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2025 Franchise 500 Rank
#180 Ranked #150 last year
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Initial investment
$416K - $611K
Units as of 2024
350 Decrease 11% over 3 years

Ziebart is a popular provider of automotive appearance protection services, offering an array of solutions through an international network of over 350 franchises operating worldwide. There are over 80 franchises in the U.S. and more than 100 locations in Canada.

Ziebart boasts excellent proprietary products and services, as well as a dynamic business model that has been polished and proven to work since its beginning in 1959. The brand specializes in professional auto detailing, paint protection films, spray-on bed liners, and other related products and services.

Many times in the past few decades, Ziebart has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

Why You May Want to Start a Ziebart Franchise

On top of the excellent quality products and services that define the Ziebart brand, a lot of the success enjoyed by franchisees is the comprehensive and consistent support provided by the company, from store setup assistance to marketing to on-site account acquisition and more. Ziebart gives franchisees all the help and resources possible to help them take off from day one.  

If you’re a vehicle dealer seeking new and profitable challenges or a potential franchisee looking for opportunities to diversify your portfolio, then opening a Ziebart franchise may be right for you. You can leverage the benefits of a reliable international brand when you franchise with Ziebart. Automotive experience isn't necessary, and the franchise fees may be waived for qualified veterans, thanks to the company’s 5-Star VetFran membership.

What Might Make a Ziebart Franchise a Good Choice?

To be part of the Ziebart team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. 

How Do You Open a Ziebart Franchise?

While Ziebart is hardly your regular automotive franchise, the application process is pretty standard. You can reach out to the company easily through an inquiry form. They may respond with a phone or virtual call to begin the information exchange process. You can ask questions, and they will do the same—particularly looking at your financial readiness to operate a franchise.

After you and the company have decided to pursue a partnership, they'll orient you on the business, giving you the chance to ask additional questions and meet the founders and the team. They'll send over a copy of the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document and give you the chance to talk to existing franchisees.

When you're ready, you'll sign the franchise agreement and pay the franchise fee and other necessary costs. Next, you will be onboarded for training, and after completion, you can finally open your brand new Ziebart franchise. Throughout the preparation process and even during your actual operations, a dedicated franchise team will be on hand to provide the help you need.

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Company Overview

About Ziebart

Industry Automotive
Related Categories Automotive Appearance Services, Windshield Repair
Founded 1959
Parent Company Ziebart Int'l. Corp.
Leadership Thomas A. Wolfe, President/CEO
Corporate Address 1290 E. Maple Rd.
Troy, MI 48083
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1962 (63 years)
# of employees at HQ 100
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchises worldwide.

# of Units 350 (as of 2024)
Line graph showing the number of units this franchise had for the last 5 years.
U.S. FranchisesInternationalCompany OwnedTotal
100%

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Ziebart franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$45,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$415,820 - $611,100
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$750,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$150,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
Franchise fee waived
Royalty Fee Information Circle
5%/8%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
2%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
10 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

In-House Financing Ziebart offers in-house financing to cover the following: accounts receivable
Third Party Financing Ziebart has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, inventory

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 228 hours
Classroom Training 104 hours
Ongoing Support
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 4
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Ziebart landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

100%

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Ziebart ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022