Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$450,100 - $924,000
Min Cash Required
$100,000
Total US Locations
96
Business Summary
Ziebart Corporation operates a specialty business providing appearance and protection services for motor vehicles. Ziebart offers a comprehensive range of services including structural protective coatings like rust protection, sound deadener, and undercoating. They also provide detailing and appearance services such as interior and exterior reconditioning, paint protection, fabric protection, and scratch repair. Additionally, Ziebart specializes in films like window tinting and Z-Shield paint protection film, and installs various accessory products including 12-volt electronics, running boards, trailer hitches, and spray-on bed liners. Franchisees are required to offer all these core product and service categories.
Corporate History
Ziebart Corporation, a Michigan corporation, was incorporated on January 21, 1970. The company began offering franchises in December 1962. Historically, from December 1990 to January 1999, Ziebart offered franchises under the name ZIEBART TIDYCAR. Since December 1997, it has also occasionally offered franchises under the ZIEBART-ARTECH name, primarily for renewals or transfers of existing ARTECH franchises. While Ziebart Corporation itself does not operate company-owned businesses of the type being franchised, its parent company, Ziebart International Corporation (ZInt), has affiliates that operate eleven Ziebart stores. ZInt also acquired the franchise system rights from Artech Franchising, Inc. in December 1997.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$450,100 - $924,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$45,000
Minimum Cash Required
$100,000
Royalty %
8%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$212,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$584,000
Working Capital
$125,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Ziebart Corporation's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, received an unqualified audit opinion, indicating they present fairly in all material respects. The company holds substantial cash balances, with large portions exceeding federally insured limits, such as $1.4 million in 2024. Notably, Ziebart's management determined that its Parent company, Ziebart International Corporation, had no intention of repaying significant outstanding receivables, amounting to over $3.2 million in 2024. These amounts were consequently recognized as distributions within the consolidated statements of stockholder's equity, indicating a complex financial relationship with the parent company.
Financing Details
Ziebart Corporation does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees, nor does it guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own financing.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
96
Franchised Units
85
Corporate Units
11
Avg Square Footage
6,000
Franchising Since
1962
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Ziebart Corporation has no litigation history to report as of the FDD issuance date of April 1, 2025.
Bankruptcy History
Ziebart Corporation has no bankruptcy history to report as of the FDD issuance date of April 1, 2025.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Ziebart Corporation franchisees have the option to acquire a new ten-year license if they are not in default of their current agreement or any other agreements with Ziebart Corporation or its affiliates, and have not received two or more default notices in the past year, even if cured. They must provide written notice of their intent to renew 6 to 12 months before the current term ends, have satisfied all material reporting and monetary obligations, met all additional training requirements, and ensured their business complies with current operational standards. Franchisees and their owners must also execute a general release of claims against Ziebart Corporation and its affiliates, and sign Ziebart Corporation's then-current license agreement and other customary documents for new franchises. A renewal franchise fee of 15% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee for new franchisees is also required upon execution of the new license agreement.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Ziebart Corporation provides franchisees with pre-opening and post-opening assistance. Before opening, Ziebart Corporation grants the right to operate a Ziebart franchise using its methods, products, and trademarks. It approves the site, provides mandatory specifications for the location, including décor and layout, and assists with opening advertising. Ziebart Corporation also provides initial training in Troy, Michigan, covering sales, management, and technical aspects. After opening, Ziebart Corporation supplies products for sale, provides technical instructions through its Manual and other media, and operates the NALF warranty fund. It also offers signage bearing the Ziebart Trademarks on loan. Optional post-opening assistance includes performing inspections, offering supplemental and refresher training, and providing ongoing training and communications via regional and national meetings (attendance is required once every two years). Ziebart Corporation also provides free updates to its proprietary iBart software.
Initial Training Hours
312
Training Location
Troy, Michigan
Ongoing Support
After opening, Ziebart Corporation supplies products to franchisees and provides technical instructions through its Manual and other media. It also operates the NALF warranty fund and loans signage bearing the Ziebart Trademarks. Ziebart Corporation may also perform unannounced inspections to ensure operating standards are met and offer supplemental and refresher training at its Troy, Michigan facility. Franchisees are required to attend at least one regional or national meeting once every two years, which provides ongoing training and communications. Field training is also available upon request for a daily fee. Ziebart Corporation provides updates to its proprietary iBart software free of charge.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
Ziebart Corporation provides new single-unit franchisees with a protected area of a ten-mile radius from their store for three years. Multi-unit franchisees receive a ten-mile radius protected area from the time of opening until the end of their Development Agreement.
Staffing Notes
Ziebart Corporation requires its franchisees to be responsible for hiring, training, directing, scheduling, and supervising their own employees and independent contractors. Before opening, the franchisee (or managing owner) and one technician must complete Sales, Management, and Technical Summary training programs. An alternate technician must also be certified in services such as Rust Protection, Detailing, and Ziebart Films. A Ziebart Certified and Trained Technician must be present in the store during all normal business hours. While a designated owner must complete Sales and Management training, they are not required to work full-time in the Ziebart franchise.