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1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity

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1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity
1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity
1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost, Fees, Opportunity

Established

2001

Franchise Units

203

dollar

Minimum Investment

$463,500

dollar

Franchise Fee

$45,000

dollar

Total Investment Range

$1,314,000

Home Based

No

Description

The 1-800 Radiator & A/C franchise offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to enter the automotive aftermarket industry through an established wholesale parts distribution business. The company supplies automotive repair shops, dealerships, collision centres and other commercial customers with replacement parts, including radiators, air conditioning components and other automotive products.

Unlike a traditional automotive repair franchise, owners operate a distribution warehouse rather than a service garage. The business focuses on inventory management, commercial sales, customer relationships and efficient parts delivery.

Franchisees benefit from the brand's established supplier network, proprietary inventory management technology and centralized purchasing capabilities. These resources help owners maintain product availability, manage stock and serve local automotive businesses.

With a presence in the United States and Canada, 1-800 Radiator & A/C provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a business-to-business automotive franchise with multiple product categories and opportunities for repeat commercial sales.

Why Invest in a 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise?

  • Established B2B Business Model: Serve automotive repair shops, dealerships and other commercial customers that regularly need replacement parts.

  • Multiple Revenue Streams: Generate sales through radiators, air conditioning components, cooling system parts and other automotive replacement products.

  • Inventory Management Technology: Use proprietary software to analyze local demand, manage inventory and improve purchasing decisions.

  • Supplier Network: Benefit from established purchasing relationships and access to a broad selection of automotive parts.

  • Training and Operational Support: Receive assistance with business setup, inventory management, sales development and daily operations.

  • Repeat Customer Opportunities: Build long-term relationships with commercial customers who regularly purchase automotive parts.


Background

The history of 1-800 Radiator & A/C began with a radiator distribution business in California. Its early operations focused on supplying new replacement radiators to automotive businesses as demand shifted away from repairing older radiator units.

The modern franchise business took shape under Mike and Joe Rippey, who helped develop the company's technology-driven distribution model and expand its operations through franchising.

The brand's growth accelerated as it introduced inventory management systems, expanded its product selection and developed a network of locally operated warehouses.

In 2015, 1-800 Radiator & A/C became part of Driven Brands, adding an established automotive parts distribution business to the company's automotive aftermarket portfolio.

The franchise has continued to develop its wholesale distribution capabilities, with technology, supplier relationships and local delivery remaining central to its business model.

1-800 Radiator & A/C in Canada

The brand also has an established presence in Canada, serving automotive businesses through its distribution network.

In June 2026, Canadian franchise operator 1-800 Radiator Canada announced a strategic partnership with Alfar Capital to support its national expansion plans.

Founded in 2018 by Farhaan Thobani and Badal Davda, the Canadian operator had nine branches across Ontario and Alberta, supported by a central distribution facility in London, Ontario.

The Canadian business plans to expand its distribution footprint and strengthen its position in the automotive aftermarket parts industry.

  • Established Year: 2001

  • First Franchise Unit: 2005.

  • Founders: Mike Rippey and Joe Rippey.

  • Franchise Active Units (USA): 193.

  • Company-Owned Units (USA): 1.

  • Franchise Active Units (Canada): 10.

  • Company-Owned Units (Canada): 0.

    • Industry Category: Automotive Aftermarket and Wholesale Automotive Parts Distribution.

  • Headquarters: Benicia, California, USA.

  • Parent Company: Driven Brands.

  • Market Presence: United States and Canada.

  • Canadian Franchise Operations: Ontario and Alberta.

  • States Registered for Franchising: Opportunities across the United States, subject to territory availability.



    • Support Training

    1-800 Radiator & A/C offers training and ongoing support to help franchisees establish and manage their distribution businesses.

    Pre-Launch Support: Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, recruiting and warehouse preparation. Support is also available for inventory planning and implementing the company's operating systems.

    Initial Training: New owners complete two weeks of remote training with subject-matter specialists, followed by one week of hands-on training at the corporate office. The program covers inventory management, sales processes, warehouse operations, customer service and proprietary software.

    Opening Assistance: Corporate support personnel are available on-site during the week before and the week after opening to help franchisees prepare for launch and manage initial operations.

    Marketing and Sales Support: Franchisees have access to marketing resources and customer relationship management tools to help identify prospective customers, develop commercial accounts and maintain existing business relationships.

    Ongoing Operational Support: The company provides continuing guidance in purchasing, inventory management, accounting, sales development and business operations.


    Ideal Candidate

    The 1-800 Radiator & A/C franchise is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to operate a business-to-business distribution company and are comfortable managing employees, inventory and commercial customer relationships.

    Previous automotive industry experience is not mandatory. Candidates with backgrounds in sales, logistics, distribution, business management or customer service may find their experience particularly useful.

    Ideal franchisees should have strong leadership and organizational skills, a customer-focused approach and the ability to manage daily warehouse operations.

    The franchise is designed for active owners rather than passive investors. Franchisees should be prepared to oversee their teams, develop commercial accounts and monitor business performance.

    Prospective owners must also meet the financial requirements, including a minimum net worth of $900,000 and at least $300,000 in liquid capital.


    Financial Detail

    1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Cost and Investment

    The estimated initial investment for a 1-800 Radiator & A/C franchise ranges from $463,500 to $1,314,000, depending on warehouse requirements, inventory, equipment, delivery vehicles and other startup expenses.


    Financial Requirement

    Amount / Details

    Total Initial Investment

    $463,500–$1,314,000

    Minimum Investment Required

    $463,500

    Minimum Net Worth

    $900,000

    Minimum Liquid Capital

    $300,000

    Initial Franchise Fee

    $45,000

    Opening Inventory

    $250,000–$800,000

    Warehouse Equipment & Supplies    

    $42,000–$85,000

    Opening Marketing Package

    $30,000

    Additional Working Capital

    $50,000–$150,000

    Royalty Fee

    8% of gross sales

    Advertising Fee

    2% of gross sales

    Average Number of Employees

    7

    Veteran Discount

    $5,000 off the franchise fee


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