CARSTAR vs Dominion Auto Centers Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
Investment $298,200 - $804,300$50,000
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 1.5%8%
Advertising Fee 1%$100 per vehicle sold, 2% of service revenue
Year Founded 19892012
Year Franchised 19892012
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
Experience -Needs to have some background in either auto repair or auto sales.

Financing Options

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/Yes
Equipment -/--/Yes
Inventory -/--/Yes
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours Additional Training: Regional training, 1-2 days; Ongoing training at franchisee's location as needed Upfront training program, 24/7 online training and operating procedure archive access, social media marketing, event management, lead generation programs, supplier management/development programs, etc, etc.
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 -
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing -
Operations Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 8 - 9

-

Expansion Plans

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion YesYes
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About CARSTAR

CARSTAR is a champion of the independent collision repair operators, consequently, CARSTAR is the largest automotive collision repair franchise in North America. The well publicized industry dynamitics: declining repair opportunities, acceleration in shops being de-selected from Insurance referral programs, excess repair capacity, increased competition from Multi-Shop Operators and Consolidators, and scarcity of skilled labor, has changed how the Independent Collision Repair Operator needs to conduct business. The CARSTAR Franchise program offers many solutions to these and other issues in which you and your business may be facing. We believe we are the champion for quality Independent shops, providing effective training solutions, staying involved in National and Local Industry Associations and developing sale and marketing programs to help our Franchisees compete in this turbulent market.

CARSTAR leverages the purchasing power of Driven Brands to provide tremendous benefits for our CARSTAR store owners. Nearly 50 corporately managed purchasing programs provide our CARSTAR partners on average $25,000 or more in cost savings and rebates. With larger volume stores easily surpassing that amount in rebates. Store owners also benefit from a national fleet program, top vendor partnerships and support from national service providers.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a conversion CARSTAR franchise is $23,500 to $165,300. This includes $10,000 to $20,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new (ground-up) CARSTAR franchise is $298,200 to $804,300. This includes $10,000 to $20,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

"Top""  "Entrepreneur
#17 in Canada's Top franchises.
#120 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#164 in Franchise 500 for 2021.





About Dominion Auto Centers

Canada's independent chain of Auto Dealership & Repair shops. Credit solutions for all customers and repair financing now available. Dominion Auto Centres� is Canada's first complete auto centre concept. Used Car/Truck Sales & Finance, Automotive Repair & Service, Tires, Towing Accessories and more! A truly complete concept and franchises are now available coast to coast.