Pop-A-Lock Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Pop-A-Lock was established in 1991 by law enforcement officers in Lafayette, Louisiana, who identified a community need for reliable car locksmith services. Since its inception, the company has expanded significantly, becoming the largest professional locksmithing franchise in the United States.

Headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, Pop-A-Lock began franchising shortly after its founding. Today, it operates in over 8,500 communities across the United States and Canada, offering a comprehensive range of locksmith services.

Pop-A-Lock provides automotive, residential, and commercial locksmith services, including emergency lockout assistance, key duplication, lock repair and installation, and security system upgrades.

A key differentiator is their PALSavesKids™ program, a free community service dedicated to rescuing children accidentally locked in vehicles, reflecting their commitment to community safety.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Pop-A-Lock franchise? It costs on average between $138,000 – $171,000 to start a Pop-A-Lock franchised facility.

This includes costs for equipment, vehicles, licensing, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the size of the territory, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase vehicles and equipment.

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Initial Franchise Fee$43,000
Pop-A-Lock Tool Kits$562
Printed Materials$1,500 – $2,640
CDU (Technical) Training$1,600
Travel and Living Expenses While Training$3,520
Equipment – Communication$600
Equipment – Roadside Service$600
Locksmith Service Training$2,100
Locksmith Service Equipment$16,995 – $34,000
Equipment – Office (Computer System)$3,000
Online and Digital Display Advertisement$3,900 – $9,600
Initial Advertising (12 months)$25,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs$800 – $1,200
Additional Funds – Initial Period$33,000 – $41,000
Vehicle Identification$1,600 – $2,400
TOTAL$137,777 – $170,822

Competitors

Below are a few Pop-A-Lock competitors as a comparison:

Pop-A-Lock franchise competitors

Pop-A-Lock Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Pop-A-Lock locations are there?

As of the latest data, Pop-A-Lock operates 452 franchised locations across the United States, reflecting a 7% decrease over the past three years. The company does not own any company-operated outlets, as all locations are franchised.

What is the total investment required to open a Pop-A-Lock franchise?

The total investment required to open a Pop-A-Lock franchise ranges from $138,000 to $171,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Pop-A-Lock franchise?

Pop-A-Lock franchisees are required to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 7% of their monthly gross sales. Additionally, there is an advertising and marketing fee set at 1% of monthly gross sales. These fees contribute to the continuous support and national marketing efforts provided by the franchisor.

What are the financial requirements to become a Pop-A-Lock franchisee?

To become a Pop-A-Lock franchisee, candidates are required to have a minimum net worth between $250,000 and $500,000, along with liquid capital ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. These financial prerequisites ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to effectively establish and operate their Pop-A-Lock franchise.

Who owns Pop-A-Lock?

Pop-A-Lock is owned by SystemForward America, Inc., the franchisor for the Pop-A-Lock® system. The company’s leadership includes co-founders Carl Vincent and Steve Gremillion, with Donald Marks serving as Chief Executive Officer.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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