Top Five Franchises for Car Lovers
The Editorial Team , writer
Published at 17/08/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min
If you're a car lover and have always dreamt of managing your own business, there's plenty of investment opportunities out there. However, it's important to take your time and consider what type of franchise is best for you. You'll need to consider what aspect of vehicle maintenance you would like to specialise in and how much you're willing to invest. While experience in the automotive industry is not a prerequisite for franchise ownership, a passion for cars is likely to help in the long run. Here, we take a look at five of the best franchise investments for car lovers.
Our top 5 best car franchises
ChipsAway
ChipsAway was founded in the USA but launched in the UK in 1994. Since then, the network has expanded and is now made up of more than 200 franchisees. The franchise considers itself both the originator of, and the dominant operator in, the Small to Medium Area Repair Technology (SMART) sector. This is the part of the automotive repair industry that deals with small and medium-sized repair jobs. While the vast majority of franchisees operate van-based franchises, there are also around 40 Car Care centres around the country.
ChipsAway franchisees focus on providing mobile vehicle repair services around their territory. Operating out of a mobile workstation, they repair paint scratches, bumper damage, and smaller sized dents. The demand for these services remains high across the country and the franchise guarantees that all new franchisees will receive a minimum of £80,000 of work enquiries within the first year of business.
In order to become a franchisee with one of the leading automotive franchises in the country, you’ll need to raise a minimum investment of £29,995 +VAT. This will give you access to the ChipsAway turn-key business model, four weeks of practical training, your own mobile workstation, and ongoing support and guidance.
Optic-Kleer
Optic-Kleer is the UK's leading windscreen repair specialists. Founded in 1991, the franchise has developed a unique business model that sees its franchisees typically operate out of supermarkets and shopping centres. This allows repairs to be made while customers shop, ensuring that visiting an Optic-Kleer business is never a chore and is always convenient. Currently, there are around 50 franchise units in the UK, with the franchise looking to expand into profitable new markets with the help of new franchisees.
Using the latest tools in the industry, franchisees will fix windscreens while their customer shops. Generally, repairs take as little as 20 minutes and franchisees need to repair just 5 windscreens a day to generate a monthly turnover of £5,460. In order to become a franchisee, a minimum investment of £15,000 is required. In return, franchisees will be provided with training, ongoing marketing, sales, advertising support, and all the administrative and managerial skills required to make a success of your new unit.
Autosmart
Autosmart was established in 1979 and quickly became the UK’s leading provider of professional vehicle cleaning products. The franchise network now consists of more than 150 UK franchisees, as well as a considerable international contingent, too. With over 35 years of experience, the franchise has been able to hone its franchise model to perfection. This is evidenced by the number of ‘Best Franchise’ and ‘Best Franchise Recruitment’ awards Autosmart have received in recent years.
Day to day operations in the franchise consist of the delivery and demonstration of more than 200 automotive cleaning products to a wide array of customers. This product range includes deodorisers, hand cleaners, paints, and maintenance products, among other things. Autosmart is a van-based franchise, which reduces overheads and provides franchisees with greater flexibility.
In order to become a franchisee, applicants must raise at least £15,000. However, the cost of owning a franchise in your desired territory and outfitting it with everything required to succeed is likely to be considerably higher. Autosmart is renowned for its franchisee support system and is considered an appealing investment opportunity.
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eTyres
If you’re looking for something a little different, perhaps you should consider eTyres. As the first online tyre franchise in the UK, it has had a head start when it comes to establishing market dominance. Founded in 1992, the business began franchising in 1996 and continued to expand over the next 20 years.
As an eTyres franchisee, you'll deliver tyre changing services from your own mobile workstation. Another van-based franchise, eTyres maximises orders by ensuring that they’re able to provide a reliable and affordable tyre fitting service to a large number of customers across the UK. The franchise prioritises honesty, convenience and professionalism above all else and hopes to attract franchisees who share a commitment to these same qualities.
Considering eTyres is one of the best franchise opportunities on the market, it has remained relatively affordable. Applicants will need to raise a minimum initial investment of £24,000, though it’s likely a larger amount will be required to give your business the best chance of success. eTyres’ reputation for excellence means that many major lenders are happy to finance up to 70% of this initial investment.
The Wheel Specialist
Able to trace its origins back to 1955, The Wheel Specialist started franchising in 2007. Since then, it has become the UK’s premier alloy wheel refurbishment franchise and a well-respected brand. It specialises in alloy wheel repair, customisation, and refurbishment for a diverse array of vehicles. It's also able to provide powder coating, strip and refit, wheel balancing, and chroming services.
In order to become a franchisee, applicants will need to raise an initial investment of £44,997 +VAT. It’s also necessary to have access to liquid capital reserves of at least £40,000. In return for this investment, franchisees will be enrolled on a respected training programme, provided with access to digital systems, marketing materials, and ongoing support and guidance from the central franchise management team.
Conclusion As you can see, there’s a diverse array of automotive franchises on offer. As always, it’s important to do your research, consider how you’re going to finance any franchise purchase, and thoroughly discuss the acquisition with the franchisor before any agreement is signed.
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The Editorial Team , writer