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← Franchise opportunities
Beauty salon for sale, or a franchise studio?
Searching for a beauty salon for sale in Melbourne usually turns up two very different paths: buying someone else's business, or opening a new studio under an established brand. Here's an honest comparison, plus what to check before you commit either way.
Side by side
| Factor | Buying a salon for sale | Franchising with us |
|---|---|---|
| What you're buying | An existing business — its lease, equipment, staff and client list, along with whatever reputation it already has. | A recognised brand, a tested treatment menu and a studio built to a proven format. |
| Brand and marketing | You inherit or rebuild the brand yourself, including your own marketing. | You trade under The Lounge Beauty Co with brand-level marketing behind you. |
| Training | Usually a short handover from the outgoing owner, if any. | Structured treatment and operations training for you and your team. |
| Suppliers and products | You negotiate your own accounts and retail range. | Established supplier relationships and a curated retail range from day one. |
| Ongoing support | You're on your own once settlement is done. | Continuing operational, marketing and network support. |
| Risk to check | Verify the books, lease terms, staff contracts and why the owner is selling. | Review the disclosure documents and franchise agreement with your own adviser. |
Buying an existing salon? Check these first
- Ask for at least two to three years of financials, not just a summary.
- Read the lease — remaining term, options, outgoings and centre conditions.
- Confirm which staff and which qualifications transfer with the business.
- Understand how much of the revenue depends on the current owner personally.
- Check equipment age, fit-out condition and any make-good obligations.
- Get independent legal and accounting advice before you sign anything.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Always speak to your own accountant and solicitor before buying a business or signing a franchise agreement.
Talk to us before you buy
If you're weighing up a salon that's on the market, we're happy to talk through how a The Lounge Beauty Co studio compares — including territories currently available.