AMERICANS SPEND BILLIONS EACH YEAR ON AUTO REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THEIR VEHICLES AND PROTECT THEIR INVESTMENT.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend more than $500 a year on auto repairs and maintenance. With 253 million cars on the road as of 2014, that equates to more than $126 billion in spending every year — which is great news for Christian Brothers Automotive franchises.
Vehicle population is bigger, older than ever
The reason for so much spending is simple: People rely on their cars, so they try to stay on top of routine maintenance. Auto industry analysts at IHS Automotive report that the median age of American vehicles hit 11.4 years in 2014, and that’s expected to rise to 11.9 years by 2019 — setting an all-time high for the age of cars on the road. There are two big factors contributing to this. First, new cars have become more expensive, so people are delaying purchases. Secondly, improved manufacturing standards mean that proper maintenance can allow drivers to keep cars much longer. While 100,000 miles on the odometer was a big number for a 1980 model year vehicle, a 2000 model year can often reach 200,000 miles without too much trouble — as long as it receives regular maintenance.
Christian Brothers is a highly rated, faith-based auto repair franchise with a unique financial model. Christian Brothers assumes a majority of the risk by purchasing land and constructing “built-to-suit” buildings, which the franchisee then manages. Christian Brothers does not charge a franchisee based on the top-line revenues like virtually every other franchisor, but instead on a share of the profits, which is calculated after expenses. Franchisees also pay themselves a salary before they pay the franchisor a nickel.
As more and more Americans decide to hold onto their cars, keeping up on maintenance becomes an essential investment. However, the auto repair industry is rife with negative associations. The untrustworthy mechanic is a stereotype that is ingrained in the public’s perception — nearly everyone has a horror story about feeling ripped off by a mechanic or has had to manage weekends without a car while it was in the shop.
Why customers love Christian Brothers Automotive
The reason that Christian Brothers Automotive franchise has grown to more than 130 auto repair franchise locations since 1996 is that it provides a “nice difference” in an industry that can really use one. The golden rule of “treating others the way you would like to be treated” is applied to every single customer interaction at each of our auto repair franchise locations.
“I’ve been here several times now and am always impressed,” writes Amy T. in her Yelp review for a Christian Brothers Automotive location in Dallas, Texas. “The customer service is fantastic, honest and affordable. They always walk me out to my car to show me what they’re doing, explaining what needs to be done and why, and what will need to be done down the road. I will never take my car anywhere else.”
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported 254,639,386 registered vehicles in 2012. All of these vehicles will require some type of regular maintenance if owners are interested in not only getting the value out of their vehicles but ensuring that their vehicles are safe and reliable.
By offering a better customer experience, Christian Brothers wins over customers and can prosper while providing better service to their community.
“The potential to grow the business is unlimited,” says Jade Stanford, Christian Brothers auto repair franchise owner in Concord, North Carolina. “There is a demand in the market for people who provide comprehensive, ethical service. Customers need to know that someone is looking out for their best interest.”
LEARN MORE
For in-depth details about the Christian Brothers Automotive franchise opportunity, contact us!
