Search for Your Franchise
About Me

Jason Rager is President of Franchise Analyzer.

Read more about Jason...

Friday
May142010

Commercial Union Franchise

Car-X Auto Service

Auto repair & maintenance services

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.

A large percentage of vehicles that come to a shop for repair need additional work beyond the primary reason for their visit. If you properly inspect all cars, you will not only build your business, you will enjoy a base of satisfied customers whose loyalty will bring them back for other needed services. Your job is to manage and build the business, not be a mechanic.

But again, Car-X isn't only about car repair. Car-X is proud to be an integral part of your community. Car-X is a long time supporter of the Big Brother/Big Sister Organization in many markets, the Special Olympics, and recently, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. From providing tickets to local ballgames, scholarships and other donations, Car-X has always taken a proactive approach to its involvement in all of these organizations.

Car-X Auto Service has more than 185 locations system wide and has built a reputation on exceptional customer satisfaction. In fact, Car-X Auto Service was ranked the #1 automotive services franchise by Success Magazine.

Start-up Costs & Franchises Fees

What is the total cost to open a Car-X Auto Service Franchises?

Total Cost: $232,000 USD -$341,500
Total Franchise Fees: $25,000 USD
Ongoing Royalty Fees: 5%
Ongoing Advertising Fees:
Term of Agreement: 15 years

Contact Information for Car-X Auto Service

Car-X Auto Service
1375 E. Woodfield Rd., #500
Schaumburg, IL
60173

Toll Free: (800)359-2359
Fax Number: (847)619-3310

Franchise Homepage:

Historical Expansion

In what year did Car-X Auto Service begin operations? 1971
When did Car-X Auto Service begin selling franchises? 1973

Year United States Canada International Corporate
2004 157 0 0 23
2003 150 0 0 29
2002 135 0 0 50
2001 133 0 0 51
2000 133 0 0 53

Future Expansion

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin,

Franchise Financing Information

Cost In House Financing Available? 3rd Party Financing Available?
Franchise Fee No No
Initial Start-up Capital No Yes
Plant, Property, and Equipment No Yes
Inventory No Yes
Accounts Receivable No No
Payroll No No

3rd Party Financing Available? Financing Source(s): CIT Small Business Lending

Training & Support

Training
Available at headquarters, Available at franchisee's location
Support
Meetings, Toll free phone number, Grand opening support, Internet referrals, Safety and Security procedures, Field support and site evaluation, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing
Ad slicks, Regional advertising support

Franchise Operation Restrictions

58% of all franchise business owners own more than one franchise location.

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5

Absentee ownership of this franchise business is not available to new franchisees. (100% of current franchise business owners are owner/operators)

Qualifications & Business Experience

Business Experience:
  • General business experience
  • Managerial skills
  • Franchise Analyzer Professional's Inside Information

    Can you buy this franchise for no money down? Yes
    What key terms in the franchise agreement can be negotiated? Cross-default provisions, arbitration clause, personal guarantee, default cure periods, non-compete agreement, favorable valuations for corporate buyout
    Can you negotiate lower royalties during start-up? Yes
    Can you purchase multiple franchises for a discounted franchise fee? Yes
    Can you receive lower advertising fees? Yes
    Will I know when the franchise break even? Yes
    Will my personal assets including my home be safe in case my franchise business fails? Yes
    Please note: You must download a free copy of Franchise Analyzer Professional to receive these benefits and so much more. Click here to download your FREE copy now.