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Updated RecentlyCreative Colors vs Car-X Auto Service Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Creative Colors vs Car-X Auto Service including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $179,125 - $266,650 | $214,000 - $326,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $49,500 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 7.5% | 5% |
| Advertising Fee | 1% | - |
| Year Founded | 1980 | 1971 |
| Year Franchised | 1991 | 1973 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 15 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 15 years |
| Renewal Fee | up to 20% of current 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/Yes | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | Franchisee must participate in an initial training and familiarization course of three weeks duration held in Mokena, IL. You'll learn sales and marketing techniques, financial controls, upholstery coloring, restoration and repair methods, and other administrative and operational aspects of the Creative Colors International business. In addition, a Creative Colors International field representative will spend one week with you in your territory around the time your business commences operations to help you get started. On-The-Job Training: 40+ hours Classroom Training: 120+ hours | Available at headquarters, Available at franchisee's location |
| Support | As a Creative Colors International franchise owner, you'll receive periodic visits from a trained field representative, who will provide guidance and quality control, and answer any questions you may have. In addition, you will receive a copy of the Creative Colors International Confidential Operations Manual, Training Manual and Employee Manual, which covers the policies and procedures involved in running your business. As the manuals are updated, revisions will be made available to you. And, of course, we'll be only a phone call away for answers to questions that arise during the day-to-day operation of your franchise, as well as having our Intranet available 24/7. Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform | Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | Regional advertising | Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
Franchise can be run from home. 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 4
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
58% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | No |
Company Overviews
About Creative Colors
In 1980, Jim and JoAnn Foster answered an ad in their local paper that described a new technique for dyeing vinyl and leather. The couple bought the license to use the technique in their area and began J&J's Creative Colors. To strengthen their business, the Fosters began researching, practicing and refining various techniques for repairing vinyl, leather and plastic, incorporating them into their business. J&J's worked with automobile, boat and recreational vehicle dealers, making repairs at the dealers' lots. The company began franchising in 1990 under the name Creative Colors International. Now franchisees across the country use the Fosters' techniques to repair the interiors of various vehicles at dealer lots before they are sold.We have a goal to reach 500 units nationwide in US, adding 100 units over next 4 years
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Creative
Colors International Franchised Business is $95,125 to $122,250. This
includes $84,000 that must be paid to the Franchisor.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Area Development Creative Colors International franchised business is $179,125 to $266,650. This includes $168,000 that must be paid the Franchisor. The fee paid to the Franchisor covers the initial area development fee for 3 Franchised Businesses you will own and operate plus the Start-Up Fee for the 1st Franchised Business you open. For each additional Franchised Business you open, your investment is an additional $44,500 you must pay the franchisor.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Area Development Creative Colors International franchised business is $179,125 to $266,650. This includes $168,000 that must be paid the Franchisor. The fee paid to the Franchisor covers the initial area development fee for 3 Franchised Businesses you will own and operate plus the Start-Up Fee for the 1st Franchised Business you open. For each additional Franchised Business you open, your investment is an additional $44,500 you must pay the franchisor.
Veteran Incentives $1,500 off franchise fee
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About Car-X Auto Service
Dedicated to serving you for almost 30 years, Car-X Auto Service is more than just a place that repairs your vehicle. In fact, Car-X prides itself on providing you with a commitment to our Five Star Service.
We began franchising in 1973 and have grown to become one of the dominant brands for undercar service in the midwestern U.S. Income opportunities are provided primarily by brakes, exhaust, road handling, steering systems, tune-ups, air conditioning, tires and oil changes for all makes of cars and light trucks.
Car-X franchise owners have the freedom to run their own businesses while sharing the resources of a proven and trusted brand with almost 50 years of experience. Advantages of joining the Car-X Family include (but are not limited to):
- Brand recognition and outstanding customer retention rates
- Start-up assistance and continued support
- Negotiated vendor pricing and buying power
- Technical onsite and online team training programs
- Marketing and advertising support
- Lowest royalty and start-up fees in the industry