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O pening a new fast lube or changing a fast lube’s operating plan can be a daunting task because of the large number of programs available.
Potential operators — or those looking to shake up the way they’re currently doing business — can choose to operate their facilities indepen-
dently, as part of a larger signage agreement with an oil company, as a turnkey operation or as a franchise. But those are only some of the many
ways in which operators and prospective operators might opt to run their facilities. To help our readers better understand some of the options that
are available to them, we have assembled the following list of fast lube programs. We compiled this list by contacting the top chains listed in the
National Oil & Lube News “TOPS in the Fast Lube Industry” listings to find out what options they offer, as well as contacting companies that offer
other options. All information was supplied by the responding companies and is believed to be accurate and correct as of press time.
Product technical support — Castrol provides 24/7 answers to your product ques-
CASTROL (BP LUBRICANTS) tions. You’ll be able to get the answers to your toughest technical questions whether
online or over the phone.
BP Lubricants USA Inc. builds business partnerships with its Mystery shopper program — Learn what your customers really think about your ser-
independent lube center customers by delivering premium vice with a mystery shopper program designed to uncover those hidden pitfalls that
products, unparalleled marketing efforts, extensive training and value-added programs. zap customer loyalty. This program is automatically included in the Castrol Premium
The Castrol portfolio of quick lube programs includes Castrol Premium Lube Express for Lube Express program.
operators interested in harnessing the power of a nationally consistent image and the
highest level of programs and support. The Castrol Co-Branding Program is also avail- Advantages of Castrol’s plan: Castrol’s portfolio of quick lube programs means you
able for customers who want to identify their fast lube with the Castrol brand and receive can find the right program to meet your needs. The Castrol brand name means you
the benefits of Castrol’s Fast Lube programs. offer a full line of leading premium synthetic and conventional motor oils, as well as
a wide range of automotive ancillary products and heavy-duty lubricants. All of this
Fast lube option: License agreement, signage agreement means you have a partner to help grow your business.
Territory: National
Franchise fee: None For more information contact: 888.CASTROL, www.castrol.com/installers
Royalty percentage required: None
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franchise fees. It is one of the most comprehensive branded fast oil change programs in Advantages of CITGO Lube plan: Franchise-quality program without associated
the industry. franchise costs. Focus on providing business tools and flexibility to build a long-term,
profitable business relationship.
Fast lube option: Signage agreement
Territory: National For more information contact: Dave Kunkel, 713.502.7691
Franchise fee: None dkunkel@citgo.com, www.citgo.com
Royalty percentage required: None
Support offered:
Training: Comprehensive three-day course to learn the necessary skills to run a
MYSTIK SERVICE CENTER/TRUCK LUBE
An opportunity for a changing marketplace — the land-
successful Havoline xpress lube business. Classroom and on-site. The video (DVD scape is full of providers who have been offering the same
or VHS) training series enables operators to set up a new hire or ongoing training services to the same automotive customers for years.
program. The eight-part series includes job responsibilities from greeter to lower-bay
technician, safety and managing people. It includes a coaches guide, workbooks and
Fast lube option: Signage agreement
certification.
Equipment: National account pricing on all equipment and computer POS systems. Territory: National
Signage: Exterior sign package including the main identification sign, circle star Franchise fee: None
and individually illuminated channel letter signs. A $1,000 merchandising credit is Average start-up cost: $600,000 for conventional three bay
offered for banners, curb signs, interior signs and other point-of-sale merchandising Royalty percentage required: None
materials.
Advertising: Grand opening, ongoing advertising fund through product co-op Support offered:
accruals. Newspaper ads and pre-recorded radio ads that can be customized are Training: AOCA-based management and technician training programs provided free
available from the Chevron Advertising Center, an in-house agency that specializes of charge.
in advertising. National and local promotions are available. Complete reminder card Signage: Exterior image is provided free of charge for Mystik Service Centers and
programs are available. Mystik Truck Lubes.
Site selection: Comprehensive demographic reports along with local account man- Site selection: Demographic analysis, including automotive and commercial counts,
ager assistance. free of charge.
Building construction: Building plans. Advertising: Business Development fund, grand opening allowance and special pro-
Financial assistance plan: A variety of flexible financing plans are offered for equip- motion allowance, tie-in with Mystik national promotions.
ment and deferred marketing. Customer warranty: The Mystik Lubricants Warranty warrants against oil-related
Credit cards: Access to the no-fee Chevron and Texaco Credit Card program. failures.
