Creative Colors vs CARSTAR Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Creative Colors vs CARSTAR including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Creative Colors Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
Investment $179,125 - $266,650$298,200 - $804,300
Franchise Fee $49,500$20,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 7.5%1.5%
Advertising Fee 1%1%
Year Founded 19801989
Year Franchised 19911989
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee up to 20% of current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Creative Colors Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Creative Colors Franchise
    CARSTAR Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Creative Colors Franchise
    CARSTAR Franchise
    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 On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours Additional Training: Regional training, 1-2 days; Ongoing training at franchisee's location as needed
    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 Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    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)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 8 - 9


    Expansion Plans

     
    Creative Colors Franchise
    CARSTAR Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    International Expansion Yes-

    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.
    Veteran Incentives  $1,500 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #410 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About CARSTAR

    CARSTAR is a champion of the independent collision repair operators, consequently, CARSTAR is the largest automotive collision repair franchise in North America. The well publicized industry dynamitics: declining repair opportunities, acceleration in shops being de-selected from Insurance referral programs, excess repair capacity, increased competition from Multi-Shop Operators and Consolidators, and scarcity of skilled labor, has changed how the Independent Collision Repair Operator needs to conduct business. The CARSTAR Franchise program offers many solutions to these and other issues in which you and your business may be facing. We believe we are the champion for quality Independent shops, providing effective training solutions, staying involved in National and Local Industry Associations and developing sale and marketing programs to help our Franchisees compete in this turbulent market.

    CARSTAR leverages the purchasing power of Driven Brands to provide tremendous benefits for our CARSTAR store owners. Nearly 50 corporately managed purchasing programs provide our CARSTAR partners on average $25,000 or more in cost savings and rebates. With larger volume stores easily surpassing that amount in rebates. Store owners also benefit from a national fleet program, top vendor partnerships and support from national service providers.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a conversion CARSTAR franchise is $23,500 to $165,300. This includes $10,000 to $20,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new (ground-up) CARSTAR franchise is $298,200 to $804,300. This includes $10,000 to $20,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

    "Top""  "Entrepreneur
    #17 in Canada's Top franchises.
    #120 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #164 in Franchise 500 for 2021.