Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is America’s largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting franchise. Founded in 1982 and franchising since 2007, the brand has grown to 150+ locations across 35 U.S. states and four countries. Tint World offers multiple profit centers including window tinting, paint protection film, vehicle wraps, audio/electronics, ceramic coating, detailing, and Mobile Services for residential, commercial, and marine applications.
At a Glance
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $150,000
Ownership Model: Owner-operator or Semi-absentee
Location Type: Retail location (3,000-4,000 sq. ft. with 2-4 service bays)
Time Commitment: Full-time recommended; semi-absentee possible with strong management
Experience Required: None; no automotive experience needed
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- $1.07M average revenue and $318K EBITDA (top 50% of stores)
- 79% average gross profit margin from group buying power
- 150+ locations with 40+ years of proven systems
- Multiple profit centers under one roof — auto, residential, commercial, marine
- Institutional backing from Susquehanna Growth Equity (October 2025)
Tint World Franchise Opportunity
Tint World was founded in 1982 and began franchising in 2007. The brand has grown to 150+ locations across 35 U.S. states and four countries (United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, UAE), with 250+ locations open or in development globally.
Recent Growth Trajectory:
- 2020: 6 new units opened
- 2021: 15 new units opened
- 2022: 18 new units opened
- 2023: 141 open stores
- 2024: 14 new locations, entered 3 new states
- 2025: 151 locations, 9% unit growth, 10.5% sales growth
In October 2025, Tint World announced a strategic investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity to accelerate franchise development and enhance operational support. The company targets 600 franchises in North America.
Why Franchise With Tint World
- Category dominance — Ranked #1 Automotive Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for 15 consecutive years (2010-2024)
- Validated unit economics — Top 50% of stores average $1,066,581 revenue, 79% gross profit margin, $318,463 EBITDA
- Fragmented competition — Market populated by independent operators lacking capital, business systems, and buying power
- Multiple profit centers — Window tinting, paint protection, vehicle wraps, audio/electronics, wheels/tires, ceramic coating, detailing, accessories, plus residential/commercial/marine services
- Online revenue stream — Integrated webstore allows customers to purchase accessories online with ship-to-store for pickup or installation
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Opportunity: The automotive aftermarket industry exceeds $57 billion annually. The window film market alone is projected to exceed $16 billion by 2030. Tint World has positioned franchisees to capture share across automotive, residential, commercial, and marine segments.
Competitive Advantage: Group buying power delivers unmatched product pricing, enabling high profit margins while offering competitive consumer prices. Independent competitors cannot match Tint World’s vendor relationships, marketing resources, or operational systems.
ABF Timing Insight: The October 2025 institutional investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity signals confidence in the brand’s trajectory. Hot markets remain available in major metros including Oklahoma City, Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, Detroit, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Chicago, and many others. Early movers in these territories will benefit from brand momentum.
Financial Performance (Top 50% of Stores)
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Revenue | $1,066,581 |
| Average Gross Profit Margin | 79% |
| Average Annual Gross Profit | $835,723 |
| Average Annual EBITDA | $318,463 |
Based on Tint World Franchise Disclosure Document Item 19. Individual results may vary.
Training & Support
Tint World University — 3-Week Training Program:
- Weeks 1-2: Classroom training on business management, operations, and systems
- Week 3: In-center training on sales, customer service, and service delivery
Complete Franchise Support System:
- Financial Assistance — Relationships with trusted lenders; SBA Franchise Registry listed for simplified loan applications
- Real Estate & Lease Negotiation — Headquarters team and preferred brokers assist with site selection and lease terms
- Construction Process — AutoCAD layout and design, trusted architect and contractor network for smooth buildout
- Marketing Support — Local and national marketing initiatives, grand opening support, social media presence, new product launches
- Business Software Platform — POS system, accounting, financial performance tracking, CRM, email marketing, reputation management, online training
- Operations Support — Grand opening assistance, staff training, regular excellence evaluations, ongoing consultation
- Purchasing & Distribution — National buying power with industry-leading vendor partnerships and consistent product delivery
- Research & Development — Continuous testing of new products and services before systemwide rollout
Franchise Owners That Thrive
- Desire to be on the leading edge of growth and income opportunities
- Passion for providing clients the highest level of service
- Comfortable operating in a clean, high-tech work atmosphere
- Strong management and team-building capabilities
- Customer service orientation with sales aptitude
- Willing to follow proven systems while building local relationships
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who Is NOT A Good Fit for This Franchise
- Do you lack the capital to invest $150,000+ in liquid assets?
- Are you uncomfortable managing a retail service operation with multiple employees?
- Do you resist following established systems and operational standards?
- Are you unwilling to commit to a 3,000-4,000 sq. ft. retail buildout?
- Do you expect passive income without building management infrastructure?
- Are you uncomfortable with a 60-90 day buildout timeline?
If you answered yes to any of these, this franchise may not be the right fit. Candidates who do not meet these criteria are typically not approved by the franchisor.
Ownership Options
Single-Store Franchise: Turnkey startup of one Tint World location with full brand benefits, training, and operational support. Investment: $239,950 – $449,950.
Multi-Store Franchise: Develop multiple Tint World locations as an Area Developer with step-by-step guidance for market growth. Investment: $279,900 – $599,750.
International Master Franchise: Available for qualified entrepreneurs outside the United States seeking to expand the Tint World footprint globally. Investment: $299,500 – $599,500.
Investment Readiness Check
- Net Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $150,000 — required for consideration
- SBA financing available through Franchise Registry listing
- Third-party lender relationships established
- Timeline from award to opening: 60-90 days after lease secured
All financial thresholds are set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable during approval.
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is automotive experience required? A. No. Tint World’s comprehensive training program prepares owners from all professional backgrounds. The system has been successfully implemented by entrepreneurs with no prior automotive experience.
Q. What services generate revenue? A. Multiple profit centers including window tinting (auto, residential, commercial, marine), paint protection film, vehicle wraps, audio/electronics, security systems, wheels/tires, ceramic coating, detailing, and accessories. Online webstore adds additional revenue stream.
Q. How long does it take to open? A. After lease is secured, buildout typically takes 60-90 days. Training is scheduled prior to opening so owners move directly into pre-opening preparations.
Q. What size location is required? A. Recommended: 3,000-4,000 sq. ft. with office/showroom and 2-4 service bays. Each market is evaluated case-by-case based on expected service demand.
Q. Is there veteran support? A. Yes. Tint World is a VetFran member and is ranked among Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 150 Franchises for Veterans.
Q. What territories are available? A. Hot markets include Oklahoma City, Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, Detroit, Washington DC, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles County, Chicago, and many others. All 50 states registered.
Next Steps
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Tint World.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.