Several automotive glass companies have been ranked on Entrepreneur magazine’s 35th Annual Franchise 500. The top 500 companies were determined based on financial and statistical data from July 2011 through July 2013.
Novus Glass came in at No. 124 on the list. The franchise was founded in 1972 and has more than 1,600 franchisees throughout the globe. About 290 of these franchisees are in North America. The franchise investment is between $44,270 and $226,995, with an 8 percent royalty fee. The franchise agreement is ten years and renewable. The fee for the franchise is $12,995. Approximately $20,000 is needed in liquid cash to get the location off the ground.
SuperGlass Windshield Repair also made the list at No. 170. The company was founded in 1992 and has 295 locations internationally. Approximately 270 franchisees are in North America. The total investment needed to start this franchise is $9,910 to $31,000, with a franchise fee of $9,500 to $28,500. The agreement is for 10 years and renewable, with a 4 percent royalty fee. A potential franchisee needs $15,000 in liquid cash to be considered.
Glass Doctor made the list at No. 459. The franchise, founded in 1962, is listed as having 180 locations in North America. Total investment for franchisees is $108,000 to $289,000, with a franchise fee of $28,000 and a renewable ten-year agreement. The royalty fee is 5 to 7 percent. Financial requirements for liquid cash range from $45,000 to $50,000.
A related automotive glass company, Ziebart, also made the list at No. 344. Founded in 1959, the company now has 379 locations throughout the world. Total Investment required ranges $167,000 to $326,000 with a franchise fee of $25,000 and ongoing royalty fee of 5 percent/8 percent. The term of franchise agreement is ten years, renewable. Financial requirements include a net worth of $250,000 and $100,000 in liquid cash available. Services include auto detailing, automotive window tinting and paint protection films, as well as spray-on bed liners, remote starters, automotive accessories and glass repair.
Several automotive glass or related companies that were also mentioned but not ranked include Headlights 20/20 USA, Leather Medic and Techna Glass.
Only franchise companies that supply a full Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or Canadian Disclosure Document and whose information is verified by Entrepreneur can receive a listing in this issue. To be eligible for the Franchise 500 ranking, a franchisor must have a minimum of 10 units, with at least one located in the U.S. The company must be seeking new franchisees in the U.S., and it cannot be in Chapter 11 at the time the ranking is compiled. (The exception to these rules is Canada-based companies that are expanding only in Canada.)
Auto glass franchise owners are usually not too happy. Due to too many franchise regulations, sometimes its hard to make it through tough times. You have limited area of expansion, you can’t advertise in areas of same franchise entities territory. I believe in independent glass solution and in my opinion is the best way to success.
Interesting rankings for some of the companies. Some are auto only… and some do auto and flat glass installation/replacement. For instance, only 47% of Glass Doctor system-wide sales for 2013 were auto glass.
I believe having the right systems in the business are more important than being independent. Being independent for the wrong reasons is the worst solution for a glass business.
Interesting rankings for some of the companies. Some are auto only… and some do auto and flat glass installation/replacement. For instance, only 47% of Glass Doctor system-wide sales for 2013 were auto glass.
Interesting rankings for some of the companies. Some are auto only… and some do auto and flat glass installation/replacement. For instance, only 47% of Glass Doctor system-wide sales for 2013 were auto glass.
I believe having the right systems in the business are more important than being independent. Being independent for the wrong reasons is the worst solution for a glass business.