Dr. Vinyl vs Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dr. Vinyl vs Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Dr. Vinyl Franchise
Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
Investment $41,320 - $71,500$114,000 - $130,000
Franchise Fee $24,500$20,000
Royalty Fee 7%to 7%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19721983
Year Franchised 19811989
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -25% of original fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Dr. Vinyl Franchise
Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National mediaAd slicks
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (99% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    40% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Dr. Vinyl Franchise
    Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Dr. Vinyl

    Former aerospace employee W. David Isley founded Dr. Vinyl in 1972 in Kansas City, Missouri. He and his wife, Marcia, worked with local restaurants, repairing torn, burnt, chipped and peeling vinyl booths and chairs, but soon discovered there were many similar repairs to be done at car dealerships. The couple did repairs for clients in the Kansas City area until 1981, when they began franchising.

    Dr. Vinyl franchisees offers bumper repair, automotive paint touch-up, paintless dent removal, and vinyl siding repair in addition to the leather and vinyl repairs the Isleys introduced over 40 years ago.

    In January of 2001, Dr. Vinyl was sold to Richard Reinders, formerly the company's European Master Franchisee. It now allows franchisees to purchase shares in the parent company.

    About Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers

    For over 40 years, Lentz USA has been providing the highest quality automotive service to Michigan residents. Lentz USA can help you with new brakes, oil change, new mufflers, shocks, upgraded struts, and more. Simply, we want to be your complete auto service center! We have earned the trust of hundreds of satisfied customers.