Merle Norman Cosmetics vs PayMore
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Merle Norman Cosmetics and PayMore are retail franchises. Merle Norman Cosmetics requires an investment of $134K – $263K while PayMore requires $132K – $257K. PayMore discloses average revenue of $1.2M; Merle Norman Cosmetics makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. Note: Combines different outlet types in one figure. 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 PayMore B (Above average).
| Metric | Merle Norman Cosmetics | PayMore |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | DBelow average | BAbove average |
| Investment Range | $134K – $263K | $132K – $257K |
| Franchise Fee | N/A | $35K |
| 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). | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | N/ANo Item 19 representation | $1.2MCombined outlet types |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 20.0% (158 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 757 | 58 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | -40 units | +37 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 1934 | 2020 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$134K – $263K
$132K – $257K
Franchise Fee
N/A
$35K
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).
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
N/ANo Item 19 representation
$1.2MCombined outlet types
SBA Charge-Off Rate
20.0% (158 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
757
58
Unit Growth (YoY)
-40 units
+37 units
Year Began Franchising
1934
2020
FDD Year
2026
2025