Customer warranty: The Havoline Warranty program warrants against oil-related Other: Powerful ownership tools including FleetSeek, an online database for find-
failures and drives brand-loyal customers to Havoline xpress lubes. ing commercial customers, and LubeAlert, Mystik’s web-based engine oil analysis
Other: Mentoring program enables new operators to work side-by-side with suc- service provided to Mystik Service Centers and Truck Lubes.
cessful Havoline xpress lube operators to learn how to operate a successful business
firsthand. Advantages of Mystik Service Center plan: With a bold and distinctive brand
scheme, Mystik Service Centers address the needs of both commercial fleets and
Advantages of Havoline xpress lube plan: Branded program without fees or royal- automotive consumers under one roof.
ties. Comprehensive, competitive, cost-effective and easy to implement. Features
the resources, products, promotions, merchandising materials, advertising, software, For more information contact: Dave Kunkel, 713.502.7691
credit card program, training, warranty and both branded and non-branded filter dkunkel@citgo.com, www.mystiklubricants.com
and ancillary product programs for an installer to run a successful fast lube facility.
Chevron supports a Havoline xpress lube Operator Council to provide input and
further the program’s success. Operators have a password-protected website to get CONOCOPHILLIPS LUBRICANTS
up-to-date program, promotion and advertising information. Lube Shop is a fast lube program designed to help opera-
tors open, or enhance, successful, profitable fast lubes. The
For more information contact: 866.688.8890, www.havoline.com program is offered through ConocoPhillips Lubricants mar-
keters and features Phillips 66, 76 Lubricants, Conoco and
CITGO PETROLEUM CORP. Kendall motor oils. The program is designed to provide the flexibility to accommodate
the diverse needs of independent operators.
CITGO FAST LUBE
CITGO’s Fast Lube program is provided by CITGO for use by Fast lube option: Signage agreement, other
their independently owned distributor base for their customers. CITGO Territory: National
is based in Houston, Texas, and is a leading refiner, transporter and Franchise fee: None
marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and Royalty percentage required: None
other industrial products. CITGO currently has more than 350 fast lube locations.
Support offered:
Fast lube option: Signage agreement Training: Several training options are available through industry-leading companies.
Territory: International Training workshops cover a wide range of topics, including hiring and training,
Franchise fee: None customer service, effective service procedures and tips for add-on selling. Custom
Average start-up cost: $500,000 for conventional three bay workshops and on-site consultations are also available.
Equipment: A complete equipment list that includes everything for the operation of
Royalty percentage required: None
a quick lube is available upon request.
Signage: A comprehensive image program to support the sale of high-quality lubri-
Support offered: cant products. Independent operators have access to the ConocoPhillips Oasis Image
Training: Operational training offered and administered by CITGO Petroleum Corp. System that is implemented at all the branded fuel outlets across the United States. A
for managers and technician training. custom sign package is available featuring lighted street signs, exterior building signs
Equipment: Loan program. and framed interior point-of-sale signs.
Signage: Exterior image service is provided free of charge for Type A and Type B Advertising: Building awareness about your business is critical. The Lube Shop man-
CITGO Truck Lube and Featured Oil lube facilities. ual serves as a resource for information on special promotions, direct mail options,
Advertising: Business development fund, grand opening allowance and special pro- collateral materials and media advertising.
motion allowance, tie-in with CITGO national promotions. Site selection: We can put you in contact with our program partners who can provide
Site selection: Preliminary evaluation free of charge, full demographic and potential detailed demographic, market profile and automotive expenditure reports to help
report for $200. you evaluate and select a suitable site for your Lube Shop.
Credit cards: Provide opportunity to accept CITGO credit card. Credit cards: A branded credit card program is available. ConocoPhillips offers pro-
Customer warranty: SUPERGARD Lifetime Engine Warranty for customers. prietary personal and business gasoline credit cards. Cardholders can use their cards
Building construction: Preliminary conventional plans free of charge, full conven- at branded locations across the United States.
tional plans $500. Building construction: Complete prototype plans are available through participating
Financial assistance plan: Associated with various national lending programs, equip- architects. Our three-bay plan includes a set of reproducible plans with supporting
ment loan program through CITGO. AutoCAD drawings.
