SINCE 1991
DEPENDABLE. RUGGED. U N C O M P R O M I S I N G. Ameraguard速 has been a pioneer in the sprayed bedliner business since 1991. Over the years we have grown into a proud family of dealers across America, built upon a foundation of integrity, innovation, quality and a dedication to customer service. With some of the longest standing dealers in the marketplace today, Ameraguard速 has become one of the most experienced and technically advanced companies in the industry. We thank you for recognizing us as your potential
supplier of high quality materials, equipment and technical expertise. Our success depends upon the success of our dealers. We are here to assist and advise you in all aspects of your operation, without getting in the way of your business. Your decision to align your business with Ameraguard速 ensures that you will always be first in the marketplace, with equipment and chemical technology, application techniques, technical support and innovative marketing strategies.
THE PRODUCT
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME Ameraguard® bedliners have been protecting truck beds and enhancing the appearance of pickups since 1991. Only the highest quality polyurea/polyurethane hybrid material goes into an Ameraguard® bedliner. This unique chemical formulation combines the right mix of toughness, strength, flexibility, abrasion and cut resistance - even
in hot weather, adding up to the best and most attractive truck bed protection available. A sprayed bedliner becomes an integral part of the truck. There are no screws, drilled holes or clamps to come loose. Our durable bedliner is sprayed on hot and sets in just five seconds- forming an air and water tight layer of protection between the elements and the
truck bed, permanently preventing rust and corrosion. Our bedliners come with a greatlooking, fine-textured finish that helps reduce all kinds of cargo shift in the truck bed. And don’t forget safety! Our bedliners provide safe, sure-footed traction when stepping into the bed, greatly reducing slip and fall injuries at home and on the job.
The average bedliner can be installed from start to finish in two man-hours or less. A bedliner will cost you about $155 in material and retail from between $400–$600. Ameraguard®’s experienced staff will train you to consistently spray beautiful, long-lasting bedliners that look as though they came direct from the factory.
THE CHEMISTRY POLYURETHANE AND POLYUREA We come in contact with polyurethanes, and their cousins polyureas, every day without realizing it. For the purpose of our introduction we will refer to these materials as “urethanes.” Urethanes are a family of plastic materials that can be formulated to produce a wide variety of physical properties from soft seat cushions to rigid automotive body panels. Urethanes are a combination of two components, a resin and an isocyanate. These two materials come together in liquid form and react to create a urethane. The reaction time can be regulated, by the addition of catalysts and other ingredients, to vary from a couple of seconds to several hours. Urethanes can be manufactured using two different types of components- aromatic and aliphatic. Aromatic urethanes are more
economical and will discolor with exposure to light. Aliphatic urethanes are twice as expensive but will not discolor. Automotive paint is a common example of aliphatic urethane. Virtually all sprayed bedliners use aromatic urethane. Some companies in our industry claim that their colors will not fade because they have “UV” stabilizers in their aromatic urethane. This is chemically impossible. Even the best stabilizers will only slow down the rate of discoloration, not prevent it. Therefore, if it isn’t aliphatic urethane, it WILL change color over time. All Ameraguard® color bedliners (excluding black) are applied using an aliphatic elastomer top coat. By using automotive paint pigments, matched to factory color codes, our liners will maintain their color as long as any automotive finish.
Each year over 3,000,000 pickup trucks are sold in North America. That is one in three new vehicles! Imagine the business opportunity and profits that can be generated by accommodating these new truck buyers, not to mention other lucrative coating applications in your market.
THE MARKET THE BEDLINER CUSTOMER Today’s truck buyers are more sophisticated and so are today’s trucks. Truck seats are now made of leather where they used to be made of vinyl. Aluminum wheels now come standard where stamped steel used to be “good enough.” Aftermarket bedliners are the number one selling truck accessory, and today’s truck buyers want an attractive, factorylooking, sprayed bedliner, instead of the dated drop-in plastic liners of the past. An Ameraguard® dealership allows you access
to these image-conscious truck owners. Our combination of appearance, toughness and easeof-installation seamlessly positions you at the top of today’s truck accessory market. At Ameraguard® we have pulled the sprayed bedliner to the forefront of the truck accessory market. If you have been looking to add a new profit center to your existing operation, or have been searching for an exciting start-up business opportunity, Ameraguard® is the perfect fit.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
THE USED MARKET
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES There are literally tens of millions of used pickups on the road, and in the dealership lots waiting to be sold. Often, the condition of the truck bed keeps buyers away or prolongs the sales cycle. There is no better way to clean up a used truck for resale
than with Ameraguard®. We will demonstrate how to make a used truck’s bed look like new, and more importantly, how to sell this service to the auto dealers in your market. This lucrative opportunity is just one of the many other
applications of the sprayed bedliner and protective coating technology Ameraguard® offers. To see a more complete list of other ways to use this unique and versatile technology please refer to the next page.
OTHER USES EXPANDING THE MARKET
Uses for Ameraguard® products are endless as your imagination. We have a wide selection of specialized products for demanding applications. Our dealers are finding opportunities in virtually every segment of the economy. The list below is by no means exhaustive. Use Ameraguard® products for: • Commercial
• Industrial • Institutional • Marine • RVs & leisure crafts • Municipal • Government • Secondary containment • Construction • Abrasion • Recreational • Much more!
