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Updated RecentlyWheelchair Getaways vs Racing Limos Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Wheelchair Getaways vs Racing Limos including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $40,000 - $112,000 | $39,000 - $100,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $17,500 | $22,500 - $77,500 |
| Royalty Fee | $550/van/yr. | $291 per month on your first vehicle |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1988 | 2002 |
| Year Franchised | 1989 | 2003 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | $5K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | - |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
| Equipment | No/No | -/- |
| Inventory | No/No | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | * Comprehensive course * Extensive operations manual * Personal visits * Telephone visits * Annual conference (3 days) * Networking opportunities * Website support area including message board, franchisee news, local website administration and an extensive on-line library * Toll free help line |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | - |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | * Custom newsletters and direct mail pieces * Toll free help desk * National toll free lead line * Your own Internet website * Annual national conference * Introductory print ads * Marketing brand package of promotional materials * Public relations pieces * Mobile advertising customizable presentation |
| Operations |
Franchise can be run from home. 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | Yes | - |
Company Overviews
About Wheelchair Getaways
In 1921 the Pennsylvania-based Van Artsdalen Express was a successful freight company. By 1972, it had been restructured to operate school buses instead of trucks. While working for the company, J. Edward Van Artsdalen noticed that people using wheelchairs were some of the most poorly served individuals in the transportation market. Motivated by this discovery, Van Artsdalen founded Wheelchair Getaways Inc. in 1988. The company rents wheelchair-accessible vans to individuals and groups. The company began franchising in 1989 and was purchased by J. Stewart and Jean Gatewood in 1994. Wheelchair Getaways is now based in Versailles, Kentucky and owned by Richard Gatewood and Moon Ko.
About Racing Limos
Racing Limos was founded by Bryan Pease in Naples, FL in 2002 as a specialty transportation company. At its peak, Racing Limos boasted 53 active franchise locations, but the 2007-2009 downturn slid the franchise operations into difficult times.
James Albion (Dover, NH) got involved with the NH franchise as an ad agency, ZMJ Advertising (founded in 1992), and felt the company had potential more as a marketing & advertising company than a limousine service. Albion took over the Racing Limos business under his NH corporation, Racing Limos America, Inc., in April 2010.
"With the economy likely to stay in the dumper for another 10 years, and gasoline showing signs that we could see $5 - $6 per gallon, I saw the potential of the business moving into marketing and away from a luxury service. Regardless of economy, businesses advertise, and when the economy is very difficult, as it is now, businesses are looking for more creative, aggressive forms of advertising to keep moving forward. We are that aggressive, creative business."
Franchises are priced as turnkey operations, making it easier for a franchise owner to be in business and moving forward from Day 1.