Tuffy Auto Service Centers vs Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Tuffy Auto Service Centers vs Saf-T Auto Centers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
Investment $224,000 - $413,500$85,000 - $100,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$15,000
Royalty Fee 2.5%-5%$500/mo.
Advertising Fee 5%-
Year Founded 19701978
Year Franchised 19711986
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
    Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
    Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 104 hours Additional Training: At existing store -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 5

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
    Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Tuffy Auto Service Centers

    Charles Amy founded Tuffy Auto Service Centers when he opened the first Tuffy Muffler shop in 1970. The private company began franchising one year later and now has shops in several states. It is based in Toledo.

    If you purchase an area development franchise you must pay an additional area development fee that will be negotiated based on the number of franchises to be developed and the development schedule, but you will only pay an initial franchise fee of $5,000 for each franchise developed.

    #222 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Saf-T Auto Centers

    Founded in 1978, SAF-T Auto Centers are providing auto technicians a means to earn an independent living doing what they do best - repair cars.