A Valu franchise is an opportunity to meet the ever increasing demand for quality automotive repairs and services. There are several successful establishments operating nationally that offer some level of specialty automotive maintenance and repair and there are perhaps thousands of dealer, garage and backyard mechanics. Valu is unique because of our low cost discount concept which these other establishments cannot match.
Being a highly motivated self-starter is the first requirement for a prospective franchisee. In addition, other qualifications needed to become a Valu Auto Care franchisee include good financial standing, compliance with Valu Auto Care Centers™ established policies and procedures, and an ability to work well with the public.
Investment Cost Estimates
Typical shop size is a minimum 2,000 interior square feet plus sufficient outdoor parking. Variations in following figures are accounted for by factors such as your management skills, local economic conditions such as the prevailing wage rate, used vs. new equipment and the competition. The over all initial investment range is approximately $50,000+ which includes the following:
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~ INITIAL FRANCHISE FEE |
$22,500 |
The initial term of the Franchise Agreement is fifteen years with renewal on a five year term basis. A royalty fee of 5% of gross sales and an advertising fee of 4% of gross sales is to be paid on a weekly basis.
Support Services
- Assistance with site location
- Operations training manual and training
- Shop design and layout assistance
- Assistance with equipment and initial
- Inventory ordering
- Intensive initial training for owner(s) and managers and training updates
- Opening assistance and ongoing
- 800 line telephone support
- Advertising advice
- Exclusive territorial protection
Timing
The time to get involved in this business is now. The demand for high quality automotive repair and maintenance service is growing rapidly and expected to continue to grow. Once the franchise agreement is signed, your Valu Auto Care Center franchise can be operational in a few months.
- Review the Franchise Offering Circular and complete and return the franchise application
- Attend an initial "get acquainted" meeting
- Determine possible location(s)
- Arrange financing
- All parties and respective attorneys (if any) meet for the signing of the franchise agreement, the non-disclosurelnon-competition agreement and the receipt
- Pay the original franchise fee.
- We begin to work together on finalizing the location and ordering initial supplies and equipment.
- Call us anytime to schedule a meeting if you have questions
Typical Questions and Answers
What will my hours be?
The minimum hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. You must
obtain written approval from the Franchisor for any deviation from these hours of operation.
During all business hours, you and/or a qualified manager of your Valu Auto Care Center must be on site to supervise the operations.
Although it is not required, it is highly desirable that you devote full time to the management of your Valu Auto Care Center. There is no one who will do a better job than you in managing your business; and, at the very least, you must be highly involved and provide the necessary leadership and direction to ensure maximum success.
How does financing work?
Valu Auto Care Centers™ does not offer financing, but we will help you put a
business plan together so you are better equipped to obtain financing though 3rd party vendors
with which we have preestablished relationships with.
Do I need experience?
Although having prior management and/automotive experience is helpful, no experience is required
because Valu offers the requisite knowledge and experience to assist you in becoming
established as a business owner. Furthermore, we will continue to support you as a franchisee. We
provide all necessary training for owners and managers and ongoing assistance and updates on
improvements. With your commitment and our expertise, you will quickly acquire the necessary
experience. top of page
Must I use specific vendors?
In order to insure consistent high quality service and products, Valu Auto Care Centers™
requires that you purchase certain equipment, products and supplies from designated vendors
or an equivalent vendor with prior approval from the Franchisor.
May I own more than one Valu Auto Care franchise?
Yes, you may receive the right to acquire additional franchises.
May I sell my franchise?
You must notify the Franchisor in writing of your intention to terminate, transfer or sell the business.
The franchisor has the right of first refusal. If this right is not exercised, you may sell your business
as long as the corporate officers of Valu Auto Care Centers™ approve the potential buyer. All fee payments
must be up to date and all proprietary materials must be returned to the Franchisor. There is a $2,000.00
transfer fee. Fees are non-refundable.
How does the advertising program work?
The advertising fees paid by franchisees are used to support regional advertising program for all
locations. You may design and conduct your own local advertising campaign. All proposed advertising methods and materials are subject to our approval.
What if I want to have partners?
You may choose to establish your business with as many partners as you think is feasible for you, with each partner realizing their specific duties and roles. A partnership should designate one partner as the spokesperson. top of page
What kind of insurance is needed?
You must maintain Garage Keepers Liability insurance which names Valu Auto Care Centers™ as an
additional insured. You will also need premises insurance during construction, workers compensation, liability (on and off premises), equipment, health, automobile, fire, theft, and comprehensive insurance for your shop.
What about the competition?
You may face competition from national and regional chains, automotive dealers and/or independent
repair shops. Because Valu Auto Care Centers™ offers a unique low price discount concept, it is difficult for these businesses to compete with us at price.
What about warehouse facilities?
The beauty of our concept allows us to service over 95% of the vehicles that come into our shop with minimal inventory so you will not need extensive space for inventory storage.
I'm Interested - What Happens Next?
You complete and return the franchise application forms and begin to consider possible locations and to arrange any necessary financing. We will send the franchise agreement and related documents to you upon receipt of your application. You, your partners, if any, and your attorney should review the agreement.
We will assess the information you provide including your financial data and, within ten days, we will contact you to arrange a get acquainted meeting with the Valu Auto Care Centers™ corporate officers. This process gives you and us the opportunity to evaluate each other's suitability for the franchise enterprise.
It is important that both parties are appropriate for each other so that we can experience a mutually beneficial business relationship. Since the reputation and prosperity enjoyed by each individual franchise affects the others, positively or negatively, your success is very important to us. We are committed to providing you with the assistance you need to get started and we will continue to provide assistance throughout the term of our relationship.
When you sign the franchise agreement and pay the franchise fee, we will work with you to finalize the shop location. We will provide advice on the shop design and your purchase/lease of the necessary equipment and initial inventory.
If you have the desire to be successful in your own business and a willingness to commit the resources, we welcome you as a Valu Auto Care franchisee.
Click here to apply online.
Click here to print franchise application (Application may be mailed to address below)
Disclaimer
This is not an offer to sell securities or franchises. Offering to sell franchises is made by prospectus only.
Call or write today:
Valu Auto Care Centers™, Inc. |
