Take 5 Oil Change Vs. Valvoline: Which Quick Lube Franchise Is Best?

Need a quick, convenient oil change? Take 5 and Valvoline are two of the most well-known oil change franchises.

But if you’re considering opening one of these franchises, you probably want to know—how do they compare? Which offers the better opportunity for franchisees?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll contrast Take 5 and Valvoline’s business models, services, costs, training, and more. Read on for an in-depth look at each franchise to help inform your investment decision.

A Brief Comparison Table

Aspects	Take 5 Oil Change	Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Year Founded	1984	1986 (acquired IOC)
# Locations	330+	650+
Initial Investment	$224,397 – $388,172	$210,995 – $461,146
Royalty Fee	8% of gross sales	8-10% of gross sales
Training Length	4 weeks	5 weeks
Territory Options	Non-exclusive	Exclusive territories
Average Unit Sales	$400,000 – $1 million+	$726,000 average
Oil Brand Used	Valvoline	Valvoline
Marketing Support	Playbooks & tools	Robust digital tools

Overview of Take 5 Oil Change

Take 5 Oil Change is one of the largest quick lube franchises. They focus on speedy, reliable oil changes using quality Valvoline products.

Here’s a quick rundown of Take 5 Oil Change franchises:

• Founded in 1984 in Connecticut, began franchising in 1986.
• Currently over 330 locations across 26 states. Concentrated in the Eastern U.S.
• Oil changes performed in about 5 minutes (where the name comes from) while you wait in your car.
• Use Valvoline motor oils and filters. Top-tier turbine oil flush machine.
• Additional services include transmission, radiator, fuel system flushes, wiper blade/light bulb replacement, battery testing, tire rotation, and brake repair referrals.
• Focus on customer convenience through online booking, speedy service, and accommodating waiting areas.
• 4 weeks of hands-on training at franchisee orientation plus onsite opening support.
• Franchisees have access to field support, Grand Openings team, and networking events.
• “Re-Do” guarantee ensures quality oil changes. Refund if not satisfied.

Overview of Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Valvoline is a top lubricant brand worldwide. Their Instant Oil Change centers provide quick, trusted oil changes using Valvoline products.

Here are the key facts about Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchises:

• Parent company Valvoline Inc. has operated for over 150 years since 1866. Acquired Instant Oil Change in 1986.
• Around 330 company-owned sites and 320 franchise locations in the U.S.
• Proprietary service process takes about 15 minutes for basic oil change.
• Use only Valvoline motor oils, filters, chemicals. Equipment designed for consistency.
• Preventative maintenance services offered include transmission, cooling system, and fuel system fluid exchanges, battery testing, wiper blades, air filter replacement, etc.
• Focus on top quality products and certified techs. Store layouts aim for quick, easy, comfortable experience.
• 5 weeks of initial training at headquarters on operations, products, tools, and management.
• Ongoing support on marketing, IT, HR, finance. Proprietary management software.
• VIOC Satisfaction Guarantee and extended VIOC Protection Plans on parts/service.

Also Read: Comparison Between Oil Can Henry’s And Jiffy Lube

Key Differences Between Take 5 Oil and Valvoline

Now let’s do a deep dive into how Take 5 and Valvoline Instant Oil Change compare across the key franchise factors:

1. Initial Franchise Investment Fees

The initial investment to open a franchise includes all startup costs like training, lease, equipment, inventory, etc.

For Take 5, the total estimated initial investment is $224,397 to $388,172. This includes:

• Franchise fee of $39,500
• Site lease, build out, equipment, tools, IT
• Initial inventory, supplies, uniforms, marketing
• 3 months operating capital
• Additional funds required

Valvoline Instant Oil Change’s initial investment range is $210,995 to $461,146. This includes:

• Franchise fee of $35,000
• Leasehold improvements, equipment, signs, etc.
• Starting inventory and supplies
• 3 months operating expenses
• Initial marketing budget
• Grand opening marketing
• Additional funds required

The startup costs are very comparable for these quick lube franchises. Both require at least $200K+ to get started. Valvoline has a slightly lower minimum investment. But costs depend more on real estate and location.

