CARSTAR vs Wilhelm Automotive Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
Investment $298,200 - $804,300$118,400 - $302,500
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 1.5%-
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 1989-
Year Franchised 1989-
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

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

Training & Support

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Wilhelm Automotive 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

 
CARSTAR Franchise
Wilhelm Automotive Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion Yes-
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

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.





About Wilhelm Automotive

Wilhelm Automotive is a comprehensive automotive mechanical repair facility. With state of the art systems and over 80 years of experience they are an industry leader. National and local awards for service excellence including being recognized as a Motor Age national "Top Shop". Services include: *Maintenance - Including: Oil, Lube, Filter, Ignition, Fluids, distributors, etc. (also including "UnderCar Services" *Repair - Including: Heating and Cooling, Radiators, heavy-Duty Servics, Overhaul, general maintenance and everything in between *Diagnostics - Including: Electrical, Electronic Systems, Computer, Emissions, Controls, etc. *General - Including: Domestic and Import, Gas or Diesel, Off-Road *Misc Services such as, Towing to the shop, fuel economy, tires, pre-purchase inspections, pre-trip inspections, etc. *Fleet Services