Glass Doctor Franchise Costs $164K – $317K (+ 2024 Profits)

Glass Doctor is a prominent player in the glass repair and replacement industry, offering services across residential, automotive, and commercial sectors. Founded in 1962 in Seattle, Washington, the company has established itself as a reliable service provider with a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. 

Glass Doctor began its journey into franchising in 1977, expanding its reach and brand presence significantly. Today, the company is headquartered in Waco, Texas, and operates as part of the Neighborly community of home services companies.

The franchise differentiates itself by providing comprehensive glass solutions, including repair, replacement, and services, to a wide range of markets. This diverse service offering enables them to cater to a broad customer base, enhancing their market stability and appeal to potential franchisees. Glass Doctor’s affiliation with Neighborly also lends it a competitive edge, as it benefits from the network’s extensive resources and support system.

Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$59,900
Vehicle	$2,000 to $50,000
Equipment, Supplies & Inventory	$27,500 to $65,000
Auto Business Start-Up Package Insurance	$3,000 to $6,000
Advertising & Promotional and Local Marketing	$15,000 to $24,000
Training, Travel, Lodging & Food	$2,500 to $5,000
Deposits, Permits & Licenses	$2,000 to $5,000
Professional Fees	$300 to $5,000
Real Estate	$4,000 to $15,000
Call Center Setup Fee	$4,200 to $7,200
Additional Funds – 3 Mo.	$35,000 to $75,000
Totals	$155,000 to $317,000

Note: The table above provides a snapshot of the main costs associated with starting the most common franchise format (as disclosed in the Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document). For a complete overview of all the expenses involved with the various formats offered by the franchisor, please consult the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Initial Franchise Fee

The Initial Franchise Fee is $59,900, with additional population over the minimum threshold charged at $200 per 1,000 individuals.

Royalty Fee

The license fee rates for the Glass Doctor franchise specifically range from 4% to 7% of Gross Sales, adjusted according to the revenue tier:

• $0 – $13,999: 7%
• $14,000 – $25,999: 6%
• $26,000 – $38,999: 5%
• $39,000+: 4%

These rates apply to different weekly Gross Sales brackets.

Marketing/Advertising Fee

The MAP (Marketing, Advertising, and Promotional) fees are set at a standard rate of 2% of Gross Sales. However, lower rates apply for new construction services and projects over $10,000 (0.5% of Gross Sales) and “roll-in” sales (ranging from 0.5% to 2% of Gross Sales) .

Transfer Fees

The transfer fee for resale or transfer of an existing franchise is $7,500.

Renewal Fees

The Renewal Fee is $5,000, separate from any adjustments made for varying terms upon franchise renewal.

Franchise pros and cons

The pros:

• Comprehensive training: The franchisor provides extensive on-site training to help business owners and franchisees offer the best customer experience. The biannual classroom and additional training help franchisees become glass gurus. 
• 2 unique franchise opportunities: Glass Doctor offers auto and home and business glass franchises to suit every professional experience. 
• Recession-resistant model: Glass must be repaired or replaced when it breaks, regardless of the economic situation. 
• Flexible working hours: Franchise owners can pursue other business interests thanks to the flexible working hours and limited emergency work and late-night operations. 
• Exclusive territory protection: The franchisor provides exclusive territory rights to protect franchisees from competition against other Glass Doctor franchises. 
• Variety: The franchisor provides several glass repair services, building a solid reputation as a trusted service provider. 
• No prior glass experience required: Aspiring business owners don’t need glass experience to run a thriving franchise. 
• Marketing support: The franchisor helps with on-brand advertisements to ensure franchisees operate an attractive business model that can retain clients. 
• Financial support: The franchisor offers funding support through its excellent relations with third-party financial sources. 

The cons:

• No absentee ownership: The franchisor doesn’t support absentee ownership. Franchisees must be involved in every operation within their warehouses. 
• Not a part-time investment opportunity: Glass Doctor franchises require a long-term, full-time commitment. 
• Minimum employee requirement: Every warehouse must have at least 5-6 employees to operate. 
• Can’t run from home or as a mobile unit: Glass Doctor franchises can’t be operated from home or as mobile units.
• Competition from other similar franchises such as Speedyglass, Safelite or to a lesser extent even car repair franchises like Midas, Meineke Car Care, Carstar or Maaco to name a few.

How to open a Glass Doctor franchise

Opening a Glass Doctor franchise involves several steps, designed to ensure you are a good fit for the franchise. Here are the main steps to follow to open a Glass Doctor franchise.

1: Research the Franchise

• Understand the Business Model: Learn about Glass Doctor’s services, customer base, and market demand.
• Review Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): This document provides detailed information about the franchise, including fees, obligations, and performance of existing franchises.
• Evaluate Your Market: Analyze local demand for glass repair and replacement services to assess potential business viability.

2: Assess Your Financial Investment

• Calculate Initial Investment: Determine the financial requirements including franchise fee, equipment, inventory, and start-up costs.
• Plan Your Financing: Explore financing options such as loans, partnerships, or personal savings to meet the initial investment needs.
• Consider Ongoing Costs: Understand ongoing expenses like royalties, advertising fees, and operational costs.

3: Submit an Application

• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the franchise application form to express your interest and provide your financial and business background.
• Attend Discovery Day: Participate in a discovery day at the Glass Doctor headquarters or virtually to gain deeper insights into the franchise operations.

4: Develop a Business Plan

• Outline Your Business Strategy: Create a detailed business plan that includes market analysis, marketing strategies, and financial projections.
• Get Feedback: Share your business plan with business advisors or mentors to refine your strategies and objectives.

5: Sign the Franchise Agreement

• Review Contract Terms: Carefully review the franchise agreement with a franchise attorney to understand your rights and obligations.
• Sign the Agreement: Once you are satisfied and ready to proceed, sign the franchise agreement to officially become a Glass Doctor franchisee.

6: Prepare for Launch

• Attend Training: Participate in the comprehensive training program provided by Glass Doctor to understand the technical, business, and customer service aspects.
• Set Up Your Location: Choose a suitable location and set up your shop with the necessary equipment and inventory.
• Hire Staff: Recruit and train employees who will help operate your franchise.

Disclaimer

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