Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Rocket Fizz
Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Rocket Fizz: Merle Norman Cosmetics costs $2.3M to $3.3M to open; Rocket Fizz costs $905K to $1.7M. Merle Norman Cosmetics has 163 units, Rocket Fizz has 20. SBA loan history: Merle Norman Cosmetics = 180 loans (17.2% default); Rocket Fizz = 21 loans (9.5% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Rocket Fizz: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Rocket Fizz requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($905K vs $2.3M for Merle Norman Cosmetics), a 152% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $10K for Merle Norman Cosmetics versus $25K for Rocket Fizz, Merle Norman Cosmetics has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Merle Norman Cosmetics operates 163 units to Rocket Fizz's 20, roughly 8× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Merle Norman Cosmetics has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 180 7(a) approvals compared with 21 for Rocket Fizz.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 17.2% for Merle Norman Cosmetics and 9.5% for Rocket Fizz, Rocket Fizz has the cleaner SBA loss record by 7.7 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 33 (Fair) for Merle Norman Cosmetics and 52 (Moderate) for Rocket Fizz, giving Rocket Fizz the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 33/100 | 52/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 180 | 21 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 17.2% | 9.5% |
Peer Tier | major | growing |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $2.3M to $3.3M | $905K to $1.7M |
Franchise Fee | $10K | $25K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 6% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 2% |
Liquid Capital | $100K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 163 | 20 |
Franchised Units | 163 | 20 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 7 yrs | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1931 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 2019 | 2010 |
Years Franchising | 7 yrs | 16 yrs |
Headquarters | N/A | Reno, NV |
Category | All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers | All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Which Is Better, Merle Norman Cosmetics or Rocket Fizz?
Lower upfront capital required
Rocket Fizz
Merle Norman Cosmetics: $2.3M starting · Rocket Fizz: $905K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Merle Norman Cosmetics: 180 SBA loans · Rocket Fizz: 21 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Rocket Fizz
Merle Norman Cosmetics: 17.2% · Rocket Fizz: 9.5%
Larger system & brand presence
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Merle Norman Cosmetics: 163 units · Rocket Fizz: 20 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Merle Norman Cosmetics: 0% · Rocket Fizz: 6%
More lender financing options
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Merle Norman Cosmetics: 97 unique lenders · Rocket Fizz: 16 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Rocket Fizz: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Merle Norman Cosmetics and Rocket Fizz is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $905K to $3.3M.
Merle Norman Cosmetics has 180 SBA loans on record and Rocket Fizz has 21. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Merle Norman Cosmetics vs Rocket Fizz, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Merle Norman Cosmetics or Rocket Fizz?
How much does a Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise cost compared to Rocket Fizz?
Can I finance Merle Norman Cosmetics or Rocket Fizz with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Merle Norman Cosmetics or Rocket Fizz?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman