Valvoline Franchise vs. AAMCO: What’s the Difference?
Valvoline, established in 1866 by Dr. John Ellis in Binghamton, New York, initially produced lubricating oils for steam engines. The brand gained prominence during World War II for supplying lubricants to the Allied forces. In 1987, Valvoline launched its franchising program, offering quick oil change services under the Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) brand. Today, Valvoline Instant Oil Change has expanded to hundreds of franchise locations across North America, providing convenient and reliable automotive maintenance services.
Initial Investment
- Valvoline franchise: $204,750 – $3,270,550
- AAMCO franchise: $234,600 – $353,200
Industry Focus
- Valvoline franchise focuses on quick oil changes.
- AAMCO franchise specializes in transmission repair and general automotive repair.
Franchise Fees
- Valvoline franchise charges a 6% royalty fee
- AAMCO franchise charges a 7.5% royalty fee
AAMCO Has A Larger Footprint
AAMCO has a leg up on the competition because of its status as a member of Icahn Automotive Group. Two other brands they own are Pep Boys and Precision Auto Tuning, which specialize in different areas of auto care and don’t directly compete with AAMCO. And what happens when Pep Boys and Precision Auto Tuning customers learn that they have more complex car repair work that needs to be done, such as a transmission replacement? They are referred to AAMCO. Icahn Automotive Group also possesses industry-leading buying power in addition to those referrals. That allows AAMCO franchise owners to continually keep inventory costs low for repairs with a high profit margin.
AAMCO Has Been Tested and Proven
There are a lot of reasons AAMCO has thrived for over 60 years. One reason is its commitment to innovation, proactively positioning itself to meet the demands of the future. It used to specialize in transmission repair and is now a total car care company, continuing its place at the top of transmission repair while offering expertise in all areas of complex car care.
Ultimately, the choice between AAMCO and Valvoline franchises depends on individual preferences, business goals, and market opportunities. Prospective franchisees should conduct thorough research, consider their strengths and interests, and evaluate each franchise’s offerings, support, and potential for success in their target market.