#269
At a Glance
Products & Services: Complete automotive repair
Number of Locations: 382
Total Investment: $234K - 413.5K
Founded: 1970
Began Franchising: 1971
Private Owned
About Tuffy Associates Corp./Car-X Associates Corp.
Charles Amy founded Tuffy Auto Service Centers when he opened the first Tuffy Muffler shop in 1970. The private company began franchising one year later and now has shops in several states. It is based in Toledo.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 352 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| 2010 | 362 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| 2009 | 369 | 0 | 0 | 43 |
| 2008 | 375 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the following states:
Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Midwest, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South, South Dakota, Southeast, Southwest, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Midwest, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South, South Dakota, Southeast, Southwest, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $234,000 - $413,500
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 1-5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 15 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 1-5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 15 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $250,000
Liquid Cash Available: $125,000
Operations
30% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 5. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% 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: 3 weeks. At franchisee's location: 2 weeks. At existing store : 1 week.
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, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
America's Top Global: #124 (2009),