Last Updated on August 4, 2012 by DeanR
Tuffy Associates Franchise Information
Tuffy Associates is a franchise for a business providing complete automotive repair services. It was founded in 1970 and started franchising in 1971. It was founded by Charles Amy.
He first opened a Tuffy Muffler shop and it did not take long before he started franchising the business. Their headquarters is based in Toledo. They say that the people are shopping are not only shopping for prices but also for quality service. They use their corporate buying powers to get the best prices for quality parts and equipments. They have the slogan that refers to their commitment to providing quality, professional, and in a timely manner and that slogan is “At Tuffy, “We Do It Right.” They now have 352 locations in the United States and 30 locations that are owned and operated by the company.
What services do they provide at Tuffy Associates?
They have Car Services and they focus on being specific when it comes to taking all the information from you about the problem with your car. They say that they are thorough with finding out how long the problem has existed and what recent services you used for your vehicle. They say that their technicians are also patient in finding a way to fix your problem and they will explain to you every detail of what needs to be done. For the Exhaust System or Muffler Repairs, they service exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, resonator, muffler, brackets and hangers, and tail pipe. For Brakes, they service drum brakes and disc brakes. For alignment, they work on camber, toe, and caster. They have three packages for the wheel alignment which is Good for two-wheel geometric centreline alignment, Better for four-wheel thrust line alignment, and Best for complete four-wheel thrust line alignment. Or Suspension, they work on shocks, springs, and struts. For Air Conditioning, they conduct an inspection that comes with a written estimate and if there is a leak, they will use an electric leak detector to find it and fix it. For Heating and Cooling, they work on cooling fans, antifreeze, radiator, thermostat, and radiator cap and hoses. Other services provided include working on a vehicle’s starting and charging, tires, oil change, preventive maintenance, fluid maintenance, tune-up, and engine diagnostics.
Cost and requirements on running a Tuffy Associates franchise
You need to have a net worth of $250,000 and a total liquid asset of at least $125,000. Expect to be investing about $234,000 to $414,000. The cost of Tuffy Associates franchise fee is $25,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 1% to 5%. This is for a renewable 15 year term agreement. You will need about four to five employees to run one location. They allow multi-unit ownership and absentee ownership.
What is included in the franchise package?
There will be three weeks training at the headquarters, two weeks at your location, and one week training at an existing shop. You will be receiving newsletters and a toll free phone number. You will be provided assistance at the grand opening. You will be given access to the internet and to purchasing cooperatives. Expect to be attending meetings and receiving occasional field evaluations. For marketing support, there will be ad slicks, co-op advertising, regional advertising, and national media.
Tuffy Associates Contact Details
You may reach them at:
Phone: (800) 228-8339