#234
At a Glance
Products & Services: Oil changes, transmission, brakes, tire services
Number of Locations: 173
Total Investment: $250K - 400K
Founded: 1979
Began Franchising: 1983
Private Owned
About Express Oil Change
Former gas station manager Jim Lunceford founded Express Oil Change in 1979 after hearing about a West Coast business that offered quick oil changes. Lunceford brought the concept to Alabama, opened four centers and began franchising in 1984.In 1996, franchisees Joe Watson and Ricky Brooks purchased Express Oil Change from Lunceford and began expanding the company into Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. Two years later, the company purchased Tune-Up Clinics, a 28-store chain based in Atlanta. Twenty-five Tune-Up Clinic locations became Express Oil Change centers after the purchase.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 99 | 0 | 0 | 74 |
| 2010 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 74 |
| 2009 | 102 | 0 | 0 | 68 |
| 2008 | 104 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the following states:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Midwest, North Carolina, South, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas.
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Midwest, North Carolina, South, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $250,000 - $400,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $500,000
Liquid Cash Available: $300,000
Operations
85% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 8. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (92% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 2 days. At franchisee's location: Varies. At training centers : 4-8 weeks.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising,