Media $144/yr, Email Marketing $336/yr, SMS $168/yr, Microsite hosting $180/yr + $100/yr content). | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | N/ANo Item 19 representation | $824K |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 20.0% (158 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 757 | 44 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | -40 units | -2 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 1934 | 2015 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2023 |
Investment Range
$134K – $263K
$145K – $249K
Franchise Fee
N/A
$15KConditional fee
Royalty Rate
No royalty is charged. Franchisee's ongoing payments to MNC arise instead from wholesale purchases of MN Products/supplies and small fixed technology/marketing service fees (POS support $300/yr, Social Media $144/yr, Email Marketing $336/yr, SMS $168/yr, Microsite hosting $180/yr + $100/yr content).
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
N/ANo Item 19 representation
$824K
SBA Charge-Off Rate
20.0% (158 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
757
44
Unit Growth (YoY)
-40 units
-2 units
Year Began Franchising
1934
2015
FDD Year
2026
2023