Purchasing a car service franchise is one of the best moves you can make in business right now. Stats from J.D. Power show new car sales are down significantly, due to pandemic manufacturing slowdowns, giving consumers few choices but to hang on to the car sitting in the driveway. The average age of cars on the roads right now is 12 years, as cars age, they require repair and preventive maintenance. Plus, no matter what the economic climate is, auto repair is a necessity and therefore a recession proof franchise.
But, as good as all that sounds, there are some things to look out for before you invest in an automotive franchise. Here are four common problems you need to avoid to steer clear of potential bumps down the road.
Four Problems to Avoid
Staffing – As you begin your search for the best car service franchise, one of the biggest problems you may face is staffing. Because you are in a service sector, your main goal is to provide the best customer experience from the first encounter until the client drives the vehicle out of your shop. The first touchpoint makes all the difference. You will need pleasant customer relations employees who answer the phones, greet customers and service vehicles. You will need, qualified, certified mechanics who will do the job right in a timely manner. Good overall client relations build can trust and customer retention. Brand loyalty means customers keep your shop top of mind the next time they need a repair.
Lack of Brand Recognition – When choosing to partner with a brand, investing in a highly reputable and trusted industry brand is worth the money. Reason is you will generate customers before you even open your shop. A strong brand name carries a high standard of service that people have come to expect, giving you the edge over the competition.
Finances – The worst thing you can do is get in over your head, financially. You do not want to invest your money in a business opportunity only to find additional hidden costs. Look for a brand with complete transparency. Study their FDD. Talk to other franchisees before you sign on the dotted line. A franchise contract is long-term and you want to position yourself to make money not lose it. Know your financial commitment.
Competency – You don’t have to be a mechanic to open an auto repair franchise. But having some knowledge about vehicle repair goes a long way. What you need is good business acumen to understand all the moving parts of your business. Look for a franchise brand that offers training, guidance and on-going support to assist you along the way.
The AAMCO Difference
AAMCO is a proven leader as a car repair franchise for more than 50 years. Not only do we know our stuff when it comes to auto repair, but we have a top-notch franchise model designed for your success.
With decades of brand awareness and loyalty for transmission repair, AAMCO has evolved and built its reputation as a leader in complex car repair. We have done so through a dedication to innovation and a commitment to preparing franchisees and technicians for the future.
As a franchisee, you participate in a four-week, four-part session at AAMCO University, our exclusive education center designed for extensive training in every facet of your business. Then we send a business coach to join you for the first five weeks in your new business to quicken the ramp-up time. You have access to a real-estate team to help you find your location, plus, we have ongoing coaching and support available to you.
You’ll learn about customer care, the key performance indicators for a car service franchise, growth strategies, quality control, building and leveraging community contacts, and leadership. AAMCO wants franchise owners who are passionate about building businesses that make a difference in their communities.
We take it a step further and offer courses for general technicians, certified technicians, master certified diagnosticians, repair technicians, master transmission rebuilders, center service managers and general managers. This ability to educate technicians in a way that advances their skill set and career opportunities is a tremendous asset for AAMCO franchise owners.
AAMCO is actively seeking single and multi-unit operators who are passionate about the brand and committed to providing the highest-quality service. We are always transparent about your financial commitment because we understand the significance of your investment. We ask that interested candidates have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate selected, franchisees can expect the total investment to be approximately $223,600-$330,500, with a $39,500 initial franchise fee.
Partnering with AAMCO means you are making a good investment in your community and your future. Request more information about AAMCO and download your free franchise information report.
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