
Pop-A-Lock
Mobile locksmith and security services- 2023 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#112 Ranked #134 last year
- Initial investment
-
$138K - $171K
- Units as of 2022
-
623 7.2% over 3 years
Founded in 1991 by law enforcement agents, Pop-A-Lock is a national locksmith franchise specializing in emergency automotive lock services. The company serves thousands of communities globally, dedicated to providing quick and affordable quality service.
Pop-A-Lock technicians provide more than emergency lock-out services, too. They will repair and install new car locks and ignitions, rekey, duplicate and program electronic keys, and should you be unfortunate enough to get your key stuck in the ignition, they can get that key unstuck! The company also services residential areas. Some locations offer security system installs. If you happen to lock yourself out of your home, Pop-A-Lock can get you back inside, too.
With over 550 locations in the U.S. and another few dozen in Canada, Pop-A-Lock is a major brand in the locksmith industry.
Why You May Want to Start a Pop-A-Lock Franchise
Franchisees who are set on owning a business under their terms are welcome at Pop-A-Lock—and they don't need any locksmith experience. Pop-A-Lock considers itself a franchisee's business partner, ready to help them meet their business goals.
The company will thoroughly train franchisees in the latest locksmith technology at its impressive training facilities. Franchisees may be able to utilize the company's experience, resources, market base, and brand items. Pop-A-Lock also offers a strong mentorship program and continuous proactive support at every stage of the business—from start-up to a franchisee's first sale. They are also keen on increasing safety and reducing risk. This is why Pop-A-Lock requires special screening for potential employees.
Besides a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Pop-A-Lock values protecting its community. The company started its Emergency Door Unlocking program dedicated to saving children accidentally locked in cars 24/7. The service is free and a franchisee's location may end up saving a life.
What Might Make a Pop-A-Lock Franchise a Good Choice?
Continuing Pop-A-Lock dedication to safety, the company designed its marketing method for sustainability and resilience. As a franchisee, you'll have exclusive rights over your territory. The brand also goes multiple directions concerning the services they offer, giving you the chance to diversify your business.
In terms of start-up, initial investments are fairly low, and the company does not require a franchisee to build or rent an office space or set location. In addition, franchisees are offered the opportunity to operate their business from home or serve as an absentee owner. They will also provide franchisees with the equipment they need to get started. A Pop-A-Lock franchise may find the company's marketing advice and services of immense use, as well.
How Do You Start a Pop-A-Lock Franchise?
To be part of the Pop-A-Lock team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment that will include a franchise fee and other startup fees. You'll want to make sure you have enough capital available to cover ongoing fees, as well. Fees will include royalty fees and advertising fees.
As you decide whether you wish to open a Pop-A-Lock franchise, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth. Still, where there are locks, there is usually a demand for locksmiths.
Company Overview
About Pop-A-Lock
- Industry
- Services (Other)
- Founded
- 1991
- Parent Company
- SystemForward America, LLC
- Leadership
- Michael Kleimeyer, CEO
- Corporate Address
-
1018 Harding St.
Lafayette, LA 70503
Business Overview
- Franchising Since
- 1994 (2023-1994 years)
- # of employees at HQ
- 18
- Where seeking
-
This company is offering new franchisees in the following US states: Alaska, Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
This company is offering new franchisees in the following international regions: Europe (Western), Canada
- # of Units
- 623 (as of 2022)
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Pop-A-Lock 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 - $15,500
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Initial Investment
Information Circle - $137,777 - $170,827
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Net Worth Requirement
Information Circle - $300,000 - $1,500,000
-
Cash Requirement
Information Circle - $31,000 - $124,000
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Veteran Incentives
Information Circle - 10% off franchise fee; special training program for veteran employees
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Royalty Fee
Information Circle - 7%
-
Ad Royalty Fee
Information Circle - 1%
-
Term of Agreement
Information Circle - 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.
- In-House Financing
- Pop-A-Lock offers in-house financing to cover the following: equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll
- Third Party Financing
- Pop-A-Lock 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
- 22.5 hours
- Classroom Training
- 41.5 hours
- Ongoing Support
-
Purchasing Co-opsNewsletterMeetings & ConventionsToll-Free LineGrand OpeningOnline SupportSecurity & Safety ProceduresLease NegotiationField OperationsSite SelectionProprietary SoftwareFranchisee Intranet Platform
- Marketing Support
-
Co-op AdvertisingAd TemplatesNational MediaRegional AdvertisingSocial MediaSEOWebsite DevelopmentEmail MarketingLoyalty 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 - Yes
- # of employees required to run
- 3-10
-
Are exclusive territories available?
Information Circle - Yes
Interested in ownership opportunities like Pop-A-Lock? Request a free consultation with a Franchise Advisor now.
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Pop-A-Lock landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Pop-A-Lock ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
Ranked #1 in Locksmith Services in 2022
These are the companies that not only ranked in this year’s highly competitive Franchise 500, but ranked #1 in their respective industry categories.
Ranked #112 in 2023
Entrepreneur’s 44th annual Franchise 500® ranking shines a light on the unique challenges and changes that have shaped the franchise industry over the last year—and how franchisors have adapted and evolved to meet them.
Ranked #21 in 2023
Check out the top franchises that offer you the freedom of working from home or on-the-go.
Ranked #48 in 2023
If you're interested in an opportunity with international appeal, start your search with our ranking of the top franchises seeking to expand outside the U.S.
Ranked #15 in 2023
Buying a franchise on a budget? No problem. Here are the top franchises that can be started for less than $150,000. For more low-cost opportunities, see our lists of franchises that can be started for less than $50,000 and less than $100,000.
Ranked #40 in 2022
Our ranking of the top 150 franchises offering incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees.
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