- 2024 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#250 Ranked #248 last year
- Initial investment
-
$298K - $804K
- Units as of 2024
-
754 4.9% over 3 years
Carstar is one of the largest premier networks of collision repair businesses with more than 650 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. This dynamic franchise offers independent franchisees resources and support to become competitive in the vehicle repairs industry.
With Carstar, you may find yourself to be a part of a franchise network of partners that are committed to serving collision repair customers as well as their communities. The franchisor works hard to ensure its franchisees the best chance at development.
Carstar helps repair shop franchisees, many of which are family-owned businesses, become well-equipped and instantly identifiable and accessible while using sophisticated management systems. New players may find it easy to penetrate their market territory and become competitive.
Why You May Want to Start a Carstar Collision Repair Franchise
Carstar concentrates on five tactical activities for your new or converted auto repair franchises. These areas usually include your store's image, consumers or vehicle owners, insurance provider relationships, public relations, and advertising for further recognition. The franchisor’s plan for your business may vary depending on your existing auto body shop condition when you join the program. However, specific goals are typically set with a particular period to accomplish them. This may be a feasible task if you follow Carstar's explicit direction.
As a franchisee, you may be getting the benefits of Carstar's past service to their communities. With Carstar, your business may weather the industry changes and legal regulations that make the segment overly challenging. Instead of selling to larger multi-shop operators or struggling to go at it alone, you may choose to join Carstar, a family of shops with resources, powerful partnerships, and ongoing support.
What Might Make a Carstar Collision Repair Franchise a Good Choice?
According to the franchise documents, in the first and second years of joining Carstar, your business may service the community and make a positive difference in their lives. You can utilize a regional system of marketing, business, financial analysis, and preferred vendor relationships to provide collision repair services to:
Individual automobile owners
Insurance provider-sponsored repairs
Commercial accounts
Institutions and state organizations
You may be operating in a Carstar territory that serves a large part of your community, and with a few exceptions, little or no competition for a one-mile radius. Besides that, you generally retain full control of your exercises and your business and facility management.
Your franchise license usually lasts for ten years, and Carstar generally will renew them after that time if you wish to continue your business. Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you.
How Do You Start a Carstar Collision Repair Franchise?
After filling out a franchise inquiry form, you may review the Franchise Disclosure Document. Attending discovery day at Carstar's Charlotte, North Carolina headquarters is typically the next step. This discovery day is usually a meet and greet that involves first-hand showcases of how the collision repair franchise works.
If you sign a franchise agreement, Carstar may commence training, which may involve converting your auto repair business into a Carstar franchise. The franchisor may help you debut by announcing and advertising your new or converted location for a grand re-opening.
Company Overview
About Carstar
Industry | Automotive |
---|---|
Related Categories | Automotive Repair & Maintenance Services, Automotive Appearance Services |
Founded | 1989 |
Parent Company | Driven Brands |
Leadership | Michael Macaluso, EVP and Group President, Paint, Collision & Glass |
Corporate Address |
440 S. Church St., #700 Charlotte, NC 28202 |
Social | Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest |
Business Overview
Franchising Since | 1989 (35 years) |
---|---|
# of employees at HQ | 120 |
Where seeking |
This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions: Canada |
# of Units | 754 (as of 2024) |
|
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Carstar 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
|
$10,000 |
---|---|
Initial Investment
|
$298,200 - $804,300 |
Net Worth Requirement
|
$500,000 |
Cash Requirement
|
$30,000 |
Royalty Fee
|
1.5%+ |
Ad Royalty Fee
|
1% |
Term of Agreement
|
10 years |
Is franchise term renewable? | Yes |
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
Third Party Financing | Carstar 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 | 3-6 hours |
---|---|
Classroom Training | 16 hours |
Ongoing Support |
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
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?
|
No |
Can this franchise be run part time?
|
No |
# of employees required to run | 8-9 |
Are exclusive territories available?
|
No |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Carstar landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Carstar ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter
Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Carstar.
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
McDonald's Announces the Return of the Snack Wrap in 2025 — Here's What to Expect From Its Comeback
The decision comes after years of persistent customer demand for the portable snack, which debuted nearly two decades ago.
Ready to Own a Business? Check Out These 15 Franchises You Can Start For Under $25K
Looking for an inexpensive franchise to open? Explore the best franchises under $25k, according to the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking.
Why Opening a Second Location Requires a Fresh Strategy (Even If Your First Was a Hit)
Here are some key points to consider before adding another location to your burgeoning multi-unit brand.
Jeff's Bagel Run Offers a Dynamic, Rapidly Expanding Franchise Concept!
Jeff's Bagel Run franchisees provide their customers with a unique and high-quality product offering that includes bagels made from scratch and custom coffee programs.
Subway's CEO Steps Down Amid a Major Transition for the Sandwich Giant
John Chidsey will step down at the end of 2024, marking the close of a transformative five-year tenure.
You Can Start These 10 Franchises for $10,000 or Less
Many budget-friendly franchise opportunities are in industries with high demand, such as home services, cleaning or mobile businesses.