Glass Doctor Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD
Explore the potential of a Glass Doctor franchise, a leading glass repair brand with over 270 locations. Discover diverse revenue streams, strong support, and if this venture aligns with your investment goals!
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Glass Doctor, established in 1962 in Seattle, Washington, began as a single shop offering glass repair and replacement services. Over the years, it evolved into one of the leading franchises in the glass repair industry, expanding into residential, automotive, and commercial markets. The franchise really took off in 1977 when it began franchising its operations, which allowed it to spread its footprint across North America. In 1998, Glass Doctor became part of The Dwyer Group (now Neighborly™), a global network of service-based brands headquartered in Waco, Texas. This affiliation provided Glass Doctor with additional resources, allowing it to cement its status as a major player in the service industry.
At its core, Glass Doctor offers a wide range of services, including glass repair, replacement, and installation for homes, vehicles, and businesses. Its offerings range from fixing cracked windshields to installing high-efficiency windows in homes or glass storefronts for businesses. The franchise caters to a broad audience, from homeowners and car owners to commercial property managers. Ancillary services, like custom glass projects, are also available, which helps Glass Doctor stand out in the industry. This versatility in both its products and services allows it to serve various markets while remaining a go-to solution for all things glass.
Currently, Glass Doctor operates more than 270 locations across the United States and Canada, serving thousands of customers daily. As part of the Neighborly network, the franchise benefits from being in a trusted community of service professionals, which has further expanded its brand recognition. With over five decades of experience, Glass Doctor has established itself as a leading name in glass repair and replacement services, backed by a loyal customer base and a strong presence in North America.
Franchisees benefit from an extensive support system that includes training programs designed to ensure success, even for those without prior industry experience. Glass Doctor offers initial training at its Waco headquarters, followed by ongoing support in marketing, operations, and customer service. Franchisees also gain access to the Neighborly network, allowing them to leverage cross-promotion with other home service brands. This combination of comprehensive training and network support makes Glass Doctor an attractive option for potential franchisees looking for a stable and growing business in the home services industry.
Glass Doctor Franchise Insights
- Glass Doctor has over 270 locations across the U.S. and Canada, making it a well-established player in the glass repair and replacement market.
- Since its founding in 1962 and its franchising start in 1977, the brand has over five decades of experience and continues to grow within the Neighborly™ network, providing franchisees with a trusted platform.
- Serving residential, automotive, and commercial customers, franchisees can tap into multiple markets, reducing dependency on one sector.
- Being part of Neighborly™ gives Glass Doctor franchisees access to a community of home service experts, enhancing cross-brand promotions and offering a broader customer base.
Glass Doctor Franchise Key indicators
Growth YOY (%)
2%
vs industry 4%
Total U.S. Franchised Units
165
3-Year Failure Rate
22%
vs industry 13%
Sales-to-Investment ratio
2.8:1
How much does it cost to open a Glass Doctor franchise?
Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Glass Doctor franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.
Min & Max Investment
Opening a Glass Doctor franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). You can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Glass Doctor below from the most recent Item 7 below:
| Type of Expenditure | Minimum Investment | Maximum Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $59,900 | $59,900 + $200 per 1,000 additional population over minimum |
| Vehicle | $2,000 | $50,000 |
| Equipment, Supplies & Inventory and Auto Business Start-Up Package | $27,500 | $65,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Advertising & Promotional and Local Marketing Spending | $15,000 | $24,000 |
| Training, Travel, Lodging & Food | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Deposits, Permits & Licenses | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Professional Fees | $300 | $5,000 |
| Real Estate | $4,000 | $15,000 |
| Call Center Setup Fee | $4,200 | $7,200 |
| Additional Funds - 3 Months | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Total | $155,400 | $317,100 + any additional franchise fee |
Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.
Required Capital
The capital requirements to open a Glass Doctor franchise are in line with other home and building service franchises. Below are estimates for the typical financial needs:
- Total Investment The estimated total investment for a Glass Doctor franchise ranges from $155,000 to $317,000, covering startup costs such as equipment, initial inventory, and leasehold improvements. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
- Liquid Assets Requirement It’s recommended that franchisees have access to $60,000 to $80,000 in liquid assets. This ensures you can cover early operational costs, working capital, and any unexpected expenses during the initial phase.
- Net Worth Requirement A minimum net worth of around $250,000 is typically required. This demonstrates financial stability and the ability to handle both short-term and long-term business obligations, including potential expansions or unforeseen challenges.
How much does a Glass Doctor franchise owner make?
Calculating the salary of a Glass Doctor franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Glass Doctor franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.
Glass Doctor Revenue & Gross Sales
Glass Doctor has shown strong revenue performance, with the median gross sales for its franchise locations reaching $651,681. This figure highlights the franchise’s ability to generate solid returns in the home and building services industry. By offering diverse services across residential, automotive, and commercial markets, Glass Doctor provides franchisees with multiple revenue streams, contributing to its strong financial results.
Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Glass Doctor franchisees?
Several factors likely contributed to the strong performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales at Glass Doctor. One key driver is the franchise’s ability to serve multiple markets—residential, automotive, and commercial—offering diverse services that cater to a broad customer base. The demand for reliable glass repair and replacement, particularly in homes and vehicles, provides consistent business opportunities. Glass Doctor’s integration into the Neighborly™ network also strengthens its market presence by facilitating cross-promotion with other home service brands, boosting customer acquisition. Additionally, the comprehensive training and ongoing support provided to franchisees ensures operational efficiency, which positively impacts sales.
Glass Doctor Franchise Operational Costs
When opening a Glass Doctor franchise, it’s essential to consider several key operational costs that will affect your day-to-day business. These expenses are crucial for maintaining smooth operations and ensuring long-term success.
- Employee Wages and Benefits Paying technicians, administrative staff, and offering benefits are ongoing costs to keep your workforce motivated and productive.
- Glass Inventory and Supplies Regularly restocking glass, tools, and other materials for repair and installation jobs is a significant recurring expense.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Fuel Since the business often involves on-site repairs, keeping service vehicles in good condition and fueling them will be part of your operational budget.
- Lease or Facility Maintenance Renting or maintaining a physical location for office space and storage will also be a continuous cost.
By planning for these operational expenses, you can better manage cash flow and ensure the sustainability of your Glass Doctor franchise.
Glass Doctor Franchise Fees
When considering the financial aspects of opening a Glass Doctor franchise, it’s important to understand the key ongoing fees that will affect your profitability. These fees ensure that you have access to essential tools, marketing resources, and brand support necessary for operating a successful franchise.
- License Fee Franchisees are required to pay a license fee of 4% to 7% of gross sales, due weekly. This fee grants access to the Glass Doctor brand, its business model, and operational standards, ensuring consistency across all franchise locations.
- MAP Fee The Marketing, Advertising, and Promotional (MAP) fee is set at 2% of gross sales. This fee funds national advertising campaigns, driving brand awareness and customer engagement to support your franchise.
- Additional Fees There may be extra charges for various services such as training programs, technology platforms, and other resources that Glass Doctor provides to ensure franchisees remain competitive and well-equipped.
Understanding these fees is essential for effective financial planning and ensures you’re prepared for the ongoing costs required to run your franchise smoothly.
Glass Doctor Franchise Earnings
The earnings of a Glass Doctor franchise owner can vary depending on factors like location, sales volume, operational efficiency, and cost control. Based on recent data, the median gross sales for a Glass Doctor franchise are approximately $651,681. For hands-on owner-operators, estimated earnings are around $98,000, reflecting an operating profit margin of 15%.
By actively managing the daily operations, franchise owners can potentially maximize their earnings as the business grows. This level of profitability underscores the value of a well-managed Glass Doctor franchise, especially for those committed to being involved in the day-to-day management of the business.
How to Open a Glass Doctor Franchise
Becoming a Glass Doctor franchisee involves a structured process, designed to ensure both the franchisor and the potential franchisee are well-prepared for success. Here’s an overview of the steps, from initial inquiry to the start of operations:
- Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
- Preliminary Application & Review After expressing interest, you’ll submit a preliminary application, including financial details. The franchise team reviews your qualifications and contacts you for an introductory call.
- Discovery Day You’ll be invited to visit Glass Doctor’s headquarters in Waco, Texas, where you’ll meet the executive team, tour the facilities, and get a deeper understanding of the business model and culture.
- Final Agreement & Financing After Discovery Day, if both parties agree to move forward, you’ll sign the franchise agreement. At this stage, you may also work on securing financing for your initial investment.
- Training & Support Glass Doctor provides a 5-day initial training program at their corporate headquarters, followed by ongoing field and marketing support to help you launch successfully.
- Location Setup & Grand Opening Once training is complete, you’ll set up your business location, finalize operational details, and prepare for your grand opening, officially starting your Glass Doctor franchise operations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Diverse Revenue Streams: Glass Doctor serves multiple markets (residential, commercial, and automotive), offering franchisees a variety of opportunities for generating income.
Strong Brand & Support: As part of the Neighborly™ network, franchisees benefit from cross-brand promotions, a strong reputation, and extensive support in training, operations, and marketing.
Industry Longevity: With over 60 years in the industry, Glass Doctor has a proven business model and extensive experience in glass repair and replacement.
Cons
Competitive Market: The glass repair and replacement industry can be highly competitive, especially in densely populated areas, which may require more aggressive local marketing.
Owner Involvement: For owner-operators, success may demand significant hands-on management and operational involvement, which may not suit investors seeking a more passive role.
Economic Sensitivity: Glass repair and replacement services, particularly in the residential and commercial sectors, can be influenced by economic downturns, as customers may delay non-essential repairs during tough times.
