Last Updated on July 25, 2012 by DeanR
Express Oil Change Franchise
Express Oil Change is a franchise for a business providing oil-change services.
It was founded in 1979 and started franchising in 1983. The founder, jim Luneceford, was a post-war decorated veteran of Berry, Alabama in the 1940’s. He worked for Standard Oil which was one of the big oil suppliers at that time. In 1948, he started a business named Jim & Jim’s Service Station in Homewood, Alabama. Despite his partner selling out, he still managed to grow the business from a single gas station to a block of automobile services.
In the 1970’s, he found out that there was a growing business in the West Coast on quick oil changes. He thought that with his experience in the automobile services industry, he would be able to do it better. That is why in 1979, he founded Express Oil Change. The first location was opened in Hoover, Alabama. In 1985, he was already operating five locations. This was when he decided to venture into franchising. In 1996, Ricky Brooks and Joe Watson became the largest franchisees having 14 locations and then purchased the company from Jim Lunceford. They now have 102 locations in different states such as Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Carolinas, and Oklahoma. They have 75 locations that are company owned.
What services do they offer at the Express Oil Change?
For Oil Change Services, they have their signature 10 minute oil change, fuel system service, transmission service, fuel filters, air filters, and wiper blades. Their Service Center offers tire rotation and balance, mechanical services, brake services, brake inspections, factory scheduled maintenance, air conditioning services, timing belts, coolant system service, alignments, CV axle replacement, differentials, tires, water pumps, heater cores, radiators, starters, batteries, alternators, fuel pumps, general repairs, electronic ignition, shocks and struts, computer diagnostics, and fuel system cleaning.
They also offer services for Fleets whether they are small or large. One of the services they offer to them is pick-up and delivery of their vehicles when they are near the service stations which helps them save time and optimizing their efficiency. Some of the fleet accounts they accept are GE Capital, PH&H, MAP, ARI, EMKAY, Inc., Donlen Corporation, and Enterprise Fleet. They also offer warranties to their services.
Cost and requirements on running an Express Oil Change franchise
You need to have a net worth of $500,000 and a total liquid asset of at least $300,000. Expect to be investing about $250,000 to $350,000. The cost of Express Oil Change franchise fee is $35,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 5%. This is for a renewable 10 year term agreement. You will need about six to eight employees to run one location. They allow multi-unit ownership and absentee ownership.
What is included in the franchise package?
There will be two days training at the headquarters, at your location, and four to eight weeks training at training centers. You will be receiving newsletters and a toll free phone number. You will be given access to the internet and to purchasing cooperatives. You will also receive assistance at the grand opening. Expect to be attending meetings and receiving occasional field evaluations. For marketing support, there will be ad slicks, co-op advertising, and regional advertising.
Express Oil Change Contact Details
You may reach them at:
Address: 1880 Southpark Drive Birmingham, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 945-1771 extension 114 or (888) 945-1771 extension 114