Frenchies Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Considering a Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchise? Discover the costs, fees, and financial requirements to get started in the booming nail care industry. Learn more about the investment potential and growth opportunities!

Last updated 9 Dec 2024 Time 12 min read
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Frenchies Modern Nail Care was founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife duo Guy and Stephanie Coffey in Littleton, Colorado. Their mission was clear: to revolutionize the nail care industry with a focus on cleanliness, customer care, and franchisee success. With their deep roots in franchising—Guy and Stephanie were multi-unit owners of Anytime Fitness, and Stephanie had served as President of Waxing the City—they brought an impressive combination of operational expertise and industry insights to their new venture. Frenchies has positioned itself as a trailblazer in a fragmented industry, offering a franchise model built on values of transparency, innovation, and empowerment.

The heart of Frenchies’ offerings lies in its modern, non-toxic nail care services that prioritize hygiene and customer satisfaction. From manicures and pedicures using high-quality, clean products to creating a relaxing, upscale environment, Frenchies appeals to health-conscious and style-savvy customers. Their target market includes individuals seeking safe, luxurious alternatives to traditional nail salons, with a particular appeal to families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing self-care. Beyond core services, Frenchies fosters a sense of community and customer loyalty through its focus on personalized care and eco-friendly practices.

Today, Frenchies has grown to over 20 locations across the United States. This steady growth underscores its scalable business model and the demand for elevated nail care services. The franchise caters to a growing market of discerning customers while carving out its niche as a leader in safe, clean beauty services.

Franchisees benefit from a comprehensive support system, including extensive initial training, ongoing business coaching, marketing resources, and operational support. Frenchies is committed to the success of its franchise owners, fostering a collaborative network where owners feel supported in every aspect of their business journey. Whether it’s guidance on staffing, inventory, or customer engagement, the Frenchies team ensures franchisees are equipped to deliver exceptional service while building thriving businesses.

Frenchies Franchise Insights

  1. The nail care industry is a $8 billion market in the U.S., and Frenchies taps into this by offering a unique, non-toxic, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional salons.
  2. Founded by experienced franchisors, Guy and Stephanie Coffey, the franchise benefits from their combined expertise in managing multi-unit operations and leading successful brands like Anytime Fitness and Waxing the City.
  3. Frenchies emphasizes cleanliness and safety, using autoclaves to sterilize tools—a standard typically seen in medical settings—setting it apart in an industry with inconsistent hygiene practices.
  4. The franchise appeals to the growing demographic of health-conscious consumers, particularly women aged 25-54, who are driving the demand for premium, non-toxic beauty services.
  5. The brand’s upscale, modern environment fosters customer loyalty, with many locations reporting repeat visit rates exceeding 80%, showcasing the strength of its service model.
  6. Frenchies has experienced a 3-year failure rate of 26%, which is higher than average for the franchise industry. This insight highlights the importance of thorough due diligence, strong operational management, and selecting the right location to maximize the chances of success.

Frenchies Franchise Key indicators

Growth YOY (%)

5%

vs industry 5%


Total U.S. Franchised Units

23


3-Year Failure Rate

26%

vs industry 6%


Sales-to-Investment ratio

1.2:1

How much does it cost to open a Frenchies franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Frenchies franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.

Min & Max Investment

Opening a Frenchies franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). you can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Frenchies below from the most recent Item 7 below:

Type of Expenditure  Minimum Investment  Maximum Investment 
Initial Franchise Fee  $49,500   $49,500 
Travel and Living Expenses While Training  $1,650   $2,000 
Rent and Security Deposit  $8,000   $22,500 
Leasehold Improvements  $150,000   $258,000 
Architect/Design Fees  $12,475   $13,475 
Furniture and Fixtures  $3,500   $82,000 
Equipment  $4,200   $5,500 
Office Supplies  $300   $500 
Technology Fees  $1,817   $2,256 
Initial Technology Expenses  $2,200   $4,800 
Signage – Exterior + Interior  $10,000   $12,000 
Initial Inventory  $8,500   $10,500 
Grand Opening Advertising  $15,000   $20,000 
Insurance  $1,400   $1,700 
Miscellaneous Expenses  $2,500   $3,000 
Additional Funds and Working Capital for First 3 Months  $28,500   $55,000 
Extension Fee  $0   $500 
TOTAL  $299,542   $543,231 

Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.

