FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Established in 1969, Caryl Baker Visage is an independent cosmetic and skin care retailer with over 300 professional cosmetic and skin care products ( click here to view all products) as well as specialized facial treatments and services. All of our franchise owners, managers and consultants are highly qualified and professionally trained to perform makeup applications, ear piercing, facial waxing, facial treatments and services (click for list of services offered). Caryl Baker Visage currently has 32 franchise salons located in Ontario and Nova Scotia, all individually owned and operated. The potential for steady growth and profits is due to our innovative retail concept, product and service quality, customer service and most importantly, each owner's dedication and hard work.

THE CARYL BAKER VISAGE STORY

In 1969, Caryl Baker, former fashion model and teacher, designed a cosmetic line that would be suitable not only for the demands of an actress or model, but would also appeal to women outside of the industry. It would be a line that all women could feel comfortable working with. To that end, she created the free makeup demonstration, which let clients learn about the products and application techniques. This concept literally removed the "counter" between customer and consultant, and made way for an interactive and educational opportunity for women to "try before buying". By 1973, in addition to operating a private cosmetic salon, there were more than 250 beauty consultants personally trained by Caryl Baker, representing her line of cosmetics and offering personalized and private consultations.

THE COMPANY BEGAN TO GROW...

In 1974, it became impossible for Caryl to service all of her customers in her private salon. She was persuaded to introduce her first cosmetic salon, open to the public. A similar method of personalized consultation and demonstration was utilized in a salon environment. The response by women to the concept exceeded all expectations. With personal service provided by professionally trained consultants, our customers have become loyal to Caryl Baker.

During the 1990's a shift in the marketplace began as skin care and aesthetic services grew in importance. The product line was expanded to include more than just skin care basics. New formulations in skin care treatments and anti-aging products became an important part of the business, as well as the introduction of facial services.

The line of professional cosmetics and scientifically advanced skin care products was formulated to address the needs of the everyday women. Our cosmetics have an infinite scope for versatility and creativity and our full range of shades and textures can be used by all skin types. Our skin care products contain active ingredients sourced from around the globe, which provide our clients with the most cutting edge skin care treatment products and services.

Although our original concept of educating our clients has never changed, the look of our salons has advanced. In keeping with new trends, our clients are also attracted by our newest and unique salon design. Caryl Baker Visage offers many luxurious in-salon treatments which showcase our product line. Salon owners are trained to offer waxing, earpiercing, glycolic and grape wine peels and a variety of facial services. We also offer the latest in skin care science technology with specialty machines for Microdermabrasion and Photofacial - Facial Lift Treatments.

PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT & COMMITMENT

We've found a direct correlation between the time spent by our owners in their salons operating their business, including managing the front counter, holding regular staff meetings, providing ongoing training and motivation to staff, as well as working on the sales floor and the sales volumes and profits achieved. It is important to recognize that no one sells and motivates staff like an owner.

Caryl Baker Visage offers a comprehensive training program - approximately 3 weeks of skin care and makeup artistry plus sales training at our corporate training facility (click here for course outline ), and 6-8 weeks of on-site-training in one of our salons. In addition, we offer regular training sessions and ongoing supervisory support to keep staff and owners updated and motivated.

FUTURE SUCCESS

The company's future expansion will be driven by the acquisition of quality real estate inside major regional and mixed use shopping centres, matched by the increasing interest by dynamic individuals to own and operate a cosmetics and skin care business where hard work and dedication can be financially rewarding.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

We are continually introducing exciting new products and services to better serve our clients. Our salons are industry-recognized and each new franchise becomes part of a strong Canadian company that has been an integral part of the Canadian beauty industry for more than thirty-five years.

Our secret ingredient has been selecting and training quality franchise partners and developing quality products and services, to better serve our loyal clientele.

As a Caryl Baker Visage franchise owner, you offer your clients a professional skin care and cosmetics line. We train you and your staff so that they are fully qualified to instruct your clients with confidence, and can successfully promote and sell the product line as well as perform all of our facial services. We provide further assistance with regular visits from our training and support team, ongoing promotions, advice on inventory control and accounting.

In short, we'll support you every step of the way so that everyone associated with Caryl Baker Visage can enjoy an exciting and successful future, together.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Q. Do I have what it takes to be a Caryl Baker Visage franchise owner?
   
