Autosmart

About Autosmart

Autosmart was established in 1979 and has become the largest manufacturer and distributor of professional vehicle cleaning products for UK trade customers. Based on the concept of ‘mobile showrooms’, the full range of Autosmart cleaning products and accessories are sold directly to the customer at its premises on specially fitted vans, with no need to order in advance or buy minimum quantities.

With over 200 cleaning products and specialist accessories available, Autosmart has a network of over 200 franchise owners across eight countries, with over 100 of these based in the UK. Each owner-operator has extensive knowledge of the specialised cleaning products and can offer expert advice and recommendations to trade customers in a diverse range of industries including valeters, car dealerships, hauliers, coach and bus operators, plant hire, vehicle rental companies, funeral directors and more. Along with automotive cleaning supplies, Autosmart also provides janitorial supplies, widening its sales potential even further.

The multi-award-winning franchise model has received the British Franchise Association’s award for Best Franchise, Best Van Based Franchise and Best Franchisee recruitment among others in recent years. Allowing the customer to see and test the cleaning products before they purchase, the van-based Autosmart franchise model allows the business owner to spend face-to-face time with local customers in order to build relationships, maximise sales and establish repeat orders.

Providing premium products that are manufactured in the UK, Autosmart prides itself on innovation, high-quality product development and personalised customer service to maintain its position as the industry leader.

How does an Autosmart franchise work?

The Autosmart franchise model is a van-based concept which allows the franchisee to take their stock in a fully fitted showroom van directly to the customer. The franchisee is a stockist of Autosmart’s 200 cleaning products along with a wide range of accessories and is given a customer base to sell to, with many customers requiring ongoing repeat orders.

Products are distributed exclusively through the van-based franchise network, which has an owner-operator model, avoiding the need for managing other staff and offering franchisees the flexibility and direct rewards of working for themselves.

The franchisee/franchisor partnership includes training, advice and support in the event of any Autosmart franchise problems, and after 40 years of successful franchising, the Autosmart business model is recognised as a secure and profitable one, supplying highly regarded cleaning products to thousands of trade customers across the country.

How much does an Autosmart franchise cost?

Autosmart franchising costs vary depending on territory availability, with various entry options into the business possible depending on the franchisee’s available capital. The Autosmart franchise fee is £15,000, with a minimum investment of £20,000 reaching up to a possible £100,000. This would cover the Autosmart mobile showroom, stock, customer base and working capital.

How long is an Autosmart franchise granted for?

The Autosmart franchise agreement has an initial five-year term but can be renewed for up to 30 years.

What training is provided for Autosmart franchisees?

New Autosmart franchisees receive a comprehensive five-day induction programme, which takes place at the Autosmart head office in Staffordshire. This training not only covers the basic product knowledge required to sell Autosmart cleaning products and a general overview of the market, but it also includes effective sales training to ensure franchisees get the most from each customer opportunity.

After this initial training programme, each new Autosmart franchise owner is allocated a regional business manager, who has extensive company and product knowledge and is available for ongoing support, advice and coaching in all aspects of the business once the franchisee is operational.

Did you know?

Autosmart has outlets available across the UK

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Ongoing product training courses are also run at regular intervals for franchisees to update their knowledge as required.

Do Autosmart franchisees need sales or motor trade experience?

No, most new Autosmart franchise owners have no sales or business experience. Autosmart is looking for individuals ready for the rewards and challenges of self-employment, with the drive, enthusiasm, determination and motivation to make their small business succeed.

Will I meet other Autosmart franchisees?

Yes, Autosmart actively encourages new franchise owners to contact other Autosmart franchisees both before and after joining the business to ensure every applicant has a clear picture of the realities of the role. Applicants are also invited to attend regional meetings in order to meet neighbouring franchisees and share local knowledge.

Is running an Autosmart franchise a full-time job?

Yes. In order to maximise your Autosmart franchise earnings, Autosmart suggests working full-time weekday hours to make your new franchise a success. As well as making sales calls and deliveries, new franchise owners need to commit time to meet potential customers and developing new relationships in order to build the business quickly and profitably.

Do I have to use Autosmart products?

Yes – that’s the Autosmart franchise business model. However, Autosmart manufactures its own products and don’t charge royalties on any of the stock that its franchisees purchase.

 

Can I list my Autosmart franchise for sale?

Yes. If for any reason a franchisee wanted to sell their business before the end of the five-year term they are completely free to do so. Autosmart franchises have an average 12-year term, which means they don’t come up for sale often.

Does an Autosmart franchise cover an exclusive territory?

Yes, Autosmart has carefully researched each franchise territory to ensure that every franchise owner has the same business and earning potential, and the franchisee is the only person authorised to sell the products within that area.

Who will my customers be?

Autosmart franchises around the UK sell to a wide variety of trade customers, including car dealerships, bus companies, valeters, hauliers, car rental firms, garages, taxi firms, plant companies and even funeral directors. As well as automotive cleaning products, Autosmart sells general janitorial products which means it can sell to any company with a kitchen or bathroom to clean, including pubs, schools and office buildings.

Where are the new territories that Autosmart is looking to open new franchise locations?

Autosmart is a mature franchise business, which means that any territories that become available will be re-sales with an existing customer base and repeat order turnover. Current franchise opportunities available include Swansea, Luton, Hereford, Romford, Watford, South West Essex, Basingstoke, Peterborough, Colchester and Kilmarnock.

Why choose an Autosmart franchise?

Autosmart is part of a lucrative market place that is worth £3 billion, and while there may be competitors, Autosmart’s size and national coverage ensure it is the market leader. The size and reputation of Autosmart professional cleaning products gives franchise owners the benefit of instant brand awareness when they meet with new customers.

Offering a proven, award-winning franchise business model that has been in operation for 40 years, an Autosmart van-based franchise is a secure route to self-employment. A great way to start a business without having to do it alone, an Autosmart franchisee benefits from the support of a large business with the flexibility of a small one.

How can I apply for an Autosmart franchise?

The first step towards starting your own Autosmart franchise is to complete the form on this page.