Master Mechanic vs CARSTAR Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Master Mechanic Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
Investment $175,000 - $225,000$298,200 - $804,300
Franchise Fee $30,000$20,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 6%1.5%
Advertising Fee 3%1%
Year Founded 19821989
Year Franchised 19831989
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Master Mechanic Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Master Mechanic Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support

 
Master Mechanic Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
Training - 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 -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 -Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
Operations -Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 8 - 9


Expansion Plans

 
Master Mechanic Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion NoYes
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

About Master Mechanic

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.

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.