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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Saf-T Auto Centers vs Master Mechanic including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $85,000 - $100,000 | $175,000 - $225,000 |
Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Royalty Fee | $500/mo. | 6% |
Advertising Fee | - | 3% |
Year Founded | 1978 | 1982 |
Year Franchised | 1986 | 1983 |
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 | No/No | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory | No/Yes | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | - |
Support | Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | - |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | - |
Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | - | - |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | No | No |
Founded in 1978, SAF-T Auto Centers are providing auto technicians a means to earn an independent living doing what they do best - repair cars.
The business provides full-service automotive repair and maintenance services to both retail and commercial clients through its franchisees, with special emphasis on drivability and engine performance. This is an excellent opportunity for existing independent garages looking to rebrand or for those with automotive and/or business experience who are considering the benefits of owning their own business. Many consumers today are in desperate search for an auto repair/maintenance facility who can provide this level of trust in your mechanic to the same extent as your doctor or dentist -- this is the relationship Master Mechanic works very hard to create. The independent auto repair/maintenance market is rather diverse with specialists in everything from oil changes to exhausts to tires to transmissions...creating confusion for many consumers as he/she must now be expected to know what's wrong with their car, then know who specializes in that service and then undertake the selection process as to which shop to do business. At Master Mechanic, there is neither confusion nor doubt because we are full-service facilities -- everything from a basic oil change to complex engine diagnostics all performed by licenced technicians. Let's take a look at the options...the fast lube market lacks the technical expertise for anything beyond fluid changes...the big box stores have been branded with perceived lower cost but unreliable service...while the new car dealerships tend to be very costly leaving the independents like Master Mechanic Franchises as a very attractive alternative.