Other: Income statement software free of charge. Financial assistance plan: We recommend working with your local lending institu-
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tions. We offer financial projection worksheets that can help you make wise financial vices; program funding may be used to offset the cost of site evaluation.
decisions. Credit cards: ExxonMobil credit card program gives customers the convenience
and flexibility of paying for service with their Exxon or Mobil credit card or another
Advantages of ConocoPhillips Lubricants plan: Branded program provides access nationally accepted credit or debit card.
to all four ConocoPhillips Lubricants brands. Opening a ConocoPhillips Lube Shop Customer warranty: Lubricants warranty.
gives you a trusted name to stand behind, as well as access to a full line of Conoco, Building construction: Three- and four-bay blueprints developed for pit facilities.
Phillips 66, 76 Lubricants and Kendall motor oils, fluids and greases. From synthetics Builder recommendation available if requested.
and synthetic blends to high-mileage oils, innovative, high-quality products and Financial assistance plan: Mobil 1 Lube Express participants can receive up-front
trusted brands are available to help build a successful lube business. The program is funds.
designed to be flexible to accommodate the needs of independent operators.
Advantages of ExxonMobil plan: Mobil 1 Lube Express can help independent
For more information contact: 832.486.2836 installers grow their businesses by enabling them to leverage the power of the Mobil
rsc@lubeshop.com, www.conocophillipslubricants.com 1 brand name as the industry requires more technically advanced lubricants.
Advantages of Express Oil Change plan: We are a full service franchisor, and provide For more information contact: Chuck Prentner, 303.454.3453
extensive support and service to our franchisees across all facets of the business. chuckp@greasemonkeyintl.com, www.greasemonkeyshine.com
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Territory: National
Franchise fee: None
KWIK INDUSTRIES Average start-up cost: Varies by region
Kwik Industries, Inc. was founded in 1984 and has Royalty percentage required: None
completed more than 368 fast lube, lube/tune and Individual qualifications: Good personal and business credit; enthusiasm to partner
carwash facilities nationally. Kwik Industries, Inc. is based in Dallas, Texas. in growing a business.
Advantages of Kwik Industries plan: No franchise fees or royalties. Owned and oper- For more information contact: Gavin Hensing, 480.624.5811
ated by individual owners. ghensing@gmail.com, www.nalube.com
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Signage: Complete sign packages. Drawings for bids/construction. are available from the local distributor.
Advertising: Five percent ad contribution. Produced, purchased and placed by cor- Building design & construction: Service Pro does not provide complete building
porate marketing. plans for fast lube operations. Service Pro does provide interior and exterior paint
Site selection: Provides site criteria and demographics. Corporation must approve codes and recommendations for building appearance and related products. Details
site. and assistance are available from the local distributor.
Credit cards: Provides special credit card processing with very competitive pricing. Financial assistance plan: Service Pro does not offer a financial assistance plan at
Also provide oil company card. this time.
Customer warranty: Satisfaction guaranteed. Financing: Service Pro does not offer financing at this time.
Building construction: Provides complete set of plans.
Financial assistance plan: Help with financing with banks or SBA. Advantages of Service Pro plan: Service Pro combines premium quality products,
Other: Proprietary computer system with sales tracking, labor control, time clock, exceptional value and local distributor support to enable professional installers to
inventory, etc. operate more efficiently and profitably. In an industry that has many installers com-
peting with the same brands in the same markets, Service Pro brings a new opportu-
Advantages of OilStop plan: High level of guest satisfaction. High level of business nity to increase profits, services and stand out in the crowd. Distinctive exterior and
management and control. The most excellent service process and training materials. interior imaging, premium formula lubricants, professional maintenance chemicals,
OEM series filters, coolants/antifreeze and a complete offering of accessories provide
For more information contact: Gary Woo, a tremendous advantage for the Service Pro featured fast lube operator.
franchising@oilstopinc.com, www.oilstopinc.com
For more information contact: Sherry Burr, 800.313.2463
QUICKCHANGE www.service-pro.com
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Support offered: Support offered:
Training: Comprehensive training program. Training: Five weeks training in classroom or in corporate-owned stores and two
Equipment: Total equipment package with everything needed to operate a fast lube weeks of onsite training; additional training available.
or carwash. Equipment: $1 per year lease for lube equipment.
Signage: Can provide signage upon customer’s request. Signage: No interest lease for 60 months.
Site selection: Provides site selection and demographics, must be approved by buyer. Advertising: General system fund designed to build brand awareness.
