Waxing The City, founded in 2003, started as a single studio in Colorado before expanding rapidly across the United States. Headquartered in Woodbury, Minnesota, this specialized waxing franchise began franchising in 2010. By offering exclusive waxing services and products, such as their signature “Cera Naranja” and “Cerasuave Yellow” waxes, Waxing The City differentiates itself within the booming self-care industry.
In 2012, Waxing The City became part of the Self Esteem Brands family, which also includes Anytime Fitness and Basecamp Fitness. This acquisition has bolstered its growth, helping it expand to over 130 locations across the U.S. The franchise prides itself on its team of highly trained aestheticians, known as Cerologists, who provide top-tier waxing services.
Waxing The City’s franchise model is designed for simplicity and efficiency, making it an attractive opportunity for prospective franchisees. The streamlined operations and exclusive products, combined with a robust training and support system, ensure that franchise owners can manage their businesses effectively while providing exceptional service to their clients.
Find out how profitable a Waxing The City franchise (really) is
Franchise fee42,500
Investment $311,000 – $541,000
See all profitability metrics
Initial investment
Here’s what you can expect to spend to start a Waxing The City franchise.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $42,500 |
| Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $1,650 – $2,350 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $68,668 – $218,162 |
| 3 Months’ Rent and Security Deposit | $19,620 – $26,160 |
| Construction Management Fees | $0 – $13,500 |
| Architect/Design Fees | $9,410 – $16,600 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $40,565 – $57,449 |
| Office Supplies | $3,500 – $4,500 |
| Technology Package and Licenses | $8,222 – $24,882 |
| Interior & Exterior Signage | $17,073 – $27,816 |
| Initial Retail Inventory | $5,744 – $6,436 |
| Initial Waxing Supply Inventory | $6,000 – $7,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $25,000 |
| Insurance | $2,550 – $2,850 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $6,058 – $10,787 |
| Additional Funds and Working Capital for First 3 Months | $54,241 – $54,621 |
| TOTAL | $310,801 – $540,613 |
Note: The table above provides a snapshot of the main costs associated with starting the most common franchise format (as disclosed in the Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document). For a complete overview of all the expenses involved with the various formats offered by the franchisor, please consult the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Franchise fees & Royalties
Here are the main ongoing fees the franchisor will ask you to pay going forward to run the franchise.
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for a single Waxing Studio is $42,500. Veterans and existing franchisees may qualify for reduced fees.
Royalty Fee
The royalty fee is the greater of 6% of gross sales or a minimum royalty fee, which increases over time, starting at $500 per month.
Marketing/Advertising Fee
Franchisees must spend a minimum of $25,000 on an approved Grand Opening and Ramp Up Plan. Additionally, franchisees contribute 1% of gross sales to the General Advertising and Marketing Fund.
Brand Fund Fee
Franchiseesgross sales
Technology Fee
Franchiseesmonthly
Transfer Fees
The transfer feea franchise
Renewal Fees
The renewal fee is $5,000, due upon renewal of the franchise agreement.
Find out how profitable a Waxing The City franchise (really) is
Franchise fee42,500
Investment $311,000 – $541,000
See all profitability metrics
Franchise pros and cons
Pros
- Repeat customers: back to back waxing services, eyebrow enhancement and hair removal services attract recurring revenue.
- Multiple revenue streams: franchisees earn from waxing services, body and skin car product sales.
- Growth potential: a popular brand in the booming waxing and self-care industries with huge growth potential.
- Simple studio operations: streamlined daily operations thanks to the tried and tested waxing methods. Franchisees have predictable working days with straightforward routines.
- Low-cost investment: the brand is known for its excellent waxing services, setting up a low-cost franchise opportunity for franchisees to capitalize on.
- Expert assistance: the franchisor helps franchisees make a strong first impression on potential customers. The dedicated support team helps new brand owners handle site selection, lease negotiation, operations, construction guidance and studio design.
- Strong marketing strategy: the franchisor helps brand owners stand out with effective marketing and advertising strategies. The devoted corporate team helps franchisees attract new clients and retain the existing ones after studio opening. This includes grand opening marketing programs, local advertising assistance, free access to corporate marketing tools and promotional scheduling help.
- Ongoing support: the franchisor helps with the ins and outs of running a successful business. The support team keeps in touch with franchisees throughout their entrepreneurial journey, from staff guidance to training, conference calls, webinars and regional workshops.
- Financial assistance: Waxing The City may provide financial assistance via third-party sources to help franchisees cover the startup costs, franchise fees, inventory, equipment and trade fixtures.
- Exclusive territory protection: a fixed area to run the franchise business without competing with other Waxing The City studios.
Cons
- No absentee ownership: full involvement in the daily operations from the physical locations.
- Can’t be run part-time: mandatory, full-time, long-term commitment.
- Minimum employee requirement: 8 employees to run the franchise.
- Can’t operate from home/as a mobile unit: franchises must be operated from physical locations.
- Competition: EWC and Bliss & Bluemercury.
How to open
Opening a Waxing The City franchise involves several steps, designed to ensure you are a good fit for the franchise. Here are the main steps to follow to open a Waxing The City franchise.
1. Research and Understand the Franchise
- Visit the Waxing The City franchise website to gather detailed information about the franchise model, investment requirements, and operational expectations.
- Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to understand financial performance, fees, and legal obligations.
- Analyze the market to ensure there is a demand for waxing services in your desired location.
2. Initial Contact and Application
- Fill out the inquiry form on the Waxing The City franchise website to express your interest.
- Speak with a franchise representative to discuss your qualifications, goals, and the steps involved in the application process.
- Complete the franchise application to provide detailed information about your background, financial status, and business experience.
3. Review and Approval
- Submit to a background check and financial review to ensure you meet the franchise’s requirements.
- Attend an interview or Discovery Day to meet the corporate team, visit a Waxing The City location, and gain a deeper understanding of the franchise operations.
- Receive approval from the franchise management team to proceed with the franchising process.
4. Secure Financing and Location
- Evaluate financing options through personal funds, bank loans, or SBA loans to cover the initial investment and ongoing expenses.
- Work with the franchise team to select an optimal location that meets their guidelines and market potential.
- Negotiate and sign a lease agreement for the chosen location.
5. Training and Setup
- Attend comprehensive training programs provided by Waxing The City, covering all aspects of running the franchise, including operations, marketing, and customer service.
- Set up your studio with the help of the franchise team, ensuring it meets the brand’s standards and is equipped with the necessary tools and products.
- Hire and train staff, focusing on the unique skills and techniques required for waxing services.
Disclaimer
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