Opening a Valvoline franchise may seem like a great investment, but there are some things you should know before you decide. Let’s explore the pros and cons of a Valvoline Instant Oil Change shop and Creative Colors International, an alternative franchise to consider.
To get started, here is a side-by-side cost comparison of the quick-lube auto shop and CCI, a mobile leather and vinyl restoration provider.
| Valvoline | CCI | |
| Initial Investment | $204,750–$3,270,550 | $86,980–$102,410 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $49,500 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $1,000,000 | $50,000 |
| Cash Requirement | $600,000 | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4%–6% | 7.5% |
| Ad Royalty Fee | 3% | 1% |
Source: Entrepreneur
Pros of Owning a Valvoline
Valvoline is a well-known brand in the automotive industry, with a history that spans more than 150 years. Dr. John Ellis founded Valvoline in 1866 when he discovered the lubricating properties of distilled crude oil, formulating the world's first petroleum-based lubricant. Valvoline launched its quick-lube oil change franchises in 1986 and has more than 1,650 locations nationwide. Valvoline also offers a wide array of maintenance services, such as battery replacement and tire rotation. Partnering with a company with a long history of success comes with a built-in customer base and can help drive profits.
Cons of Owning a Valvoline
While Valvoline has a long history of success in the aftermarket automotive industry, partnering with the oil change provider to open a business does have its drawbacks.
- The initial investment required to open a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location can be quite high. According to Entrepreneur, the initial Valvoline franchise cost ranges from $204,75 to $3,270,550. This includes the initial franchise fee of $30,000.
- The automotive industry is highly competitive, and there are many other oil change franchises and independent service providers in the market, making it challenging to stand out and attract customers.
- Technological advancements are creating a sea change in the aftermarket automotive industry. Skyrocketing gas prices are pushing forward the production of electric vehicles, which require less maintenance than traditional cars. Staying abreast of developments can be a heavy load to bear, and changing standards may hamper growth.
- Valvoline has a strong growth record and serves 26 million customers annually. The brand has added 576 locations since 2017. With 1,650 locations already up and running, finding availability for a new location in your community may be challenging.
CCI: A Better Alternative
If you decide that opening a Valvoline franchise is not the right fit for you, consider CCI, a low-cost franchise alternative in the restore and restoration industry.
Our franchisees can rely on multiple revenue streams by partnering with businesses in their community, such as auto dealerships, marinas, and medical facilities, to provide B2B services. They also travel to residential customers to return their leather furniture to like-new condition.
As a mobile business, you have the flexibility to set your own calendar and conduct back-office administrative tasks from a home office. A mobile investment allows you to launch as an owner-operator and add vans as you hit your growth targets.
CCI is a low-investment, high-reward opportunity. The initial investment for a CCI franchise ranges from $86,980 to $102,100, including a $49,500 franchise fee. All of the tools, products, supplies, and equipment you'll need to accomplish an advanced level of repair and refinishing projects are included in your initial investment. In addition to the tools you need to get the job done, CCI provides our small-business owners with the training and technology they need to be successful. All of our owners attend three weeks of in-person, hands-on training at our corporate headquarters, where we cover technical, operations, sales, and managerial skills, as well as the administrative end of running the franchise. When you’re ready to open, a field representative will spend a week with you to help you get started and secure customers.
Our marketing and advertising program is designed to bolster brand awareness throughout our system. We also offer various sales aids to help each franchise grow in its local market, including customer list building, direct mailing campaigns, online advertising, website search engine visibility/optimization, and more.
Put Your Future in Gear
To learn more about launching a mobile business with a low initial investment, request franchise information from CCI, and someone from our team will provide you with more details.