2. Ongoing Fees

Once open for business, franchises must pay regular royalty and marketing fees to the parent company. This compensates them for the brand name, support, and training provided.

Take 5 Oil Change has the following ongoing fees:

• 8% royalty fee based on gross sales
• 2% marketing and promotion fee
• Additional local marketing spending
• Rent payments for leased sites

Valvoline Instant Oil Change’s monthly ongoing fees include:

• 8-10% royalty fee based on gross sales
• 3-5% marketing and advertising fee
• Leased site rent payments
• 1.5% maintenance and enhancement fee

The ongoing royalty and marketing fees are nearly identical for both franchises. Though Valvoline’s ad fund percentage is slightly higher.

3. Training and Franchisee Support

Operating an auto service franchise requires extensive training. Ongoing support is also key for success as a new franchisee.

Take 5 Oil Change offers:

• 4 weeks of training at franchisee orientation on store operations, products, management systems.
• On-site support leading up to and during store opening.
• Ongoing support from experienced Take 5 field consultants.
• Annual franchise business meetings and conventions.
• Proprietary sales, marketing, and back-office software.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change provides:

• 5 weeks of initial training at headquarters covering operations, products, tools, computer systems, and more.
• Grand opening support from sales team.
• Ongoing visits from operations advisors and marketing representatives.
• IT support, 24/7 help desk, and proprietary management computer system.
• Annual meetings and ongoing web/phone support.

Both quick lube franchises offer extensive initial and ongoing training and support. Valvoline seems to have a slight edge in terms of initial training length. But Take 5’s field consultant program provides helpful ongoing guidance.

4. Location Sites and Territory

Site selection and territory availability impact franchisee expansion capabilities.

Take 5 focuses site selection on high-traffic retail areas. Territories are not guaranteed exclusive but locations aim to limit direct competition.

Valvoline offers protected exclusive territories in most areas so franchisees can open multiple locations in their region. Prime retail sites near big shopping centers are preferred.

Exclusive territories definitely favor Valvoline for multi-unit franchisee growth potential. But Take 5 aims to avoid competitor overlap despite non-exclusive territories.

5. Revenue Potential and Profit Margin

Ultimately, potential sales and profitability determine the investment appeal of a franchise.

Take 5 doesn’t publish exact unit economics data publicly. Industry reports suggest typical Take 5 locations generate $400,000 to $1 million+ in annual sales. Profit margins range around 10-15% or more before royalties.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change estimates new franchises can reach yearly sales of $726,000 on average. Profit margins tend to range between 10-20% of net sales based on franchisee operations and local costs.

Valvoline provides more defined average sales estimates based on their experience. But well-run Take 5 units can also achieve strong revenues in prime locations. Overall profitability comes down to franchisee execution more than brand.

6. Brand Awareness and Marketing Support

A major franchise benefit is tapping into a recognized national brand. Marketing materials and brand reputation help attract customers.

Thanks to its 30+ years of service and Eastern U.S. presence, Take 5 enjoys strong regional brand recognition in its core markets. Franchisees gain access to their marketing playbooks and tools.

With 150+ years of history, Valvoline brand awareness is unmatched. Their racing sponsorships and national ads make marketing easier for franchisees. Robust digital tools supplement national campaigns.

Valvoline certainly wins when it comes to leveraging an established, far-reaching brand name. But Take 5’s regional fame still provides an advantage over independent shops.

Also Read: Comparison Between Valvoline and Instant Oil Change

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Choose Between Armor All Cleaning Wipes And Protectant.

Final Verdict

When comparing Take 5 Oil Change vs Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchises, which comes out on top overall?

The short answer is it depends. Valvoline edges out Take 5 when it comes to brand power, territory availability, and training length. But Take 5 offers a turnkey franchise system at lower minimum investments.

If your goal is to open multiple units across a large exclusive region, Valvoline has the edge. Those with less capital or preferring a smaller franchise brand may favor Take 5. Both provide the systems, support, and buying power to help franchisees compete and thrive.

Carefully analyze the unit economics andget legal/financial advice before investing. While both Take 5 and Valvoline are great options, choosing the right fit for your goals and market gives you the best chance of running a profitable oil change franchise.