Franchise Information
Established in 1969, Caryl Baker Visage is an independent Canadian cosmetic and skin care retailer with over 300 professional cosmetic and skin care 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. Caryl Baker Visage currently has franchised 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 lets 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 introduced her first cosmetic salon, open to the public. 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 did the introduction of facial services.
Caryl Baker Visage offers many luxurious in-salon treatments, which showcase our product line. Salon owners are trained to offer waxing, ear piercing, natural acid peels and a variety of facial services. We also offer the latest in skin care science technology for Microdermabrasion and Photo Facial - Facial Lift Treatments.
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 forty years. Our secret ingredient has been selecting and training quality franchise partners and developing professional 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 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.
If you are interested in owning a Caryl Baker Visage franchise please click HERE to download our CONFIDENTIAL FRANCHISE APPLICATION FINANCIALS. Once complete, please Email or Fax your application to 416-789-2594 or
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Questions & Answers
Q: DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CARYL BAKER VISAGE FRANCHISE OWNER?
A: As an owner of your own “Face Spa” you and your team of staff reflect and represent the beauty industry. Having previous experience in the business esthetics, cosmetics and retail sales is helpful, but not mandatory. A positive attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. We will educate qualified candidates to gain and develop the necessary skills required to succeed in their new business venture.
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.
Q: DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?
A: Previous experience in the industry is an asset, but not a requirement. We provide complete training in all facets of operating your franchise.
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.
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 12 - 15 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 operating a successful salon. At the end of this training program, you graduate fully versed in all phases of our operation.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES A CARYL BAKER VISAGE SALON COST?
A: The total investment can start as low as $150,000 for a store size of approximately 400 to 700 sq. ft.
*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 traveling and living expenses during your initial training program for you and your staff.
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.
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 Photo Facial treatments) all paid on a monthly basis.
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.
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.
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.
Q: IS THE BUSINESS SEASONAL?
A: 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.
Q: WHERE DO I PURCHASE MY SUPPLIES?
A: All products and supplies are purchased directly from us or from approved suppliers.
Q: WHAT ARE THE FRANCHISE HOURS OF OPERATION?
A: You will be required to comply with the specific mall hours.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT?
A: The Term of your Franchise Agreement runs concurrent with the Term of the Lease, less 1 day.
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.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT NORMALLY TAKE TO OPEN A NEW LOCATION?
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.
Note: When purchasing an existing location, the legal process, financials, and training will take approximately 16 weeks.
Q: MUST I WORK IN MY SALON?
A: Yes, we do not allow for absentee owners.