Ask the Expert:

What Are the Fastest Growing Personal Care Franchises?

MODERATED BY JOHN WALSH

Q: What is a personal care franchise?
A: "Personal care" covers any business whose focus is on taking care of its customers' bodies. It is a blanket term covering gyms, elder caregivers, cosmetics companies, tanning salons, and hair salons. It is also often called the health and beauty industry.

Q: What areas of personal care are growing fast?
A: Most areas of personal care are experiencing good growth. As the U.S. population ages because of advances in medical care, senior care is in more and more demand. Franchises for non-medical senior care should experience good growth. People are also becoming much more health conscious and interested in physical fitness, which bodes well for gym franchises.

Q: What about the cosmetics industry?
A: According to Euromonitor International, a cosmetics industry research group, the global sales of cosmetics products hit a five-year high in 2006. The cosmetics industry is thriving.

Q: What are some unique opportunities in personal care?
A: USA Today reports that there has been resurgence in direct sales businesses that use an at-home party format. While the parties of the 20th century were for practical products, today, the focus is on fun, such as cosmetics and home furnishings. The Body Shop at Home is one of the cosmetics companies offering this franchising opportunity. It is a great choice for busy people looking for a fun part-time job that will not interfere with family life.

Q: How large is the time commitment for a personal care franchise?
A: The time commitment can vary from more than 40 hours per week to part-time. If you are looking for a lower time commitment, you could open a franchise with a friend or family member so that you could share the business responsibilities. This is also a good way to save on your franchising fee by splitting it down the middle.

Q: I do not have much money to invest. Can I still find a franchise?
A: A direct sales format could be perfect for you. You can avoid the high fees of leasing and maintaining a retail space by selling your products in your own home or in your customers' homes.