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Detail Garage USA Franchise Opportunity

USA

Established

2015

Franchise Units

75

dollar

Minimum Investment

$160,975

dollar

Franchise Fee

$30,000

dollar

Total Investment Range

$270,450

Home Based

No

Description

Detail Garage is not just a store; it’s the ultimate destination and community hub for professional auto detailers and passionate car enthusiasts across the USA. Positioned uniquely in the thriving automotive aftermarket industry, Detail Garage has redefined the retail experience for car care. We go beyond simply selling products; we cultivate a lifestyle brand built on premium quality, education, and community.

In a market where the average vehicle age continues to climb, maintaining, enhancing, and protecting this significant investment is a top priority for millions of Americans. Detail Garage capitalizes on this demand by exclusively offering proprietary, high-performance product lines, including the globally recognized Chemical Guys and Smartwax brands, alongside specialized detailing tools.

Our distinct concept combines a welcoming, relaxed retail atmosphere with hands-on training courses and community-focused events (like Detailing Workshops). This synergistic approach transforms a transactional shopping trip into an engaging, empowering experience. As a franchisee, you step into a proven system that leverages a globally recognized product portfolio, a powerful digital presence (including the most-followed automotive detailing channel on social media), and a loyal, passionate customer base. Detail Garage offers a low-inventory, high-traffic retail model designed for scalability and success in the expansive US car care market.

Why Invest in this Franchise?

Investing in a Detail Garage franchise offers a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about the automotive lifestyle:

  1. Exclusive, High-Demand Products: Gain exclusive retail access to the renowned Chemical Guys and Smartwax product lines, trusted by professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. This proprietary product stream ensures a loyal, repeat customer base.

  2. Proven Business Model: Benefit from a streamlined, established retail operation that focuses on a mix of product sales and valuable educational services, creating multiple revenue streams. The model is designed to be owner-operator friendly.

  3. Community-Centric Retail: Our stores serve as local gathering points, hosting classes and events that build strong customer loyalty and drive organic word-of-mouth marketing—a crucial advantage over impersonal online-only competitors.

  4. Recession-Resilient Industry: The automotive aftermarket and car care sectors have historically shown resilience, as people tend to hold onto their vehicles longer, increasing the demand for maintenance and detailing products.

  5. Robust Support and Training: Receive comprehensive support from an experienced corporate team, helping you navigate everything from site selection to daily operations and effective local marketing.


Background

Company Name: Detail Garage, LLC
Founded: 2015
Franchising Since: 2016
Parent Company: CG Group Holdings, LLC
Headquarters: Gardena, California

Origins and Founding

Detail Garage was established in 2015 by the founders of Chemical Guys, a renowned brand specializing in high-quality car care chemicals, car wash accessories, and machines. The first retail store opened in Gardena, California, aiming to create a destination that offered more than just products—it was designed to be a lifestyle hub for automotive enthusiasts.

In 2016, Detail Garage began offering franchises, expanding its unique concept of combining retail with community engagement and education.

Growth and Market Presence

Since its inception, Detail Garage has experienced significant growth. By the end of 2021, the brand had successfully opened 75 locations across the United States, with 53 of them being franchises. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for quality car care products and the brand's effective business model. 

The company's growth trajectory continued into 2022, with plans to cross the 100-unit mark, showcasing its strong market presence and the scalability of its franchise model. 

Founders and Ownership

Detail Garage operates under CG Group Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company formed on March 9, 2018, by co-founders David Knotek and Paul Schneider. Both individuals have extensive backgrounds in the automotive industry, particularly in car detailing products, which has been instrumental in the brand's success.

Brand Concept and Philosophy

Detail Garage was founded with the goal of providing auto enthusiasts with the highest quality car care products available in the market today. Throughout the years, the company has remained dedicated to offering only the best car care products, accessories, and knowledge. Each Detail Garage location is committed to serving customers and communities alike through the highest service standards.

The brand emphasizes creating a welcoming environment where customers can not only purchase products but also learn about car care through workshops and demonstrations. This approach fosters a community of car enthusiasts and professionals who share a passion for automotive detailing.

National Expansion

Detail Garage's expansion strategy focuses on both company-owned and franchised locations, ensuring a broad reach across various regions. The brand's presence in key U.S. markets allows it to cater to a diverse customer base, from casual car owners to professional detailers. The company's commitment to quality products and customer education has been pivotal in establishing its reputation in the automotive retail industry.


