Detail Garage

Detail Garage Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Detail Garage is an automotive detailing supply store franchise that offers a wide selection of premium car care products, equipment, and accessories, catering to auto enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Detail Garage, based in Gardena, California, operates a chain of facilities specializing in car detailing supplies and care products. These locations offer a wide array of products and services, including professional auto detailing supplies, equipment, car care accessories, and training programs.

Founded in 2015 by the owners of Chemical Guys, Detail Garage embarked on a mission to create the ultimate destination for car enthusiasts. Their goal was to establish a welcoming community where car owners could easily access high-quality car care products, accessories, and expert knowledge.

The company began franchising in 2016, and by the end of 2021, Detail Garage had successfully opened 75 locations, with 53 of them being franchises spread across the United States.

Detail Garage has grown into a significant player in the car care industry, offering a lucrative career opportunity for franchise owners who are passionate about assisting car enthusiasts in maintaining and cleaning their vehicles. The brand has seen exceptional growth, with a notable 28% increase in same-store sales in 2020 compared to 2019. With over 287 million cars and trucks on the road in the United States, Detail Garage is well-positioned for ongoing expansion.

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.

Type of Expenditure Amount Low Amount High
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000 $30,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $1,000 $2,500
Real Estate/Lease $6,000 $10,000
Leasehold Improvements $10,000 $50,000
Opening Inventory of Products $50,000 $70,000
Signage $5,000 $10,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Supplies Package $15,000 $25,000
Insurance $875 $1,000
Utility Deposits $0 $1,000
Business Licenses and Permits $1,000 $2,500
Professional Fees/Services $5,000 $7,000
Office Equipment & Supplies $500 $1,000
Computer/POS System $6,500 $8,050
Music/Entertainment System $500 $1,000
Uniforms $100 $1,400
Grand Opening Expenses $1,500 $5,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $18,000 $35,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT $150,975 $260,450

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Below are some of

Detail Garage

key competitors in the

Auto Parts

sector.

Started franchising
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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Gross Profit

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EBITDA

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Home-based

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Passive investment

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FDD
Detail Garage
2016
59
+
20%
20%
$30,000
4.00%

$161,000

-

$270,000

n.a.

$477,000

Upgrade

52.4%

n.a.

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n.a.

n.a.

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No
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No
No
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No
2003
169
+
22%
22%
$45,000
5.00%

$704,000

-

$1,687,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,742,000

64.5%

n.a.

Upgrade

12.3%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2000
162
+
-5%
-5%
$37,500
5.00%

$179,000

-

$438,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,020,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
1997
793
+
-2%
-2%
n.a.
n.a.

$175,000

-

$319,000

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n.a.

$599,000

n.a.

n.a.

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n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
Upgrade
No
1970
90
+
-6%
-6%
$0.035 per vehicle
5.00%

$248,000

-

$571,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,588,000

39.5%

n.a.

Upgrade

4.2%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
1982
460
+
8%
8%
$17,500
2% to 5%

$376,000

-

$1,573,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$2,624,000

56.0%

n.a.

Upgrade

9.8%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2005
193
+
1%
1%
$45,000
8.00%

$458,000

-

$1,269,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,674,000

45.2%

n.a.

Upgrade

11.1%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No

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Total investment

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Revenue (AUV)

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Revenue growth (last 3 years)

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Profit margin

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Franchise Disclosure Documents
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Training 

The franchisor provides an extensive training program designed to equip franchisees with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a successful Detail Garage store. Here is a breakdown of the training offered:

Initial Training: Conducted at Smart Detailing University (SDU), this training covers essential areas such as retail sales techniques, auto detailing methods, operational procedures, and customer service. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on, practical experience.

Ongoing/Refresher Training: Franchisees benefit from continuous training to stay updated on new products, industry trends, and best operational practices. These training sessions include seminars, courses, and conventions.

Continuing Support: In addition to structured training, franchisees receive ongoing advisory support through various channels, including seminars, newsletters, and direct assistance. This support helps franchisees navigate everyday administrative and operational challenges.

Territory Protection

Detail Garage offers its franchisees territory protection, though with specific conditions. Franchisees are granted a protected radius around their store location, which can extend up to 5 miles in suburban areas and less than a mile in densely populated urban areas like downtown metros. Within this radius, the franchisor agrees not to operate, establish, or permit another Detail Garage franchisee to set up a store.

However, this protection does not equate to exclusive territory. Franchisees may still face competition from other franchisees, franchisor-owned outlets, or other brands managed by the franchisor, even within the protected radius.

Number of units

2023
Franchised units

49

56

59

Company-owned units

14

21

33

Total units

63

77

92

Competitors

RNR Tire Express

Franchisees

?

169
+
22%
22%
Investment

?

$704,000 - $1,687,000

Interstate All Battery Center

Franchisees

?

162
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$179,000 - $438,000

Cornwell Quality Tools

Franchisees

?

793
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$175,000 - $319,000

Mighty Auto Parts

Franchisees

?

90
+
-6%
-6%
Investment

?

$248,000 - $571,000

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