1988
250
$33,800
$5,000
$103,000
No
Colors On Parade is a leading mobile automotive repair franchise that offers eco-friendly, on-site services for minor cosmetic vehicle damage. With over 30 years of experience and more than 250 locations across 31 states, the brand has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Their proprietary EcoSmart technology enables technicians to perform high-quality repairs with minimal environmental impact, catering to a diverse clientele including car dealerships, fleet owners, rental agencies, body shops, and individual vehicle owners.
Proven Business Model: Established in 1988, Colors On Parade began franchising in 1991 and has since expanded to over 250 units nationwide.
Eco-Friendly Technology: Utilizes EcoSmart systems to deliver efficient and environmentally conscious repairs.
Comprehensive Training & Support: Offers 80 hours of initial training and continuous support to ensure franchisee success.
Flexible Investment Options: Provides both unit and area developer franchise opportunities to suit various investment levels.
Veteran Incentives: Offers a 15% discount on franchise fees for veterans.
Established Year:
Colors On Parade was founded in 1988 in Conway, South Carolina, with the goal of providing high-quality automotive repair services using a mobile, eco-friendly model.
Founders:
The company was founded by Robert Lowery, who envisioned a service that could deliver professional-quality cosmetic repairs without requiring customers to bring their vehicles to a traditional body shop.
Franchise History & Units:
Colors On Parade began franchising in 1991, expanding rapidly across the United States. Today, it has over 250 franchise locations operating in 31 states. This growth demonstrates the scalability and market acceptance of the mobile automotive repair model.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Early Years: Started as a single mobile repair service focused on eco-friendly solutions.
Innovation: Introduced EcoSmart technology, allowing minor dents, dings, and scratches to be repaired with minimal environmental impact, reducing paint and chemical use.
Expansion: Leveraged a franchise model to expand nationwide, targeting car dealerships, rental agencies, fleet operators, body shops, and individual customers.
Recognition: Known in the industry for innovation, high customer satisfaction, and environmentally conscious practices.
Ownership:
The company is privately held, with corporate headquarters continuing to provide operational, marketing, and technical support to franchisees.
Market Presence in the USA:
Colors On Parade has a strong presence in the U.S. automotive repair market, particularly for mobile paintless dent repair and minor cosmetic services. Their eco-friendly approach positions them as a market leader in sustainable automotive repair solutions.
Industry Category:
Automotive Repair & Maintenance, with a niche focus on mobile, environmentally friendly cosmetic repair.
Other Information:
The franchise offers both unit franchises (single location operators) and area developer opportunities (multi-unit operators).
It caters to a diverse clientele, including individual vehicle owners, dealerships, rental companies, and fleet operators.
The brand emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and professional training, which strengthens its reputation and attracts motivated entrepreneurs.
Colors On Parade offers a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees succeed from day one and continue growing their business. The training and support cover pre-launch preparation, operational guidance, marketing strategies, and ongoing assistance.
Before opening a franchise, Colors On Parade provides extensive pre-launch support to ensure the business is set up for success:
Site Selection Guidance: Assistance in selecting the best geographic location or service territory for optimal growth.
Business Setup Support: Guidance on legal, licensing, insurance, and regulatory requirements.
Equipment & Vehicle Procurement: Help with sourcing and outfitting mobile service vehicles and equipment tailored for EcoSmart repairs.
Operational Planning: Assistance in developing business plans, staffing requirements, and day-to-day operations setup.
New franchisees undergo an 80-hour initial certification training program at the corporate headquarters in Conway, South Carolina:
Technical Training: Hands-on instruction for EcoSmart technology, including paintless dent repair, scratch removal, and minor cosmetic fixes.
Operational Training: Guidance on managing appointments, tracking inventory, workflow optimization, and customer service standards.
Business Management: Training in bookkeeping, sales tracking, and operational reporting.
Health & Safety: Ensuring compliance with workplace safety and environmental standards.
Colors On Parade provides marketing tools and guidance to help franchisees attract and retain clients:
National Marketing Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from coordinated national marketing efforts to build brand recognition.
Local Marketing Assistance: Templates, promotional materials, and guidance for running local campaigns, including social media, direct mail, and event marketing.
