Tuffy Associates

Tuffy Associates Corp.
1414 Baronial Plaza Dr.
Toledo,
Ohio, 43615

Phone: 419-865-6900
Toll Free: 800-228-8339
Fax: 419-865-7343

Website:  www.tuffy.com

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Description

In 1970, the first Tuffy Muffler shop opened in Detroit, Michigan. To keep up with the changing times, they've changed, too— from a muffler shop to an full-service auto repair center. Their  service line-up includes exhaust, brakes, shocks, struts, springs, C.V. joints, alignment, front-end, air conditioning, lube/oil/filter, batteries, starting and charging, flush and fill, and more. Tuffy Auto Service Centers are doing more business than ever before and today there is an opportunity for additional new stores in many markets throughout the United States.

Training and Support

Training:
During initial training at the Tuffy Technical Center in Toledo, Ohio, franchisees will learn how to operate a Tuffy Auto Service Center. Training will include both classroom and actual "hands-on" instruction. Topics include shop administration, employee recruitment, vehicle inspection and diagnosis procedures, sales techniques, inventory control, financial management, and most importantly the fine points of maintaining good customer relations.

Support Services:
Tuffy franchisee have important communication resources available to them. Consult Tuffy Representatives for advice during regularly scheduled in-shop meetings and via telephone. A convenient toll-free technical hotline is also available for day-to-day problem solving. They also have access to in-shop and market-wide training sessions, timely product information bulletins, a quarterly newsletter, an Annual Manager Meeting, and an Annual Dealer Convention.

Site Selection:
In most instances, Tuffy identifies markets in which to locate new Tuffy Auto Service Centers and then negotiates leases for specific locations within those markets.

Buying Power:
Because of their outstanding relationships with key suppliers and their collective buying power, franchisees get top quality parts at excellent prices.

Advertising & Marketing:
Tuffy Technical Center gives franchisees the powerful jump start by assisting them in their  initial advertising and marketing campaigns. Tuffy's Marketing Department will run a complete media analysis of market and develops television and radio commercials, newspaper and yellow page ads, point-of-sale materials, and special promotions specifically for the new shop. These materials and special promotional items are made available whenever media plans and budgets include their use. Tuffy's computerized media capabilities and negotiating expertise assure professional and efficient media placement.

Start-up Costs and Total Investment

Franchise Fee: $25,000
Estimated Total Investment: $244,000 - $434,500
Franchise Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Agreement: 15 years