An auto painting franchise can be a great investment, but there are other options you should consider before making a decision. Here's what to know.

As the age of cars on the road continues to climb, demand for auto painting services is rising. The average age of vehicles on the road reached 12.5 years in 2023. High financing costs and surging new car prices are putting the purchase of a new vehicle out of reach for many Americans. The number of car buyers who financed a vehicle with a monthly payment upwards of $1,000 hit an all-time high of 17.1%, and average monthly payments peaked at $733 during the second quarter, according to Edmunds.

In a bid to cope with rising costs, customers are opting to give their vehicles new life. The global automotive paints market is forecast to reach $10.7 billion by 2025. Auto painting can be a profitable business, especially if you establish a good reputation and offer high-quality services. Customers are often willing to pay a premium for a professional finish and excellent craftsmanship.

Auto painting businesses typically focus on restoring classic cars, standard paint retouching, and conducting paint repairs after a collision. There’s a consistent demand for auto painting services as vehicles require regular maintenance, repair, and aesthetic enhancements. With a well-established business, you can benefit from a steady stream of customers. And having the backing of a franchise will ensure you have the training and tools to achieve your lifestyle and financial goals.

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to auto painting opportunities, including:

• High startup costs. Setting up an auto painting business requires a significant initial investment. You must acquire suitable facilities, purchase or lease equipment, and invest in high-quality paint materials. Additionally, you may need to hire skilled employees, which adds to the cost.
• Competitive market. The auto painting industry can be highly competitive, particularly in areas with numerous existing businesses. Establishing your brand and differentiating yourself from competitors may take time and effort. You need to develop unique selling points and offer exceptional service to attract and retain customers.
• Seasonality.  Depending on your location, auto painting demand may vary seasonally. For example, customers might be less inclined to get paintwork done during winter months. This fluctuation can impact your revenue and requires careful planning to manage cash flow effectively.
• Safety.  Auto painting involves working with chemicals, solvents, and paint fumes that can be hazardous. Proper safety measures and equipment, such as ventilation systems and personal protective gear, are essential to protect yourself and your employees.

Mobile Auto Repair and Restoration

If the drawbacks of opening an auto painting franchise are making you re-evaluate your options, Creative Colors International has a scalable opportunity in the auto industry with a low initial investment.

Our mobile restoration business has 150+ vans serving customers across the U.S. and Canada. Startup costs range from $86,980 to $102,410, depending on the size of the territory you select. We offer both single-territory and multi-territory opportunities. As part of our Executive Model Developer program, an owner is initially trained as a technician, but you’re not tied to a daily service route. Your role is to manage a team of 10 to 12 vans and technicians by providing billing and collection services, technical support, assisting with developing routes, and focusing on expansion.

Our business services industry franchisees receive three weeks of training to learn the ins and outs of leather and vinyl restoration, as well as ongoing support and technical guidance. Many of our partners start as owner-operators and add vans as they form partnerships with local businesses and acquire residential customers.

We Can Fix That!

If you want to pursue an alternative to an auto painting franchise, request franchise info to learn more about the benefits of owning a mobile restoration franchise.