   A.That depends! Ask yourself these questions:
   

   • Do you reflect the beauty business?
   • Do you have a passion for fashion?
   • Do you love looking and feeling great?
   • Do you enjoy working with and helping others?
   • Are you a strong team player?
   • Do you love working with the public?
   • Are you patient?
   • Do you have a strong work ethic?
   • Do you have a willingness to succeed?
   • Do you have an eagerness to earn money?

   If you have answered YES to these questions - owning a Caryl Baker Visage Franchise could be right for you!

2. Q. WHY ARE CARYL BAKER VISAGE SALONS SUCCESSFUL?
   
   A. First and most importantly, it is the selection of the best possible franchisee that will determine how successful a franchise will be.

   In addition, we carefully select a prime location.

   We design each salon so that people passing by can see our cosmetics and services being demonstrated. (Private areas for certain services are provided where possible.)

   We offer the highest quality, professional products and result oriented facial services.

   Our franchise system has been designed to assist owners in maximizing a salon's potential. Our salons make it possible to provide clients with friendly and helpful service. Our products are proprietary and can only be purchased at Caryl Baker Visage salons, thereby ensuring an extremely high rate of repeat clientele.

3. Q. DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?
   
   A. Previous experience in the industry is not a requirement. We provide complete training in all facets of operating your franchise.

4. Q. ARE THERE STANDARDIZED OPERATING PROCEDURES?
   
   A. Yes. Caryl Baker Visage has developed a franchise system and operating procedures which are designed to bring maximum benefit to your salon. These procedures are updated on a regular basis. We will provide all daily, weekly and monthly procedures to operate your business, as well as complete product knowledge and selling techniques.

5. Q. HOW DO I LEARN THE CARYL BAKER VISAGE SYSTEM?
   
   A. We provide a comprehensive two part training program. First, you spend a minimum of 9 - 12 weeks learning to operate a Caryl Baker Visage salon. Part of this time will be spent at the Training Centre where you will be taught product knowledge and how to perform all of the services that we offer. Training will also take place at an actual Caryl Baker Visage salon where you will receive hands on experience and learn all aspects of operated a successful salon. At the end of this training program, you graduate fully versed in all phases of our operation.

6. Q. HOW MUCH DOES A CARYL BAKER VISAGE SALON COST?
   
   A. The total investment will range from $220,000 to $270,000 for a store size of approximately 400 to 700 sq. ft. However, if you are purchasing an existing salon, the price will vary from the numbers detailed below depending on the sales and profitability of the existing salon as well as how many years are left on the existing lease.

   Purchase Price Breakdown for New Salon	LOW	HIGH
   Leasehold Improvements and Signage	120,000	140,000
   Design Drawings	4,400	5,500
   Electrical and Mechanical Drawings	1,600	2,500
   Equipment and Displays (excludes microdermabrasion and photofacial machines)	14,000	22,000
   Working Capital*	10,000	15,000
   Security Deposit	10,000	10,000
   Inventory	30,000	40,000
   Grand Opening Promotions	10,000	15,000
   Franchise Fee	20,000	20,000
   Total	220,000	270,000
   Source of Funds	LOW	HIGH
   Cash	95,000	120,000
   CSB Loan (Approx. 85% of asset value)	125,000	150,000
   Total	220,000	270,000

   *Working Capital will be required to fund the initial expenses incurred prior to opening, including but not limited to the first month's rent, franchisee's travel expenses, training payroll, legal expenses, a float to fund petty cash and utility deposits. If you live outside of the Toronto area, you must take into consideration travelling and living expenses during your initial training program.

7. Q. WHY DO YOU CHARGE A FRANCHISE FEE?
   
   A. The franchise fee covers the rights to operate the franchise. It also covers all market and site analysis, securing the real estate, lease negotiation, the training program (excluding traveling and living expenses), training initial staff and a supervisor to assist in opening your salon.

8. Q. WHAT IS THE ROYALTY FEE?
   
   A. There is no royalty fee on product sales. There is a 12% royalty fee on most services (15% for Microdermabrasion and Photofacial treatments) all paid on a monthly basis.

