Review of the Safelite Franchise Opp and Startup Costs

When you think of automobile care, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Oil changes? Filter replacement? Tires and brakes? There’s also something else that people have with their vehicles that needs routine care and that’s their windshield. Whether it is a ding from a rock or there is an expansive crack in the windshield that requires a full replacement, a Safelite Autoglass franchise will help everyone in your community have an affordable way of taking care of the glass in their vehicle so they can always see the road ahead.

The only issue is that Safelite does not currently offer any franchising opportunities at this time. All of their shops are owned internally and all of their technicians are managed by the organization. If you do have an auto glass shop and you’re looking to affiliate with a national franchise, you do have a few options available to you. Let’s take a look.

Novus Glass

Novus Glass is the most affordable of the available auto glass franchises that are available at this moment. The minimum cash required is just $15k and it is also ranked the #1 opportunity in this niche repair and maintenance industry. You don’t even need to know how to do glass repair or even work on vehicles to get your franchise started because the system will train you in everything that you need to know.

With over 40 years of experience and a proven business model, this organization also allows franchisee-to-franchisee consultation and support so that everyone can work together to provide customers with a top result. You’ll be able to offer a national warranty program, have access to a preferred provider program, and give your new franchise instant credibility and brand recognition in your local marked.

One of the advantages of utilizing this organization for your new franchise is the exclusive marketing and communications opportunities that are available to all franchisees. You’ll receive access to an internal market designer, have a full library of radio and television commercials, and localized public relations efforts that will add an impact to your brand delivery.

There are also a number of ways to upgrade your franchise from just auto glass. Scratch removers, window tinting, and even air bag services can all be part of the package as well. That means you can specifically tailor your investment to meet your community’s needs and that will put your investment into a place of strength.

Ziebart

This franchise has also earned a #1 ranking for its niche, albeit it in the automotive appearance services category. You’ll still be providing the same kind of services, however, as you help to repair or restore the glass in a vehicle for your customers. This organization has been in business for over 50 years and has one of the top brand saturation initiatives in the industry today.

Although the investment you’ll need is a minimum $100k that includes a $25k franchise fee, you’ll also receive an extensive series of training and help in setting up your store. You’ll get the technical training you need that takes you through the skill set required to provide glass care, plus you’ll be able to provide a wide range of other services that could bring in a diverse set of revenue streams for you.

That’s because Ziebart also offers these services to facilitate lead generation:

1. Rust Protection.
2. Professional Detailing.
3. Appearance Protection.
4. Spray-on Bed Liners.
5. Protective Films for Automobile Glass.

You’ll also receive an exclusive set of proprietary products that will help to set your business apart from all the rest in your community. This franchise is also a participant in the VetFran program and qualified applicants will have the initial franchise fee waived. Financing programs are also available to qualified candidates.

With more than 200 million vehicles on the road right now in the United States with an average age of over 9 years, the opportunities in this industry are bound to keep growing. The amount of vehicles keeps increasing, as does the age of the vehicles as people own their vehicles for longer periods of time. As vehicles age, the need to repair them increases, and this set of services from this franchise opportunity puts you in a prime position to offer many of them in an affordable package.

Glass Doctor

Falling in-between these two auto glass franchises is the Glass Doctor, which requires a minimum $75k investment on your part. The advantage of being in this industry is that you won’t have to just focus on auto glass as part of your business. You’ll also be qualified to install and repair flat glass that you’ll often find in homes and businesses. This gives you the opportunity to grow and innovate with exclusive products and services that your community could potentially be missing.

This organization is the largest franchising model that includes residential, commercial and auto glass applications. Although it isn’t ranked as high as the other two opportunities in auto glass, this franchise is the #1 ranked franchise in the home services category. Your investment includes access to exclusive trademarks, retention tools for customers and employees, and exclusive territories for your franchise to expand and grow.

If you currently have a glass repair facility, the one thing to be aware of with Glass Doctor is that part of the franchising agreement includes proprietary menu pricing. You will need to adjust your prices to the franchise model and that may make it difficult to market your new identity to a community, especially if the prices are higher. In return, however, you’ll have the dedicated support of a resale team that will work with you to establish the customer base in your area.

The industry of auto parts and products routinely clears $35 billion every year. You could be part of that industry with an auto glass franchise that may work with your existing service industry business. Although you may not be able to have a Safelite Autoglass franchise, these three options above offer you a good chance to expand your business. Take a more in-depth look at them today.