Saf-T Auto Centers vs Car-X Auto Service Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Saf-T Auto 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
 
Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
Car-X Auto Service Franchise
Investment $85,000 - $100,000$214,000 - $326,000
Franchise Fee $15,000$25,000
Royalty Fee $500/mo.5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19781971
Year Franchised 19861973
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
Car-X Auto Service Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience

  • General business experience
  • Managerial skills
    		•

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

    Training & Support
     
    Saf-T Auto Centers Franchise
    Car-X Auto Service Franchise
    Training -Available at headquarters, Available at franchisee's location
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingAd slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 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)

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

    Company Overviews

    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.

    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