Support Training

Detail Garage is committed to franchisee success and offers a comprehensive support system designed to guide you from pre-launch to ongoing operational excellence:

  • Pre-Launch Support (Site Selection & Build-Out):

    • Real Estate & Site Selection: Assistance with market research and a proprietary analytical tool to identify high-potential locations based on demographics, traffic patterns, and competition.

    • Store Design & Build-Out: Provision of standardized, attractive store designs and full 3D model layouts to streamline the build-out process. The team sends required internal fixtures to maintain brand consistency and save sourcing time.

  • Initial Training (Academic & Hands-On):

    • Classroom Training: Extensive hours of classroom instruction at the corporate headquarters covering product knowledge, sales techniques, business management, and the proprietary POS (Point of Sale) system.

    • Operational & On-The-Job Training: Hands-on experience covering daily operations, inventory management, customer service standards, and practical detailing product application.

  • Operational & Ongoing Support:

    • Field Operations: Access to field support staff for on-site assistance, performance reviews, and operational consultations.

    • Proprietary Operating System: Access to a proven business model, operational manuals, and management plans.

    • Franchisee Intranet: A platform for communication, resources, and best practice sharing across the franchise system.

  • Marketing & Advertising Support:

    • National Brand Recognition: Leverage the substantial brand recognition and massive digital following of the Detail Garage/Chemical Guys ecosystem (including the industry-leading social media presence).

    • Local Marketing Guidance: Provision of marketing materials, ad templates, and guidance for regional and local advertising, including effective social media and SEO strategies.

    • Grand Opening Assistance: Support and materials to ensure a successful launch event that draws community attention.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal Detail Garage franchisee is an energetic, community-minded entrepreneur who is passionate about cars and excellent customer service. This is not a passive investment opportunity—absentee ownership is typically not allowed, emphasizing the need for hands-on involvement.

  • Business Background: Prior retail management, sales, or entrepreneurial experience is beneficial, but most critical is a strong aptitude for business operations and a dedication to following a proven system.

  • Passion & Mindset: Must genuinely love cars and the automotive lifestyle. The franchisee should be an effective communicator who enjoys building community, empowering customers through education, and leading a motivated team. They should embody the brand's core values of Fun, Empowerment, and Community.

  • Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum financial requirements necessary to ensure a smooth launch and provide adequate working capital.

    • Minimum Liquid Capital: $60,000 (required cash readily available).

    • Minimum Net Worth: $250,000 (total assets minus total liabilities).

  • Location Preference: A strong desire to be an active, visible business leader and community member in a targeted, high-traffic retail location within the USA. Multi-unit and single-unit licenses are typically available.


Financial Detail

All financial figures are estimates based on available data and are subject to change. Consult the official Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for the most current and authoritative figures.


Financial CategoryEstimated Range (USD)Notes & Details
Total Estimated Initial Investment$160,975 to $270,450
This comprehensive range includes all initial costs from the Franchise Fee through 3 months of additional funds/working capital.

Minimum Investment Required$160,975The lowest estimated total investment cost.
Franchise Fee (Initial)$30,000
A one-time payment for the right to use the brand name, system, training, and operational support.

Minimum Cash Requirement$60,000The minimum amount of non-borrowed cash an investor must have available.
Real Estate/Lease$6,000 to $10,000
Estimate for initial rent/security deposit costs.

Infrastructure Cost (Leasehold Improvements)$10,000 to $50,000Dependent on the existing condition and size of the leased space.
Opening Inventory of Products
$50,000 to $70,000

Includes the initial stock of proprietary products, tools, and accessories.
Furniture, Fixtures, & Supplies Package$25,000 to $35,000Cost for store fixtures, shelving, POS system, and necessary supplies.
Working Capital (Additional Funds - 3 months)
$18,000 to $35,000

Funds needed for initial operating expenses (salaries, utilities, etc.) until the business reaches sufficient cash flow.
Royalty Fee
4% of Gross Sales (Monthly)

An ongoing fee to the franchisor for system maintenance, brand support, and continued intellectual property use.
Marketing/Advertising Fee3% of Gross Sales (Monthly)Contributes to the national and regional marketing fund, including digital/social media presence.
Expected ROI / Potential Revenue Streams
Variable, not disclosed

Potential revenue streams include retail sales of detailing products and equipment, revenue from paid detailing classes/workshops, and accessory sales. Franchisor does not typically make representations about specific earnings or ROI; figures will vary by location, management, and market.
Break-Even TimeVariable, not disclosedDepends heavily on location, market penetration, and franchisee execution.



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