1-800-Radiator Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

1-800-Radiator specializes in automotive cooling and A/C solutions, offering a wide range of radiators and parts. Trust them for quality and service.

Based in Benicia, California, 1-800-Radiator stands out as a prominent franchise in the auto parts distribution and repair industry.

The journey of this enterprise began in 1985, thanks to the combined efforts of founders Kalani Keala and Kyle Marshall.

1-800-Radiator offers a comprehensive selection of auto parts, including radiators, mirrors, car lights, condensers, fuel pumps, fan assemblies, rebuilt transmissions, bumpers, OEM rims, wheels, and crate engines. Their services cater to customers both within the United States and internationally.

As a subsidiary of Driven Brands LLC, 1-800 started franchising in 2001. Today, it boasts a robust network of over 200 locations nationwide.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Expenditure Type Cost Range Paid To
Initial Franchise Fee $45,000 Franchisor
Start-Up Warehouse Equipment and Supplies $42,000 - $65,000 Franchisor
Opening Marketing Package $30,000 Franchisor
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $2,500 - $5,000 Airlines, Hotels, and Restaurants
Lease Deposit $2,000 - $15,000 Lessor
Delivery Vehicle Not Specified Not Specified
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $5,000 - $35,000 Suppliers
Opening Inventory $250,000 - $800,000 Approved Suppliers
Rent for first 3 months $6,000 - $49,000 Lessor
Additional Funds - 3 months $50,000 - $150,000 Employees, Suppliers, and Utility
Total Estimated Initial Investment $457,500 - $1,269,000
Expenditure Type Cost Range Paid To
Initial Franchise Fee $45,000 Franchisor
Start-Up Warehouse Equipment and Supplies $42,000 - $65,000 Franchisor
Opening Marketing Package $30,000 Franchisor
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $2,500 - $5,000 Airlines, Hotels, and Restaurants
Lease Deposit $2,000 - $15,000 Lessor
Delivery Vehicle Not Specified Not Specified
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $5,000 - $35,000 Suppliers
Opening Inventory $250,000 - $800,000 Approved Suppliers
Rent for first 3 months $6,000 - $49,000 Lessor
Additional Funds - 3 months $50,000 - $150,000 Employees, Suppliers, and Utility
Total Estimated Initial Investment $457,500 - $1,269,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

1-800-Radiator

key competitors in the

Auto Parts

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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193

New
+
1%
1%

$45,000

$458,000

$1,269,000

n.a.

$1,674,000

$xxx,xxx

45.2%

xx%

n.a.

11.1%

xx%

n.a.

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Training

1-800-Radiator ensures its franchisees are well-prepared through extensive training and continuous support:

Initial Training: Franchisees receive an initial franchise operations training course at no tuition cost. This essential training must be completed by the franchisee, or a principal approved by the franchisor if the franchisee is a legal entity, before the business can open. The franchisor may waive some or all of this training at their discretion.

Continuing Training: Franchisees and their designated employees must participate in periodic refresher courses on 1-800-RADIATOR & A/C® operations. These mandatory sessions are organized by the franchisor to ensure ongoing competency.

Conferences: Franchisees and their designated employees are required to attend various national or regional conferences, including an annual conference. These gatherings focus on discussing important business issues and ensuring franchisees stay updated with the latest practices.

Training-Related Expenses: While the training itself is free of tuition charges, franchisees are responsible for any costs related to attending the initial training, refresher courses, and conferences. Although continuing training sessions are generally tuition-free, franchisees may incur expenses if third-party facilities or personnel are used, or if trainers' travel and living expenses are involved.

Territory Protection

1-800-Radiator offers franchisees designated territories to ensure exclusivity and protection.

Franchisees are granted a specific territory where the franchisor will not establish or permit the establishment of another 1-800-RADIATOR & A/C Warehouse. Within this territory, the franchisor will not solicit customers or accept orders, nor will they authorize others to do so, except under specific conditions such as customer referrals and sales through Chain Accounts.

The size and location of each territory are determined based on population and other demographic factors. Typically, a territory encompasses a customer base of 500 to 3,000 Shops, though this range may vary.

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Detail Garage

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