Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
Franchise Deep Dive: Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data
This franchise promises to deliver the quality auto products consumers are looking for at a price they can afford.
LAST UPDATED: 2/2024
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.tuffy.com/franchising/intro
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 160+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $71,000 to $423,500
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,439,610
The first Tuffy Muffler shop opened in 1970 in Detroit, Michigan. Over time, the brand has evolved from just a muffler shop to an auto service center. Today, Tuffy is one of the largest full-service automotive repair franchises in the country.
The service lineup currently includes brakes, shocks, struts, springs, alignment, front-end, oil change, mufflers, tires, air conditioning, batteries, starting and charging, flush and fill, and C.V. joints.
In 2021, the brand was acquired by Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.
How Many Locations Are There?
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Tuffy operates and franchises over 160 Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Centers in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
What Is the Business Model?
Tire & Auto Service Centers are designed to deliver quality products at a price consumers can afford. Existing relationships with key suppliers allows franchisees to get quality parts at a more affordable price. This buying power allows franchisees to pass on competitive prices to their consumers.
Typical Deal Structure
- Lease or purchase of vacant auto repair center
- Lease or purchase of existing building convertible to five to eight Bay auto repair center
- Acquisition/purchase of open, existing auto repair business with real estate lease or purchase
Demographic Guidelines
- Traffic counts—Minimum 20,000 VPD past site / 40,000 within 3-mile radius
- Population—Minimum of 20,000 within 3-mile radius of site
- Annual population growth rate—Minimum 1.5%
- Median household income—Minimum $60K within three-mile radius
- Automotive aftermarket Index 100+
Standard Building/Site Criteria
- 3,500–6,000 sq. ft. building
- Minimum 25 parking spaces
- Interior ceiling height minimum 14 feet clear
- No automotive use restrictions
- Close proximity to major grocer or big box store
- Electric–400 amp
How Much Can Tuffy Owners Make?
Below are the gross sales representations based on 66-franchised stores that had been in operation for at least 2 years and had at least 6 bays in 2022.
- High - $4,316,906
- Average - $1,439,610
- Median - $1,343,775
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Tuffy Franchise?
The estimated investment for a Tuffy franchise varies between $71,000 to $423,500. This includes:
- Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Initial Advertising: $10,000 to $20,000
- Lease Deposit & First Month's Rent: $7,000 to $35,000
- Miscellaneous Pre-opening Expenses: $13,000 to $35,000
- Travel & Living Expenses While Training: $1,000 to $3,500
- Additional Funds: $10,000 to $50,000
Items normally financed:
- Equipment & Furniture: $145,000 to $200,000
- Signage: $10,000 to $45,000
- Initial Inventory: $3,000 to $10,000
Franchises also need a total estimated liquid capital of $71,000 to $173,500.
What Is the Franchise Fee for Tuffy?
The franchise fee for Tuffy is $30,000.
Who Are the Leaders of Tuffy?
- Darrel Neilson, President and CEO
- Eric F. Schmitt, Director of Franchise Development
- Barry Unrast, Director of Marketing
- Bob Bresler, Vice President
- Stephen Mars, Director of Operations
What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More?
- Start a Tuffy Tire and Auto Service in 2024
- Mavis to Acquire Tuffy Tire & Auto Service
- Business Plan & Requirements
- Top Five Automotive Service Franchise Opportunities in 2022
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
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Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
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