- 2024 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#137 Ranked #112 last year
- Initial investment
-
$138K - $171K
- Units as of 2023
-
515 3% over 3 years
Founded in 1991 by law enforcement agents, Pop-A-Lock is a national locksmith franchise specializing in emergency automotive lock services. The company serves thousands of communities globally, dedicated to providing quick and affordable quality service.
Pop-A-Lock technicians provide more than emergency lock-out services, too. They will repair and install new car locks and ignitions, rekey, duplicate and program electronic keys, and should you be unfortunate enough to get your key stuck in the ignition, they can get that key unstuck! The company also services residential areas. Some locations offer security system installs. If you happen to lock yourself out of your home, Pop-A-Lock can get you back inside, too.
With over 550 locations in the U.S. and another few dozen in Canada, Pop-A-Lock is a major brand in the locksmith industry.
Why You May Want to Start a Pop-A-Lock Franchise
Franchisees who are set on owning a business under their terms are welcome at Pop-A-Lock—and they don't need any locksmith experience. Pop-A-Lock considers itself a franchisee's business partner, ready to help them meet their business goals.
The company will thoroughly train franchisees in the latest locksmith technology at its impressive training facilities. Franchisees may be able to utilize the company's experience, resources, market base, and brand items. Pop-A-Lock also offers a strong mentorship program and continuous proactive support at every stage of the business—from start-up to a franchisee's first sale. They are also keen on increasing safety and reducing risk. This is why Pop-A-Lock requires special screening for potential employees.
Besides a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Pop-A-Lock values protecting its community. The company started its Emergency Door Unlocking program dedicated to saving children accidentally locked in cars 24/7. The service is free and a franchisee's location may end up saving a life.
What Might Make a Pop-A-Lock Franchise a Good Choice?
Continuing Pop-A-Lock dedication to safety, the company designed its marketing method for sustainability and resilience. As a franchisee, you'll have exclusive rights over your territory. The brand also goes multiple directions concerning the services they offer, giving you the chance to diversify your business.
In terms of start-up, initial investments are fairly low, and the company does not require a franchisee to build or rent an office space or set location. In addition, franchisees are offered the opportunity to operate their business from home or serve as an absentee owner. They will also provide franchisees with the equipment they need to get started. A Pop-A-Lock franchise may find the company's marketing advice and services of immense use, as well.
How Do You Start a Pop-A-Lock Franchise?
To be part of the Pop-A-Lock team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment that will include a franchise fee and other startup fees. You'll want to make sure you have enough capital available to cover ongoing fees, as well. Fees will include royalty fees and advertising fees.
As you decide whether you wish to open a Pop-A-Lock franchise, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth. Still, where there are locks, there is usually a demand for locksmiths.
Company Overview
About Pop-A-Lock
| Industry | Services (Other) |
|---|---|
| Related Categories | Locksmith Services, Miscellaneous Automotive Products & Services, Security Services, Miscellaneous Services |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Parent Company | SystemForward America, LLC |
| Leadership | Don Marks, CEO |
| Corporate Address |
1018 Harding St. Lafayette, LA 70503 |
| Social | Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube |
Business Overview
| Franchising Since | 1994 (30 years) |
|---|---|
| # of employees at HQ | 18 |
| Where seeking |
This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions: Europe (Western), Canada |
| # of Units | 515 (as of 2023) |
|
|
|
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Pop-A-Lock franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
|
Initial Franchise Fee
|
$23,000 - $63,000 |
|---|---|
|
Initial Investment
|
$137,777 - $170,822 |
|
Net Worth Requirement
|
$450,000 - $1,500,000 |
|
Cash Requirement
|
$75,000 - $200,000 |
|
Veteran Incentives
|
10% off franchise fee; special training program for veteran employees |
|
Royalty Fee
|
7% |
|
Ad Royalty Fee
|
1% |
|
Term of Agreement
|
10 years |
| Is franchise term renewable? | Yes |
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
| In-House Financing | Pop-A-Lock offers in-house financing to cover the following: equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll |
|---|---|
| Third Party Financing | Pop-A-Lock has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll |
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
| On-The-Job Training | 22.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom Training | 41.5 hours |
| Ongoing Support |
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
|
| Marketing Support |
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App
|
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
| Is absentee ownership allowed? | No |
|---|---|
|
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
|
No |
|
Can this franchise be run part time?
|
Yes |
| # of employees required to run | 3-10 |
|
Are exclusive territories available?
|
Yes |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Pop-A-Lock landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
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