Building a successful business is never easy. It’s a lot of hard work, especially in a highly competitive industry like the quick lube world. It’s a growing industry, so new entrepreneurs have a lot of opportunities. In 2022, the U.S. oil change service market was valued at USD 7.48 billion, and it’s expected to grow by 5.3% from 2023 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, there were 7,276 oil change and lubrication shops in the U.S., which is projected to grow further.

The rising demand for oil change services is closely linked to the increasing number of vehicles on the road. In 2020, approximately 91% of U.S. households have access to at least one vehicle. With total vehicle sales in the U.S. reaching 13.35 million units in July 2022, the demand for oil change services continues to rise. These statistics encourage eager entrepreneurs willing to join the quick lube market.

However, one thing that trips up many would-be owners is the decision to open an independent or franchisee shop. An independent shop is a great idea if you dream of expanding your services and want to offer your customers a more comprehensive range of services and products in the future. However, a franchisee shop can be a great opportunity as well. It comes with built-in programs, products, and marketing assistance to help your business be successful. So which option is best?

Case study: The Lube Connection Automotive Services Center
A recent article from NOLN highlighted how one local quick lube shop dealt with this dilemma. The Lube Connection Automotive Services Center in Port Clinton, Ohio, was already known in the community for reliable automotive services. It averaged about 800-900 monthly oil changes, with two drive-through oil change bays and two service bays.

In 2010, new owners bought the shop and wanted to make improvements to drive sales. The shop was branded with NAPA Auto Care Center for brakes, exhaust work, and tune-ups, but the oil change side of the business was independent. The owners liked having that independence but felt they could benefit from the brand recognition of a major partnership instead of just turning the shop into a franchisee location.

The solution: Partnership with a major oil brand
The shop found its solution through a strategic partnership with a major oil brand. They organized the collaboration with their oil distributor, who helped the shop owners realize the potential of partnering with a large brand, like having access to their lubricant product line and marketing and sales materials. Unlike traditional franchisee agreements, their partnership model did not involve franchise fees or royalties, which allowed the shop to retain complete control over its operations. The agreement included a five-year commitment to exclusively use the brand’s lubricants and meet specific annual volume requirements, which they felt would help motivate them as a business to improve over time. Overall, the partnership arrangement allowed the shop to benefit from the brand’s resources, including signage, marketing support, and facility upgrades, without compromising its independence.

Implementation and improvements
With their new partner’s help, the shop got new exterior paint, branded signage, and epoxy flooring for the service bays. It gave the shop a much-needed facelift that helped bring it into the modern era and make it a more pleasing location for customers. They were even able to keep the shop open during the upgrade process. When the remodel was finished, they held a grand reopening event to introduce the new facility to the local community and welcome new customers.

Benefits of the branded partnership
The Lube Connection owner’s decision to partner with a leading oil brand was easy because they valued their shop’s independence. However, they recognized the value of working with a leading brand with access to their branded marketing, lubrication products, and service procedures. A partnership, rather than a franchisee agreement, was the perfect compromise. Their story is an excellent reminder of how valuable partnership agreements can be for quick lube shop owners looking to enter the market with their shop or rebrand with the support of a leading brand.

Greg’s Petroleum Service offers branded partnerships for Chevron, Havoline, and Valvoline quick lube shops and franchisee agreements. We’ve seen firsthand how these partnerships have helped our quick lube customers grow their businesses with some incredible benefits like:

  • Enhanced brand recognition: Partnering with a leading brand like Chevron, Halvoline, or Valvoline significantly increases the market presence of quick lube shops. These brands are known for quality products, and the shops find that their customers quickly recognize the value of choosing a leading oil and lubricant manufacturer for their vehicle maintenance.
  • Customer confidence and satisfaction: The facelift that the Lube Connection was able to get when they entered into a partnership agreement helped them to make needed improvements to their shop. When our customers partner with our provided brands, they can also access help to improve their shops, branded signage, and materials. However, the best part is that they get access to the whole product line of quality lubrication products to offer their customers the lubrication products.
  • Marketing and technical support: One of the best ways a partnership agreement can help independent quick lube shops is by providing them with extensive marketing and technical support. With the support of a leading brand like Chevron, Valvoline, or Havoline, owners can access marketing tools and strategies that may have previously been out of reach to expand their business and customer base.

Partner with Greg’s Petroleum Service today
At Greg’s Petroleum Service, we specialize in offering branded partnerships for Chevron, Havoline, and Valvoline quick lube shops alongside quick lube branding opportunities. Our partnerships provide independent shop owners with unparalleled benefits. Contact us today if you’re ready to explore how partnering with Greg’s Petroleum Service can elevate your quick lube business to new heights. We can help you learn more about our partnership opportunities for your quick lube business.