Customer warranty: One-year warranty, expressed manufacturer’s warranty on Site selection: In-market assistance from real estate professionals, demographic and
equipment. regression analysis.
Building construction: Custom pre-engineered. Credit cards: Part of POS system.
Financial assistance plan: Financial assistance with banks or SBA. Building construction: Building plans provided and project management assistance.
Financial assistance plan: Competitive financing through third party.
Advantages of International Buildings plan: Pre-engineered buildings have a lower Other: Franchise business consultants assigned to help grow individual’s business.
cost and better quality, and save time. Additional support provided by an assigned marketing representative and a fleet
sales representative.
For more information contact: Albert Shinn, 480.440.8013
alshinn@aol.com, www.universalbuildingsllc.com Advantages of Valvoline Instant Oil Change plan: Premium brand, state-of-the-art
operating and point-of-sale computer system, customer service-oriented business,
no automotive experience necessary and many areas still available to be developed.
VALVOLINE
VALVOLINE EXPRESS CARE For more information contact: VIOC, 800.622.6846
www.vioc.com, www.viocfranchise.com
The Valvoline Express Care program originated in 1999 and has
opened 354 service centers. The company is based in Lexington,
Kentucky and the program is offered nationally. VICTORY LANE QUICK OIL CHANGE
Fast lube option: Signage agreement, other Victory Lane Quick Oil Change was founded in 1980
Territory: National and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company
Franchise fee: None currently has 33 units open and an additional six fran-
Average start-up cost: Typical of “money down” needed to open a new business. chises sold in six master franchise areas.
Royalty percentage required: None
Individual qualifications: Current fast lube operation or some retail or automotive Fast lube option: Franchise
experience. Territory: National
Franchise fee: $30,000
Support offered: Average start-up cost: $350,000
Training: Initial assessment and evaluation of site and business plus five days of Royalty percentage required: 6%
operation and marketing consultation. Valvoline key account managers will follow Individual qualifications: Net worth of $500,000 including personal residence,
up with operators quarterly to discuss training and business needs. Additional days $100,000 to $200,000 liquid.
available at $450 each plus expenses.
PFP: Valvoline offers Express Care customers a Pay For Performance (PFP) Program, Support offered:
which rewards the operator for purchases made during the year. This allowance is Training: Comprehensive two-week training program for single-unit owners and
earned on all purchases billed directly by Valvoline and is based on a specified rate area franchise owners. Classroom, hands-on and follow-up training at franchisee’s
of payment and the product mix purchased. The more you purchase, the more you center.
earn. Equipment: Discounted equipment rates.
Signage: Up to $20,000 in Express Care Signage available. Leased to the operator for Signage: Proprietary Victory Lane signage.
$1 per year; operator is responsible for maintenance and insurance. Advertising: In-house marketing department and agency assistance.
Marketing: Valvoline has a variety of marketing solutions to increase oil changes Site selection: Demographic site analysis and hands-on site selection assistance.
and average ticket prices, and draw consumers into Express Care locations. Valvoline Credit cards: Discounted rates through banking partners.
offers a choice of consumer promotions covering the entire year, as well as other mar- Customer warranty: Offered.
keting solutions to help grow your business. Building construction: Pre-engineered buildings available, includes construction
Advertising: Installer promotions funded 100 percent by Valvoline. All purchases drawings and specifications.
of Valvoline products generate Installer Incentive Fund (IIF) marketing dollars to use Financial assistance plan: Financing and leasing plans available through approved
towards marketing activities and business development needs. suppliers/lenders.
Site selection: Complete site demographic report available. Other: Comprehensive pre-engineered buildings (all equipment, computer system
Customer warranty: A 10-year/300,000-mile Valvoline engine warranty is available. and building included). All you need to do is hire your employees and order your
Building construction: Building plans for two- and three-bay quick lubes are avail- inventory to open. Use buying power to reduce material costs through our suppliers.
able.
For more information contact: Derrick Oxender, 734.996.1196
Advantages of Valvoline Express Care plan: Bold, contemporary imaging along dbo@victorylane.net, www.victorylane.net
with a strong brand name that indicates customers can have oil changes plus many
services done in a convenient time frame. The Valvoline Express Care name means
quality, premium brands that are proven, simple and trusted.
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Lube-Plus Programs MILEX COMPLETE AUTO CARE
Milex has been repairing vehicles for 40-plus years. We offer
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