Rating Scale:

***** (5-Star): "Excellent Opportunity"
**** (4-Star): "Good Opportunity"
*** (3-Star): "Average Opportunity"
** (2-Star): "Below Average Opportunity"
* (1-Star): "Poor Opportunity"

Company:

NOVUS Windshield Repair

Centercourt Rating:

***** (5-Star)

Business Type:

Franchise

Description:

Mobile windshield repair service.

Mailing Address:

10425 Hampshire Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55438

Telephone:

612-944-8000

Fax:

612-944-2542

E-Mail:

Web Site:

http://www.novuswsr.com

Direct Link Topics:

Program Summary
Program History
Program Description
Franchise Components
Rating Summary

Program Summary:

In 1972, NOVUS invented an alternative to replacing costly automobile windshields. The process, known as windshield repair, offers dramatic savings over windshield replacement to insurance companies, fleets, new and used car dealers, as well as consumers. In the 1990s alone, windshield repair in the U.S. grew from 500,000 (1990) to over 3 million (1995) representing a 600% increase.

The reasons are clear. Dramatically higher prices for replacement windshields gives the customer an incentive to choose repair. Safety is also a consideration.

Repair is accomplished without removing the damaged windshield from the vehicle. The factory safety seals remain intact and protect vehicle occupants from ejection through the windshield in the event of a collision.

Additionally, environmentalists understand discarded windshields clog America's diminishing landfill space. Windshields do not biodegrade and cannot be recycled. If damaged windshields are repaired, their useful life can be extended indefinitely.

For these reasons, the Wall Street Journal concluded NOVUS is in "a hot industry with plenty of room for expansion" and "enjoys great customer satisfaction." NOVUS was also found to be "remarkably inexpensive to buy" and "offering high earnings potential."

Program History:

Since 1972, NOVUS has repaired more than 18 million windshields. The company has over 450 franchises in the U.S.; 520 in Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand; and 1,600 agent-operated locations in 34 other countries. NOVUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of TCG International, a world leader in automotive glass repair and replacement.

One of the best ways to evaluate a franchise is to inspect the organization's record with the franchising media. NOVUS has an enviable record. Among recent awards, NOVUS is listed among the Nation's Top Franchises by the National Business Employment Weekly (Wall Street Journal). The #1 Windshield Repair Franchisor in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (1992 to present). And, the Top Ten Franchises Under $50,000 according to Franchise Times Magazine.

In 1997, NOVUS achieved its greatest honor to date when named World's Best Automotive Franchise (up from #4 in 1996) by Entrepreneur International. That honor was followed with another when Successful Franchising listed NOVUS among its Best Automotive Franchises of 1997.

Past accomplishments do not guarantee the future. However, NOVUS has a proud and consistent history of national and international recognition. Year in and year out NOVUS is always among the world's franchising elite.

Program Description:

NOVUS is uniquely positioned as the only "Repair First, Replace When Necessary" company. Repair is their distinctive competence and they do it well. Over the past 25 years NOVUS has achieved a 99.5% customer satisfaction rating. Customers associate NOVUS with value, quality, and superior service. Over 200 insurance companies actually waive their deductibles and pay the entire bill for NOVUS repair. What greater incentive could an insurance policyholder have than to receive NOVUS repair free?

NOVUS franchisees are the heroes of NOVUS. They built the NOVUS reputation. Their craftsmanship influenced a competitor to remark, "If NOVUS Can't Repair Your Windshield, No One Can." The saying stuck and is still used today.

Prior automotive or glass experience is not necessary. One need not even be mechanically inclined. NOVUS factory training imparts the knowledge and skills to be successful. These skills are reinforced through visits by NOVUS field trainers and regional training workshops.

The future for windshield repair is unlimited, especially for NOVUS. The average replacement windshield now costs over $300 and continues to increase. The average repair is $50. This differential is a natural incentive for cost-conscious businesses and consumers to select NOVUS repair.

Franchise Components:

NOVUS does not sell windshield repair kits. They do not recruit hobbyists. NOVUS offers a franchised business concept for those who are serious about owning and growing a business. Start up costs average under $30,000, including a $15,000 franchise fee. NOVUS will even finance part of the franchise fee for the serious candidate. Franchisees pay continuing fees of 8% (25% of the 8% goes to the National Advertising Fund) for use of the NOVUS name, logo, trademarks, equipment, and repair resins.

All NOVUS franchisees must complete a one week factory training program plus one week of supervised training in the field. NOVUS R&D is continually introducing new and better products and techniques. NOVUS "Quantum" repair resin is the world's best. Franchisees are trained in local area sales and marketing. They are also backed by a national sales force, call center, Smart 800 GEO Network, and Intranet communications programs.

NOVUS offers two types of franchises. Repair-only franchises are designated NOVUS Windshield Repair. Repair and replacement franchises operate as NOVUS Auto Glass Repair & Replacement.

Rating Summary:

Novus's Franchise Program has been rated as a 5-Star (*****) franchise offering by InterAct Concept Development Corp., a franchise and business opportunity management and marketing firm with 12 years of experience in the franchising industry.

The factors that led InterAct to assign its highest franchise program rating include high scores involving the following components:

1. Home-based business requiring minimal investment and reduced overhead.

2. Unique computerized software support program.

3. Excellent franchisor track record maintained since company first began offering franchises to the public.