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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dr. Vinyl vs Honest-1 Auto Care including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $41,320 - $71,500 | $206,650 - $659,150 |
Franchise Fee | $24,500 | $45,000 |
Royalty Fee | 7% | 6% |
Advertising Fee | - | 1% |
Year Founded | 1972 | 2003 |
Year Franchised | 1981 | 2003 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 20 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 20 |
Renewal Fee | - | 25% of franchise fee at the time of renewal |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | An automotive background is helpful but not required. Solid business acumen is required with marketing aptitude as well as the ability to motivate a staff and supervise day to day operations. |
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Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | Yes/No | -/Yes |
Start-up Costs | No/No | -/Yes |
Equipment | No/No | -/Yes |
Inventory | No/No | -/Yes |
Receivables | No/No | -/Yes |
Payroll | No/No | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | On-The-Job Training: 4 weeks Classroom Training: 3 weeks Additional Training: Ongoing training |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | There is a three week training program, coupled with frequent webinars, an annual convention, a proprietary line of fluid products at discounted costs to Zees, and field support through corporate staff, Region Developers, and vendors. 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 slicks, National media | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
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) | The owner will spend 50% of their time in the center, 50% networking, marketing and developing fleet accounts. Average number of employees to run a location is 8-10; 1-2 Managers, 4 Technicians and the owner. Hiring assistance is provided. |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | - | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | Yes | - |
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.
Honest-1 is the only national full-service auto repair and maintenance franchise chain that is 100 percent ESA Certified Eco-Friendly Auto Care. Honest-1 executes numerous eco-friendly actions companywide, including strict recycling of auto materials, pollution prevention, resource conservation and trademarked services such as ECO TuneUp and ECO Oil Change. In addition to its high standards to be environmentally responsible, Honest-1 is committed to all-around quality customer service unprecedented in the auto repair and maintenance industry. Each Honest-1 staff member and technician is thoroughly trained to meet company-set standards, which are designed to make the maintenance process less intimidating for non-auto enthusiasts while providing upfront, honest service. With 22 locations throughout the U.S., Honest-1 centers are family-friendly, and are characterized by clean and upscale waiting areas, Internet cafes, children's play areas, comfortable chairs and couches, HDTV and complimentary beverage stations. Honest-1 plans to open 10 more locations nationwide in the next year. For more information and to inquire about available franchise opportunities, visit www.honest-1.com. Honest-1 Auto is growing rapidly and has an opportunity for you.