Car-X Auto Service vs Auto-Lab Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Car-X Auto Service Franchise
Auto-Lab Franchise
Investment $214,000 - $326,000$128,750 - $317,500
Franchise Fee $25,000$27,500
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19711985
Year Franchised 19732004
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Car-X Auto Service Franchise
Auto-Lab Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Managerial skills
    		• -

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

    Training & Support
     
    Car-X Auto Service Franchise
    Auto-Lab Franchise
    Training Available at headquarters, Available at franchisee's locationContinuous technical and management training programs
    Support Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesAuto-Lab, LLC offers support in all areas of business management and operations through our corporate office, located in Farmington Hills, MI, and our strategic vendor partners. Our support includes, but is not limited to, continuous technical and management training programs, group purchasing programs, group marketing and advertising programs, electronic purchasing through vendor partners, a program for HotLine support, instant information network, assistance with business opportunities, etc.
    Marketing Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
    Operations 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
     
    Car-X Auto Service Franchise
    Auto-Lab Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    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

    About Auto-Lab

    Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers is a full service auto repair and maintenance service franchise that has been operating since early 1989. Auto-Lab currently operates stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Arizona, California, and Florida. Auto-Lab offers an immense amount of franchise support from our corporate office as well as a highly respected brand image. We require less investment, a small franchise fee and more control of marketing and advertising associated with your target customer base. The Auto-Lab Business Management System is a computer program unique to Auto-Lab that will assist you in all areas of managing a successful
    Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single unit Auto-Lab franchise is from $128,750 to $317,500. This includes $13,750 to $27,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. If you convert an existing auto care facility to an Auto-Lab single unit franchise, the total investment necessary is from $29,500 to $279,500, which includes $19,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.