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Updated RecentlyRent-A-Wreck vs Racing Limos Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Rent-A-Wreck vs Racing Limos including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $36,600 - $211,000 | $39,000 - $100,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $18,000 - $75,000 | $22,500 - $77,500 |
| Royalty Fee | $30/car/mo. | $291 per month on your first vehicle |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1970 | 2002 |
| Year Franchised | 1977 | 2003 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | - |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | Yes/No | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/- |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
| Inventory | No/Yes | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | Rent-A-Wreck has a comprehensive five-day initial training seminar that covers all the information you need to open a successful Rent-A-Wreck business. In addition, we also provide opportunities for you to continually expand your knowledge with resources such as our webinars, quarterly newsletters, and regional and national franchisee meetings. | * Comprehensive course * Extensive operations manual * Personal visits * Telephone visits * Annual conference (3 days) * Networking opportunities * Website support area including message board, franchisee news, local website administration and an extensive on-line library * Toll free help line |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | - |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | * Custom newsletters and direct mail pieces * Toll free help desk * National toll free lead line * Your own Internet website * Annual national conference * Introductory print ads * Marketing brand package of promotional materials * Public relations pieces * Mobile advertising customizable presentation |
| Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | Yes | - |
Company Overviews
About Rent-A-Wreck
Rent-A-Wreck is the Smart AlternativeTM to all your car rental needs. Founded in 1968 and franchising since 1973, we are one of the best-known neighborhood car rental companies in the U.S. and global market.
'Do you really rent wrecks?'
After being in business for many years with one of the most unique and memorable corporate names, we still get calls from people every day asking this question.
Rest assured, our vehicles are more like the cars you drive everyday. We keep our fleet of cars, trucks, and vans clean and well maintained; they are far from wrecks! We hope that our funny name helps you to remember us, and our low cost rentals and high quality customer service will earn and keep your business.
Whether you need a rental vehicle for business, pleasure or something in between, Rent-a-Wreck is here for all your driving needs. Many of our locations stock economy cars and full size luxury sedans; and they also offer pickup trucks, box trucks, min-vans, cargo vans, 15-passenger vans, SUVs, and station wagons for rent as well!
Try any of our locations across the United States and internationally in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
About Racing Limos
Racing Limos was founded by Bryan Pease in Naples, FL in 2002 as a specialty transportation company. At its peak, Racing Limos boasted 53 active franchise locations, but the 2007-2009 downturn slid the franchise operations into difficult times.
James Albion (Dover, NH) got involved with the NH franchise as an ad agency, ZMJ Advertising (founded in 1992), and felt the company had potential more as a marketing & advertising company than a limousine service. Albion took over the Racing Limos business under his NH corporation, Racing Limos America, Inc., in April 2010.
"With the economy likely to stay in the dumper for another 10 years, and gasoline showing signs that we could see $5 - $6 per gallon, I saw the potential of the business moving into marketing and away from a luxury service. Regardless of economy, businesses advertise, and when the economy is very difficult, as it is now, businesses are looking for more creative, aggressive forms of advertising to keep moving forward. We are that aggressive, creative business."
Franchises are priced as turnkey operations, making it easier for a franchise owner to be in business and moving forward from Day 1.