Dr. Vinyl vs Wilhelm Automotive Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Dr. Vinyl Franchise
Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
Investment $41,320 - $71,500$118,400 - $302,500
Franchise Fee $24,500$35,000
Royalty Fee 7%-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 1972-
Year Franchised 1981-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Dr. Vinyl Franchise
Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media-
    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)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Wilhelm Automotive

    Wilhelm Automotive is a comprehensive automotive mechanical repair facility. With state of the art systems and over 80 years of experience they are an industry leader. National and local awards for service excellence including being recognized as a Motor Age national "Top Shop". Services include: *Maintenance - Including: Oil, Lube, Filter, Ignition, Fluids, distributors, etc. (also including "UnderCar Services" *Repair - Including: Heating and Cooling, Radiators, heavy-Duty Servics, Overhaul, general maintenance and everything in between *Diagnostics - Including: Electrical, Electronic Systems, Computer, Emissions, Controls, etc. *General - Including: Domestic and Import, Gas or Diesel, Off-Road *Misc Services such as, Towing to the shop, fuel economy, tires, pre-purchase inspections, pre-trip inspections, etc. *Fleet Services