9. Q. WHAT ELSE DOES CARYL BAKER VISAGE PROVIDE?
   
   A. We provide you with many additional services such as:

   • New products and formulas that we develop and test
   • Continuous consultation and assistance
   • Regular supervisory visits to your salon
   • Continued quality control
   • Computer data entry
   • Merchandising and advertising materials
   • Monthly performance analysis
   • Ongoing promotions and systems
   • Continuous updating of product knowledge and training
   
   

10. Q. IS LOCATION IMPORTANT?
    
    A. The real estate location is critical. We use our considerable expertise in market analysis, site selection and lease negotiation before a decision is made. As we sign most leases corporately, you can be assured each location must meet our specific requirements.

11. Q. WHO DESIGNS AND BUILDS MY SALON?
    
    A. The design of the salon is arranged by us. We will assist in the selection of a contractor to build your salon. The design, electrical and mechanical fees as well as the cost of construction are the financial responsibility of the franchisee and have been included in the total investment breakdown.

12. Q. IS FINANCING AVAILABLE?
    
    A. Financing can normally be arranged through most chartered banks, often using the government sponsored CSB loan program. However a portion of the total investment will be required in cash, as detailed in the Source of Funds section. We can refer you to financial institutions that have previously financed other franchisees.

13. Q. IS THE BUSINESS SEASONAL?
    
    A. No. Sales are fairly even throughout the year with the exception of the Christmas season when the malls are busier, at which time you can expect higher weekly sales.

14. Q. WHERE DO I PURCHASE MY SUPPLIES?
    
    A. All products and supplies are purchased directly from us or from approved suppliers.

15. Q. WHAT HOURS WILL THE SALON BE REQUIRED TO STAY OPEN?
    
    A. You will be required to comply with the specific mall hours.

16. Q. HOW LONG IS THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT?
    
    A. The Term of your Franchise Agreement runs concurrent with the Term of the Lease.

17. Q. CAN I SELL MY CARYL BAKER VISAGE SALON?
    
    A. Your franchise is your business. You can sell to another owner who must be approved by us, sign a new Franchise Agreement and complete the training.

18. Q. HOW LONG DOES IT NORMALLY TAKE TO OPEN A SALON?
    
    A. Generally, it takes 4 weeks to finalize the necessary paperwork and approximately 16 weeks to design the salon, secure a contractor after a bidding process and complete the construction. This may vary depending upon the availability of a location.

TEN STEPS TO OPENING A CARYL BAKER VISAGE SALON

1. Review the materials carefully and make a list of any questions that you may have. Complete and send the Franchise Application (click here and here) together with a list of questions to our office as soon as possible.
   
   
2. Upon receipt, review and approval of your application, we will contact you to arrange an interview. At the meeting you will be provided with a Disclosure Document and a Preliminary Agreement. After 14 days, you will be asked to remit a $5,000 refundable deposit, along with the signed Preliminary Agreement.
   
   
3. Upon receipt we will provide copies of the Franchise and Sub-lease Agreements as well as lease terms. You will have 2 weeks to review these documents and contact us to answer any questions you or your advisor may have.
   
   
4. During this 2 week period, you will be invited to visit our office in Toronto. You will spend a day in a Training Salon with a supervisor observing day to day operations and meet with head office personnel that will be supporting you as a franchise owner.
   
   
5. During your visit, a personal interview and open discussion will be held with our executive staff. Your visit to our training facility and your personal interview will provide us with the necessary information to make a final decision to award a franchise. This process will also allow you to make your own determination as to whether the business is right for you.
   
   
6. The next step is to sign Franchise and Sub-lease Agreements that you have reviewed and remit the balance of the $20,000 franchise fee (plus GST), as well as the inventory security deposit of $10,000 and a construction deposit of $20,000.
   
   
7. After receiving and reviewing construction bids and a contractor selected with your approval, the contract will be awarded for the construction of your salon.
   
   
8. The first phase of the training program will be 3 weeks at our Training Centre in Toronto where you will receive your complete training in cosmetics and skin care.
   
   
9. The second phase of your training will continue for another 8 to 12 weeks in our Training Salon where you will also receive training in all facets of operating a Caryl Baker Visage salon.
   
   
10. A supervisor will be on hand during your Grand Opening and for several days afterwards.

Franchise Division:
31 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, Ontario Canada M6B 1P8
TELEPHONE 416-789-7191 | FAX 416-789-2594
abaker@carylbakervisage.com

FOR A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY