The Lash Lounge
The Lash Lounge offers upscale eyelash and eye-enhancing services, facial threading, and retail cosmetics in salons under the THE LASH LOUNGE ® brand. Known for luxury beauty treatments, it operates in the competitive salon and spa industry.
The Lash Lounge franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total estimated initial investment required to open the initial Salon ranges from $316,665 to $586,499. This amount includes the non-refundable payment of $58,000 to the franchisor or affiliate [p.27].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $50,000 for a single Salon. However, if the prospective franchisee qualifies for the VetFran program or their franchise entity is at least 51% woman or minority owned, the fee is reduced by $5,000 [p.16]. This fee is deemed fully earned upon execution of the Franchise Agreement and is not refundable [p.167, p.139, p.69].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is a nonrefundable amount specified on the Summary Pages that you must pay during the term of the agreement. Additionally, there is an obligation to make minimum royalty or advertising fund payments regardless of sales levels, with these fees recognized over the term of the franchise agreement as services are provided [p.181]. This includes paying a MarTech Fee for local marketing spend according to Franchisor's designated schedule and method [p.90].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial term of the franchise agreement is typically 10 years [p.181], and you may renew it for two consecutive ten-year terms if certain conditions are met at the end of the initial term [p.77].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
The franchisor can refuse to permit a transfer of ownership of the franchise except for good cause [p.5]. Good cause includes but is not limited to unspecified reasons. This provision also allows the franchisor to exercise a right of first refusal to purchase the franchise [p.5].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.65]. This includes but is not limited to breaches of contract or other legal justifications permitted under state law.
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD mentions that a transferee's net worth is presumed sufficient if it equals or exceeds the franchisor's net worth at the time of transfer, excluding the value of the Franchised Business. However, specific financial requirements such as net worth and liquid capital are not detailed here.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the franchisor, or other channels of distribution or competitive brands controlled by them [p.37].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training which includes Business Training and Salon Opening Training [p.34]. Additionally, they offer ongoing and advanced training upon request or as required by the franchisor, including Open-training (refresher), Additional Stylist Training, Local Salon Trainer, Advanced Lashing, Manager Training, etc., for a fee [p.83]. This ongoing support can be provided on-site at the franchisee's salon or remotely, depending on the specific training needs and availability of personnel.
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
Based on the provided excerpts, 126 locations are represented in the tables [p.50], but this number does not directly indicate how many have closed or been terminated. Additionally, the document states that during the most recently completed fiscal year, there were franchisees who were terminated, canceled, not renewed, or otherwise ceased to do business under the franchise agreement [p.195]. However, specific numbers are not provided in these excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor may provide financial performance information if there is a reasonable basis for it [p.49], but they do not make any financial performance representations and do not authorize their employees or representatives to make such representations either orally or in writing [p.52]. However, the franchisor can share historical revenue and expense information with prospective franchisees under certain circumstances [p.93].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to selling products and services only at your Salon location [p.37]. You must purchase all 'Service Integrity' products, such as proprietary products and retail items used in the application of services, from the designated supplier [p.86]. For other products, equipment, supplies, and materials, you should buy from suppliers who meet Franchisor's standards and have been approved by them [p.86].