Dr. Vinyl vs America's Fleet Service Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dr. Vinyl vs America's Fleet Service including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Dr. Vinyl Franchise
America's Fleet Service Franchise
Investment $41,320 - $71,500$90,000
Franchise Fee $24,500$12,500
Royalty Fee 7%8%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19721992
Year Franchised 19812004
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee -20% of then-current fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Dr. Vinyl Franchise
America's Fleet Service Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • General business experience
  • Mechanical skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    America's Fleet Service Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    America's Fleet Service Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National mediaCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (99% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchise can be run from home.

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    America's Fleet Service Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Dr. Vinyl

    Former aerospace employee W. David Isley founded Dr. Vinyl in 1972 in Kansas City, Missouri. He and his wife, Marcia, worked with local restaurants, repairing torn, burnt, chipped and peeling vinyl booths and chairs, but soon discovered there were many similar repairs to be done at car dealerships. The couple did repairs for clients in the Kansas City area until 1981, when they began franchising.

    Dr. Vinyl franchisees offers bumper repair, automotive paint touch-up, paintless dent removal, and vinyl siding repair in addition to the leather and vinyl repairs the Isleys introduced over 40 years ago.

    In January of 2001, Dr. Vinyl was sold to Richard Reinders, formerly the company's European Master Franchisee. It now allows franchisees to purchase shares in the parent company.

    About America's Fleet Service

    We offer comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) program and minor repairs/corrective maintenance. Our recommended standard preventive maintenance (PM) service has been developed using industry standards, manufacturer specifications and recommendations, and years of experience. This the routine maintenance and inspection program. We can also custom the PM to match your companies requirements or program. In our free consultation we generally discuss PM frequency recommendations based on how you use your fleet and its age and condition, driving patterns, and even environmental conditions. We service light trucks (pickups and vans) through class 8 vehicles including: Tractor and trailers Light, Medium, and Heavy Trucks Refrigeration units Off-road and construction equipment and vehicles Diesel, gas, and propane engines Cranes, lifts, booms, Redi-mix, utility, chippers, pony and auxiliary equipment Light trucks, vans, box trucks, pickups and other vehicles