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Franchise 500 2023
2023 Franchise 500 Rank
#31 Ranked #29 last year
See the Full List
Initial investment
$77K - $309K
Units as of 2022
1,919 arrow up 6.0% over 3 years

Where else can you run a mobile company that blends a love of cars, service, and freedom of the road?

Matco Tools manufactures and distributes automotive repair tools, diagnostics, and toolboxes with a product line of over 25,000 items. Matco has more than 1,750 franchisees across the U.S. and Canada. As a franchisee, you may sell Matco Tools products to anyone from car enthusiasts to auto mechanics. 

Matco Tools was founded in 1979 and began franchising in 1993.

Why You May Want to Start a Matco Tools Franchise

You may need to lease or purchase a truck for the job, but this truck generally becomes your business's home. Your business on wheels speaks for itself: no office, no rent payments, and a flexible schedule. You might also receive a protected territory and individualized route to visit any one of the predetermined customers.

Though working for yourself is typically a great perk of owning a franchise, the service end is equally important. When you work for Matco Tools, you try to save auto technicians time and money by bringing them exactly what they need to keep going. When they have the right tools to stay in business, you usually do too.

What Might Make a Matco Tools a Good Choice?

To be part of the Matco Tools team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

If you're a veteran, you may receive incentives in the form of a discount off the initial investment. You might also get the branding and marketing you need without having to pay an ongoing royalty or ad royalty fee. 

It's no wonder Matco Tools has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 many times in recent years. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

How To Start a Matco Tools Franchise

To start your Matco Tools franchise, you should make sure that you have done research and find out if this opportunity is a good fit for you. If you have, you may reach out to them via a franchise request form. 

After submitting the form, a franchise sales manager might get in touch with you and review your application. This is your chance to ask questions. Many of the franchise sales managers were once Matco Tools franchisees, so they may know what it's like to be on the other end. If they determine that you're a good fit for the franchise, they generally send you the Franchise Disclosure Document.

If you still want to open a Matco Tools franchise after reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document, you might go on a few truck rides with local franchisees. Additionally, as a potential franchisee, you will receive dozens of hours of classroom and on-the-job training. Matco Tools strives to teach you how to use their business model to your full advantage.

Find Your Perfect Franchise

Company Overview

About Matco Tools

Industry
Retail
Founded
1979
Parent Company
Vontier
Leadership
Timothy Gilmore, President
Corporate Address
4403 Allen Rd.
Stow, OH 44224

Business Overview

Franchising Since
1993 (2023-1993 years)
# of employees at HQ
340
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.

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

# of Units
1,919 (as of 2022)

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
$76,819 - $309,133
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$25,000
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
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
Take our quick quiz to find your ideal franchise

Interested in ownership opportunities like Matco Tools? Request a free consultation with a Franchise Advisor now.

Franchise 500 Ranking History

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

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Matco Tools ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

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Related Franchises

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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