Digital Marketing Guidance: Tips on online advertising, website optimization, and generating local leads.
Franchisees receive continuous support throughout the lifecycle of their business:
Operational Support: Access to corporate support for problem-solving, process improvements, and workflow optimization.
Technical Updates: Ongoing training for new repair techniques, EcoSmart advancements, and industry best practices.
Mentorship Program: Experienced corporate mentors provide advice and guidance to new and existing franchisees.
Annual Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to learn about new products, industry trends, and business growth strategies.
24/7 Support Line: Direct access to corporate staff for urgent operational, technical, or administrative assistance.
Franchise Network: A community of franchisees sharing insights, experiences, and best practices.
Veteran Support: Incentives, guidance, and mentorship programs specifically for veterans entering the business.
Technology Assistance: Help with software, scheduling systems, and operational tools for efficiency and reporting.
Summary:
Colors On Parade ensures franchisees are never alone. From the pre-launch stage to ongoing operations, the company provides structured training, marketing, technical, and operational support, giving franchisees the tools to run a profitable and sustainable mobile automotive repair business.
Colors On Parade is seeking motivated, entrepreneurial individuals who are passionate about the automotive industry and committed to providing high-quality, eco-friendly mobile repair services. The franchise is designed to accommodate a wide range of investors, from first-time business owners to experienced operators looking to expand into mobile automotive services.
The ideal franchisee may have:
Experience in Automotive Services: Prior knowledge of vehicle repair, bodywork, or detailing is beneficial but not mandatory, as full technical training is provided.
Management or Business Experience: Skills in managing teams, operations, or sales can help optimize day-to-day performance.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Individuals who are self-motivated, proactive, and willing to take ownership of their business.
Successful franchisees are those with:
A Passion for Cars and Customer Service: Interest in automotive repair and delivering exceptional service to clients.
Commitment to Quality: Dedication to performing high-quality work consistently.
Eco-Conscious Values: Appreciation for environmentally friendly practices, as the franchise emphasizes sustainable repair methods.
Financial Readiness: Ability to invest between $33,800 and $103,000, including a minimum of $10,000 in liquid capital.
Capacity to Manage Operating Expenses: Willingness to allocate working capital for operational and marketing needs.
Hands-On or Delegating: Franchisees can be directly involved in repairs or focus on managing staff while ensuring operational excellence.
Customer-Focused: Strong interpersonal skills to build client relationships and maintain high customer satisfaction.
Organized and Detail-Oriented: Capable of managing scheduling, logistics, and multiple mobile units efficiently.
Flexibility in Service Areas: Open to operating in various geographic locations, including suburban, urban, or regional areas.
Growth-Oriented: Potential to expand into multiple units or become an area developer, increasing market coverage.
Veterans: The franchise actively encourages veteran applicants, offering special incentives.
Problem-Solving Ability: Comfortable addressing challenges and finding solutions in a mobile work environment.
Community Engagement: Interest in building local brand recognition and fostering long-term relationships with clients, dealerships, and fleets.
Summary:
The ideal Colors On Parade franchisee is a driven, customer-focused entrepreneur with a passion for the automotive industry, the financial means to invest in a mobile repair business, and the commitment to grow a sustainable, eco-friendly operation. Franchisees who fit this profile are positioned to maximize profitability while delivering top-quality service.
Category | Details / Range |
---|---|
Total Investment Required | $33,800 – $103,000 |
Minimum Investment Required | $10,000 in liquid capital |
Franchise Fee | Up to $5,000 |
Franchise Units | Over 250 locations across 31 U.S. states |
Infrastructure / Equipment Cost | Included in total investment; covers mobile unit outfitting, tools, and supplies |
Marketing Budget | Approx. 1% of gross sales allocated to national advertising |
Working Capital | $2,000 – $15,000 |
Royalty Fees | 7% – 30% of gross sales |
Training Costs | Included in franchise fee; initial 80-hour certification course at headquarters |
Expected ROI | Varies by location and operational efficiency; typical mobile repair franchise ROI ranges from 20% – 40% annually |
Break-Even Time | Typically 12 – 24 months depending on market and business performance |
Potential Revenue Streams | Mobile repair services, fleet contracts, dealership partnerships, individual customer repairs, rental agencies |