Glass Doctor

Overview

Glass Doctor is a leading franchise offering comprehensive glass repair and replacement services for automotive, residential, and commercial clients. It was established in 1962 and began franchising in 1977. As part of Neighborly, a large group of home service brands, Glass Doctor benefits from shared resources, cross- promotion, and extensive operational support. The company has built a strong reputation over its six decades, known for high-quality service and technological advancements in the industry.

History

Glass Doctor started as a small glass repair service in Seattle and expanded into franchising to meet the growing demand for specialized glass services. In 1998, the company was acquired by Neighborly, which helped scale its operations and broaden its market reach. Over time, the company expanded into the automotive and residential glass sectors, adapting to evolving customer needs, particularly in vehicle calibration technology and energy-efficient window solutions.

Investment Breakdown

To open a Glass Doctor franchise, the estimated initial investment ranges from $153,000 to $317,000. The franchise fee is approximately $59,900, and
franchisees are required to have a net worth of at least $250,000 with liquid assets of around $60,000. Ongoing royalties range between 4% to 7% of gross sales

Key cost areas include:

● Initial franchise fee: $59,900
● Equipment and supplies: $27,500 to $65,000
● Marketing and advertising: $15,000 to $24,000
● Vehicle costs: $2,000 to $50,000
● Additional funds (3 months): $35,000 to $75,000

Industry Snapshot

The glass repair and replacement industry is steadily growing, driven by factors like increasing vehicle usage, residential renovations, and energy-efficient upgrades in commercial properties. The automotive glass sector, in particular, is seeing rising demand due to advances in vehicle safety systems that require specialized calibration. With over 5,500 franchise units under the Neighborly brand, Glass Doctor benefits from synergies across home service sectors.