Required Capital

Opening a Frenchies franchise or a similar beauty-focused business requires a clear understanding of the financial commitment involved. Below is a breakdown of the financial requirements, incorporating key investment components and industry-aligned estimates:

  • Total Investment The overall cost to open a Frenchies location ranges from $300,000 to $543,000, covering expenses like leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory, and pre-opening operational costs. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
  • Liquid Capital Requirements Prospective franchisees should have $75,000 to $125,000 in liquid assets, ensuring funds are available for essential upfront costs like securing a location, marketing, and cash flow during the critical launch phase.
  • Net Worth Requirements A minimum net worth of $500,000 or more is typically needed to secure financing and demonstrate financial readiness for significant commitments like construction and staffing.

How much does a Frenchies franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a Frenchies franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Frenchies franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.

Frenchies Revenue & Gross Sales

Frenchies Modern Nail Care has demonstrated strong revenue performance, with median gross sales of $500,660 across its franchise locations. This figure reflects the franchise’s growing popularity and the demand for its non-toxic, eco-friendly nail care services.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Frenchies franchisees?

The strong performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for Frenchies Modern Nail Care can be attributed to several key factors. First, the franchise’s focus on providing a unique, non-toxic, and eco-friendly nail care experience resonates with the growing consumer demand for health-conscious and sustainable beauty services. Additionally, Frenchies’ modern and clean aesthetic, combined with its customer-first service philosophy, helps attract a loyal clientele. The brand’s effective marketing strategies, coupled with a proven business model that emphasizes both operational support and staff training, likely contribute to the success of franchisees. Furthermore, the franchise’s growing brand awareness and solid reputation within the beauty industry, paired with a commitment to high-quality services, help drive consistent foot traffic and repeat business. These factors combined create a strong foundation for revenue growth across franchise locations.

Frenchies Franchise Operational Costs

When opening a Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchise, it’s crucial to understand the ongoing operational costs that will be part of your day-to-day expenses. Here are the key expenses you should consider:

  • Staffing Costs Wages for nail technicians, salon managers, and front-line staff will be one of your largest ongoing expenses. This includes payroll, benefits, and any performance bonuses.
  • Inventory and Supplies Regular replenishment of eco-friendly nail care products, sterilization tools, furniture, and salon maintenance supplies.
  • Rent and Utilities Monthly lease payments for your retail space, as well as ongoing utilities like water, electricity, and internet.
  • Equipment Maintenance Ongoing costs to maintain and repair salon equipment, ensuring everything is functioning and up to brand standards.

By carefully managing these costs, you can maintain smooth operations and keep the salon thriving.

Frenchies Franchise Fees

When operating a Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchise, it’s important to consider the various ongoing fees that will be part of your regular financial commitments. Below are the key fees you’ll need to be prepared for as a franchisee:

  • Royalty Fee The franchise requires a weekly royalty fee, which is the greater of two options: a minimum of $100 per week or 5.5% of your gross revenues. This ensures that the brand’s continued support and operational guidance are available to you, regardless of the revenue size.
  • General Advertising and Marketing Fund Contributions As part of the broader Frenchies marketing efforts, you’ll contribute 2% of your gross revenues each week. This fund helps maintain and enhance brand recognition at a national level, although the contribution percentage is subject to change based on the company’s future needs.
  • Local Advertising In addition to national marketing, you’re required to invest at least 1.5% of your gross revenues each week into local advertising. This budget is crucial for promoting your specific location, driving foot traffic, and building a customer base in your local community.
  • Additional Fees Frenchies may charge additional fees for various services such as training programs, technology support, and other franchise-related items.

Properly budgeting for these fees will ensure you can maximize the potential of your Frenchies franchise while maintaining brand alignment.

Frenchies Franchise Earnings

The earnings potential for a Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchise owner can vary based on multiple factors, including location, sales performance, and operational efficiency. With the most recent data showing median gross sales of approximately $500,660, owner-operators can expect estimated earnings of around $90,000 annually, which reflects an operating profit margin of approximately 18%. The hands-on involvement of the franchisee plays a significant role in driving profitability, as effective management and cost control directly impact the bottom line.

