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Updated RecentlyTuffy Auto Service Centers vs Car-X Auto Service Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Tuffy Auto Service Centers vs Car-X Auto Service including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $224,000 - $413,500 | $214,000 - $326,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 2.5%-5% | 5% |
| Advertising Fee | 5% | - |
| Year Founded | 1970 | 1971 |
| Year Franchised | 1971 | 1973 |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 15 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 15 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
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/Yes | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 104 hours Additional Training: At existing store | Available at headquarters, Available at franchisee's location |
| 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 | Meetings, 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 | 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) |
58% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | No |
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 Car-X Auto Service
Dedicated to serving you for almost 30 years, Car-X Auto Service is more than just a place that repairs your vehicle. In fact, Car-X prides itself on providing you with a commitment to our Five Star Service.
We began franchising in 1973 and have grown to become one of the dominant brands for undercar service in the midwestern U.S. Income opportunities are provided primarily by brakes, exhaust, road handling, steering systems, tune-ups, air conditioning, tires and oil changes for all makes of cars and light trucks.
Car-X franchise owners have the freedom to run their own businesses while sharing the resources of a proven and trusted brand with almost 50 years of experience. Advantages of joining the Car-X Family include (but are not limited to):
- Brand recognition and outstanding customer retention rates
- Start-up assistance and continued support
- Negotiated vendor pricing and buying power
- Technical onsite and online team training programs
- Marketing and advertising support
- Lowest royalty and start-up fees in the industry