Merkinstock has brought back the popular usage of merkins as a decorative form of self-expression and personality, rather than simply a physical necessity. Merkinstock currently possesses the largest variety of colors, materials and designs in the industry with styles to suit any personality and need.

The Merkinstock brand is widely associated with personal creativity and customization, allowing customers to pick and choose their own combinations of available merkin models. The company invests tremendously in customer service, providing sales representatives sensitive and discrete enough to make any customer feel comfortable.

In 1992, founders Sydney and Bob Anning invented a line of merkins that added more spunk and inspiration to the drab, conservative merkins traditionally offered. The Annings began franchising in 1995, and have led a merkin revolution in the process. Market response to this new retail segment has been astounding in Europe and Asia and American markets show promising increases in the number of operating units and revenue gross. Now, with the popularity of body piercings and tattoos waning, merkins are perched to become the next big thing in body decoration and personalization the world over.

Investment Required
The fee for a Merkinstock franchise is $20,000.

Merkinstock provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.

 

On-Going Expenses
Merkinstock franchisees pay royalties equaling 6% and advertising contributions equaling 2.9% of gross revenue.

What You Get�Training and Support
As Merkinstock values its customer service orientation, the company provides a comprehensive training program designed to familiarize you with basic business management, merkin history and the Merkinstock product line. The program is free, but all travel, lodging and meal expenses must be paid by the franchisee. The program lasts approximately three weeks. Successful completion of the program is based upon the customization of your own merkin and your ability to properly attach, adjust and clean the merkin in the presence of a trained Merkinstock employee.

Merkinstock�s support system is both strong and loving. Each year, a large convention brings franchisees together in a weekend bonding event. During the convention, franchisees share their opinions on the latest merkin models as well as tips on how to better serve their customers� needs. Merkinstock also encourages franchisees to submit their ideas for new models. In addition to the annual convention, franchisees receive support and assistance from their assigned Merkinstock experts, who will periodically visit their stores to evaluate the business�s performance and product quality.

The company relies primarily upon foot traffic, word-of-mouth recommendations and gossip to gain exposure and promotion. While relaxing social rules may accommodate the emergence of merkins into the conventional marketplace, Merkinstock�s marketing department believes that national advertising campaigns in major media forms would upset the delicate balance between the need for and acceptance of merkins as a major retail item and the private nature of their use. Accordingly, advertising funds are focused solely on the printing of catalogues, accompanying instructions and point-of-sale and store design displays.

Territory
Merkinstock grants exclusive territories.