These earnings figures suggest that Frenchies franchise owners who actively engage in day-to-day operations can enjoy a rewarding return on their investment. While profitability will depend on factors like local market conditions and business acumen, the combination of a strong brand, proven business model, and owner dedication offers the potential for a successful venture.

How to Open a Frenchies Franchise

Becoming a Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchisee is an exciting journey that involves several key steps, each designed to ensure you’re well-prepared for the responsibilities of franchise ownership. From your initial inquiry to the opening of your franchise, the process is structured to help you understand the brand, its operations, and how to succeed within its framework. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

  1. Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
  2. Franchise Application After your initial inquiry, you’ll complete a franchise application, providing details about your background, financials, and business experience. This step helps the Frenchies team assess if you’re a good fit for their brand.
  3. Discovery Day Attend a “Discovery Day” at the Frenchies headquarters or a local location. This in-person event allows you to meet the corporate team, ask questions, and experience the brand firsthand. It’s a chance to assess whether the franchise aligns with your goals.
  4. Review and Signing of Franchise Agreement If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll review and sign the franchise agreement. This contract will outline the terms of your franchise ownership, including your responsibilities and rights as a franchisee.
  5. Training and Support Frenchies will provide you with a structured training program covering all aspects of operating your business, including salon management, customer service, and marketing. The training ensures you’re equipped to run the business successfully.
  6. Site Selection and Build-out With the Frenchies team’s guidance, you’ll select the ideal location for your salon. Once the site is chosen, you’ll move forward with the build-out, which involves designing and setting up the salon to meet brand standards.
  7. Grand Opening Once your location is ready, you’ll plan and execute a grand opening with support from Frenchies marketing and operations teams. This is a critical moment to generate buzz and attract customers to your new business.
  8. Ongoing Operations After the grand opening, you’ll begin daily operations as the owner-operator of your Frenchies franchise, with continued support from the corporate team, including marketing, training, and operational guidance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong Brand and Market Demand: Frenchies is part of the rapidly growing beauty and personal care industry, with a focus on high-quality nail care services. The demand for clean, eco-friendly beauty services is increasing, creating a robust market for this type of franchise.

Proven Business Model: The franchise is backed by a solid business model that has been refined since its founding in 2014. The founders’ experience in franchising (with Anytime Fitness and Waxing the City) provides a strong foundation for franchisees.

Scalable Opportunity: The franchise is expanding, with plans to add more units, allowing for the possibility of multi-unit ownership as your business grows.

Cons

Location Sensitivity: Like any retail-based franchise, the success of your Frenchies location can be highly dependent on finding the right location and effectively attracting customers. Poor site selection can impact earnings significantly.

Competitive Market: The beauty and personal care industry is highly competitive, with numerous salons offering similar services. Standing out in a crowded market can require substantial local marketing efforts.

Owner-Operator Demands: Frenchies benefits from an active, hands-on owner-operator model, which means you must be prepared to dedicate significant time and energy to the day-to-day operations. This might not appeal to those seeking a more passive investment.

FAQs

Who owns Frenchies?

  • Frenchies Modern Nail Care is privately owned by co-founders Guy and Stephanie Coffey. They established the brand in 2014 with a mission to revolutionize the nail care industry by providing high-quality services in a clean, eco-friendly environment. The Coffeys also bring significant franchising experience, having previously owned multi-unit franchises such as Anytime Fitness and Waxing the City.
  • Yes, Frenchies is a franchise. Since its inception, it has expanded rapidly across the United States by offering franchise opportunities. Frenchies provides franchisees with a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support to ensure their success in the growing nail care market.
  • Frenchies’ biggest competitors are other nail care and beauty salon chains, including Happy Nails and Drybar. These brands also focus on providing quality nail care services and wellness experiences. Alternatives to Frenchies include locally-owned salons, as well as larger beauty franchises such as Regis Salons and Great Clips, which offer broader services like haircuts alongside nail care.
  • The total investment required to open a Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchise ranges from $300,000 to $543,000. This includes the franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment, and working capital. It’s important to note that ongoing royalty fees and marketing contributions are additional expenses for franchisees.
  • As of the most recent data, Frenchies has 24 locations in the U.S., of which 23 are franchised locations.
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