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Franchise 500 2023
2024 Franchise 500 Rank
#58 Ranked #31 last year
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Initial investment
$77K - $314K
Units as of 2023
1,950 Increase 7.8% over 3 years

What services does Matco Tools offer?

When you open a Matco Tools franchise, you do more than simply sell tools. You provide a tremendous service to automotive technicians by bringing the tools right to them. 

What happens if the technician desperately needs a specific tool but doesn’t have the money to purchase it? No problem; in-house financing is one of the services you can offer as a Matco distributor. This allows the technician to buy the tools they desperately need to continue their business without the stress of having to pay for them upfront. 

You can rest easy knowing that with this mobile tool franchise, you are providing only the highest quality tools backed by a name they can trust. 

Professional mechanics know that when they purchase tools from a Matco distributor, they have the ongoing support they need, including warranty and tool replacement services.

Related: 2022 Top Home-Based & Mobile Franchises Ranking

What products does Matco provide?

Operating in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, Matco Tools is dedicated to providing the best mechanical tools in the industry. A lot of time is put into research and testing so that hundreds of new tools can be added to the inventory list every year. 

Just a few of the more than 19,000 tools Matco offers include:

Toolboxes

Matco Tools is known for providing the industry's strongest, most durable toolboxes. Technicians can design and choose from hundreds of options to meet their needs.

Ratchets and sockets

One feature that makes Matco Tools stand out is the oversized markings on their ratchets and sockets, making it easier for technicians to grab the right size the first time. 

The counter-torque counterbore feature provides for better durability, and the opti-torque allows for off-corner fastener engagement, which helps distribute the stress and helps prolong the life of the tool.

Wrenches

Matco wrenches are designed with mechanics in mind, providing superior strength and efficiency. They allow the technician to work in tight areas while giving the strength and durability to loosen even the tightest nut.

Power tools

With top-of-the-line impact wrenches, air ratchets, die grinders, air hammers and sanders, Matco offers their customers only the best power tools on the market.

What advantages are there to being a Matco Tools franchisee?

If you want to own your own business and invest in one of the top franchises on the market, then investing in a Matco Tools franchise could be the answer.

Ranked as a top franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Matco Tools has been recognized as an invaluable resource for all automotive professionals. 

Being a mobile business with no need for a brick-and-mortar location, this convenient, low-cost franchise could be the business opportunity you have been looking for.

Lower start-up costs 

Being a mobile franchise without requiring a storefront allows for lower start-up costs.

Reliable workforce

If you are looking for a franchise opportunity but aren’t quite ready to hire and manage staff, Matco can be an excellent choice.

Efficiently run by one or two people, you can run this franchise business independently until you are ready to expand and hire employees.

Flexible hours

Since this is a mobile franchise, you can set your hours. You can choose the days and times you want to work and make it work around your schedule.

Exposure

With eye-catching advertising on every truck, Matco trucks provide free advertising wherever you go. Being a mobile business, you can travel to your customers rather than them having to come to you, providing more exposure.

Strong customer relationships

As a franchise owner, you will be given approximately 325 potential customers to serve. You will quickly build strong working relationships with the technicians being that you go to them and become their primary contact. 

Traveling to their location lets you see firsthand where they work and analyze their situation. This allows you to make a more personalized sales pitch when suggesting products to help make their job easier.

Related: The 9 Advantages of Franchising | FranchiseYourBusiness | Entrepreneur

What is the process for opening a Matco Tools franchise?

Once you have researched and decided that opening a Matco Tool franchise is for you, the next step is to apply. 

Once your application is received, you will be emailed a confirmation receipt from the franchise team. Once your financial and background checks are done, you will receive your franchise approval if you meet all the requirements.

When considering opening a Matco Tools franchise, the cost (including the initial investment) is one of the main things to consider. The total investment a new franchisee can expect is anywhere in the range of $77,236 to $313,646. 

Continue reading for a breakdown of some startup costs of opening your franchise.

  • Liquid capital required: $30,000.
  • Net worth: $75,000.
  • Initial franchise fee: $8,000.
  • Royalty fees: $0.
  • Initial inventory: $50,000 to $84,000.
  • Time payment line of credit: $4,700 to $9,325.
  • Mobile store lease: $2,804 to $163,584.
  • Computer hardware, software and Internet: $4,950 to $6,425.
  • Insurance (3 months premiums): $768 to $3,118.
  • Travel expenses: $179 to $2,767.
  • Professional services (accountants and lawyers): $310 to $5,852.
  • Fixtures, supplies and licenses: $525 to $4,400.
  • Three months' living expenses: $5,000 to $13,500.

Related: Franchise Fees: The Money Question That Can Make or Break Your Franchise | FranchiseYourBusiness | Entrepreneur

What is the income potential of a Matco Tools franchise?

When you follow the tried-and-true Matco business model, you are sure to succeed. 

Being that you are your own boss, the amount you make is entirely up to you and depends on the following factors:

  • How much time will you dedicate to the business?
  • How well can you pitch and sell the products to your customers?
  • How well can you manage money?
  • How low are you able to keep your ongoing business expenses?
  • How much inventory will you keep on hand?

The top Matco distributors earn roughly $670,738, with the average franchise bringing in $461.338 and the lower end making $308,563.

Related: An Investigative Report on Franchise Profits | Entrepreneur

What training is provided when opening a new franchise?

Offering a world-class training program, Matco provides the best sales and business training in the automotive tool franchise industry.

This intensive training program consists of at least 90 hours of initial classroom training at the corporate office in Stow, Ohio. The Matco Business System Training Program includes:

  • Sales training.
  • Business management.
  • Marketing.
  • Tool-specific training.
  • Software training.

Franchise owners will also have access to Matco University. This online training platform is a continuation of everything franchise owners are initially taught and contains content on:

  • Product demonstration.
  • Product comparisons.
  • Instructor presentations.
  • MDBS tips.
  • Business management tips.

Related: Researching Franchise Training

Start a Matco Tools franchise today

With the convenience of being a mobile business and the ability to choose your hours, you can fit this business into your life rather than trying to fit your life into your business. 

With a low initial investment and unlimited earning potential, starting a Matco Tools franchise can open a world of possibilities for individuals looking to expand their horizons and become their own boss.

Check out Entrepreneur’s other articles for more information about Matco Tools and other franchise opportunities. 

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Company Overview

About Matco Tools

Industry Retail
Related Categories Tools Distribution, Miscellaneous Retail Businesses, Miscellaneous Automotive Products & Services, Automotive
Founded 1979
Parent Company Vontier
Leadership Timothy Gilmore, President
Corporate Address 4403 Allen Rd.
Stow, OH 44224
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1993 (31 years)
# of employees at HQ 340
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions: Canada

# of Units 1,950 (as of 2023)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Matco Tools franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$8,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$77,236 - $313,646
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$35,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$5,000 - $13,500
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
$10,000 off initial inventory
Term of Agreement Information Circle
10 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

In-House Financing Matco Tools offers in-house financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll
Third Party Financing Matco Tools has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 80 hours
Classroom Training 90 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
Yes
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Matco Tools landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022