Auto glass franchises aren't the best options for many potential franchise owners. Moran Family of Brands can help you learn the advantages and disadvantages of auto glass franchises and what may be a smarter investment opportunity.
Auto Glass Industry Strong
Road construction, salt and sand from road crews, and debris from dump trucks can cause damage to a vehicle’s windshield. As the nation diligently works to rehabilitate its aging infrastructure, the number of road construction projects continues to increase, which is helping to fuel the glass repair industry. The United States spent nearly $100 billion on public highway and street construction in 2021, according to Statista.
Windshield damage can compromise a driver’s ability to safely navigate the roadways and provides an added layer of protection during a collision. Historically, windshield replacement is one of the number one insurance claims, and more than 14 million windshields are replaced each year. With approximately 284 million cars on the road, the market size of the glass repair industry reached $5 billion in 2021, according to IbisWorld, an industry research provider.
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Auto Glass Franchise
Advantages:
One of the perks of an auto glass franchise is flexibility. Auto glass businesses have a low barrier to entry and multiple revenue streams. Getting an auto glass franchise up and running can require an investment as low as $46,500. When inflation and high gas prices prompt car owners to put unnecessary car maintenance on hold, auto glass businesses can rely on residential and business glass services to continue to grow their business. Most auto glass franchises are mobile opportunities, which lowers startup costs and allows franchise owners to create their own schedules and conduct back-office administrative tasks from the comfort of a home office.
Disadvantages:
Despite flexibility and low startup costs, there are some disadvantages to owning an auto glass franchises. Most importantly, the auto glass industry is evolving. Replacing a car windshield used to be an easy task that could be done in a short time with minimal training. The addition of advanced drive-assistance systems provided drivers with added safety benefits, but the technology requires enhanced training to tackle windshield replacement. Technicians need to have the skills required to recalibrate safety cameras when the windshield is replaced.
To be profitable, auto glass franchise owners will need to form partnerships with insurance companies. Nearly 30% of all insurance claims are for windshield replacements. Coping with insurance paperwork can be taxing for new business owners.
The auto glass repair industry is dominated by several major players. One company, Belron, owns at least seven brands, including Safelite AutoGlass and Carglass. Competing with the large marketing budgets of company-owned conglomerates poses challenges for new franchise owners trying to break into the industry.
Moran Provides a Complete Solution
If the disadvantages of owning an auto glass business are making you rethink your path, here are a few reasons why Moran Family of Brands offers a top auto care franchise opportunity. Moran franchises six aftermarket auto and window tinting brands, including Milex Complete Auto Care, Mr. Transmission, and Turbo Tint.
Moran’s mission is to be a one-stop shop for its customers’ auto maintenance and repair needs. Focusing on one service can streamline operations, but offering a wide array of services generates higher ticket prices and builds relationships. An earlier study from AAA revealed two-thirds of Americans do not trust auto mechanics. Building relationships by providing reliable service on a regular basis will ensure your business thrives and becomes a mainstay of the local community. To further enhance its service lineup, Moran gives franchise owners the opportunity to co-brand their locations and offer more than one brand under the same roof.
The initial investment to open one of Moran’s concepts starts at $118,219, including a franchise fee of approximately $52,000. The company provides ample training and support to make sure its owners have the skills and tools they need to get their new venture up and running. Every Moran franchisee attends three weeks of pre-opening training and can take advantage of the resources the company offers for ongoing support. Moran’s technology department works diligently to keep franchise owners informed about new developments and up-to-date service information as the auto industry evolves.
Find Out More About Moran
To learn more about operating a full-service auto repair franchise, request information to find out more and connect with one of Moran’s franchise business consultants.