THE COLOR
ENDLESS OPTIONS After extensive testing and research Ameraguard® developed the two-step, non-fade color system back in 1995, changing the world of bedliners forever. Now the standard in the industry, our two-step color process can match any hue including today’s popular metallic and pearl paints, with a fade-free aliphatic finish. Not only can the Ameraguard® color system match any custom graphics available on the market, it also seamlessly bonds to the truck bed in just five seconds. Our color coded system lets your customers
choose from classic black, which looks good on any truck, or pick an accent color to match the detailing on the truck, all without sacrificing the dependable protection Ameraguard® sprayed bedliners are famous for. Truck buyers are colorful people, leading colorful lives. Help them express their individual style with Ameraguard® (and improve your margins along the way.) Many truck owners want to be the center of attention. Ameraguard® can make it happen!
THE TOOLS EQUIPMENT SPECS Our AGX 2500 package efficiently
• 10,200 watt primary
meters, mixes and sprays advanced
heaters for a total of 15,800
100% solid coatings and foam
• Separate controls for ISO, resin
economically on the job site, or in-
and hose heaters
house.
• Excellent Delta T for fast
Capable of processing up to 18 lbs
warm-up
of material per minute, the AGX 2500
• Electronic cycle counter for
High Pressure Spray System gets the
accurate material metering
job done.
• American-made • Full one year factory warranty
The AGX 2500 features: • 2200 psi
• Over pressure and over temperature protection.
• Up to 210’ hose for 420’ working range • 1 gal/ min
We use nothing but the best, neither should you.
THE COMMITMENT SUPERIOR SUPPORT AND EQUIPMENT
TRAINING
At the heart of every Ameraguard® dealership is the spray equipment and coating products. Over the years, Ameraguard® has achieved the right balance with our equipment to make your applicator’s job as easy and efficient as possible. We
supply only high quality, Americanmade, high-pressure, heated spray equipment. Every component meets rigorous UL (Underwriting Laboratories) quality and safety standards. Our easy to use, ergonomically designed spray gun is trigger controlled to help ensure
that the material (your overhead) is sprayed as efficiently as possible. When you spray our material, you are spraying some of the finest bedliner material available. How do we know? At Ameraguard® we have perfected the product with real world testing in extended field
An integral part of our package is the in-depth training we provide. We train your applicators in all aspects of equipment maintenance, safety practices, application techniques, masking, repairs and surface preparation. Included in our on-site training package is a skilled and experienced member of our team who will come to your location. We will walk you through the equipment setup and start-up procedures. In addition, we will spend three days immersing you and your staff in the techniques,
trials in such diverse climates as the cold of the Canadian north to the intense humidity and heat of the southern coast of Louisiana. The result is a truly user-friendly material at a competitive price.
procedures and practices that make our applicators the best in the business. For training purposes, we suggest spraying between three and six trucks. We advise that the coordination of these trucks be arranged before the arrival of our trainer. These applications should include at least one color match (if you have chosen to provide color as an option to your customers), and a mix of over-rail and under-rail liners.
MARKETING TECHNICAL Ameraguard® puts a wide array of marketing tools into your hands. A sampling of our support includes: • Artwork for Yellow Pages and ad mats for newspapers/magazines • Full color retail brochures & posters • Outdoor business signs • Banners • Bedliner labels with your company’s name • Pickup truck decal packages for your company trucks • DVDs/CD-ROMs for trade shows and retail locations • A full line of promotional items, including hats, shirts, mugs, etc. • Sales and marketing strategy that outlines how to successfully promote your Ameraguard® service in your market.
Ameraguard®’s professional technical staff have been servicing urethane spray equipment, and perfecting application techniques and procedures since 1991. You can always count on our team for clear, thorough answers to your technical question. We are an authorized factory distributor for the equipment we sell. We have a substantial parts inventory in our corporate facility, ready for overnight shipment upon request. Our experienced team will provide prompt, effective technical support that is never more than a toll-free call away.
WARRANTY Ameraguard® offers a Limited Lifetime Nation Wide Warranty, covered by our extensive network of dealers nationwide.
THE CHOICE A SUPPLIER YOU CAN TRUST
The benefits of purchasing an Ameraguard® dealership are many and include our years of experience, support, brand recognition and available volume discounts. Ameraguard® doesn’t have any royalty fees or mandatory co-op advertising programs. Your commitments are solely those of quality chemical purchases and product promotion. Our intent is to support your business, not to run it. With Ameraguard® you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you are dealing with a company that has the financial and ethical strength to meet your needs.
At Ameraguard® you won’t have to be concerned about infringement of your protected territory, and you’ll never pay any annual fees. From the start we will be up front with you and disclose all of the information required in order to make a sound business decision. A decision based on trust, cooperation, and mutual business success. There will be no surprises when you join our dealership network; just results! Protected Territories are often based on people populations or geographical boundaries. At Ameraguard® we derive territories by using new truck registrations in the territory over the previous year.
THE NEXT STEP SEAMLESS TRANSITION
Now that you’ve learned a bit about our industry, the business opportunity and our experience, we’d like to outline the next steps in our process. In the next few days we will be in contact with you to determine your interest in joining our family of dealers. But we understand that seeing is believing. We invite
you to visit our head office to witness the application of our sprayed bedliners, view our equipment and meet our people. We’re sure you’ll be impressed with our facilities, know-how and genuine care for our customers. When you are ready for the next step in becoming an Ameraguard® dealer, we will
forward our dealer agreement to you, which outlines the specifics of your dealership. Once the agreement is signed and financing is arranged, we can coordinate the shipment of your dealership package (equipment, material, etc.), and schedule the required training orientation. With our
many years of experience, we assure you that our process is as seamless as our bedliners. Thank you again for your interest in Ameraguard® sprayed bedliners. Our commitment to you begins today and solidifies with your success.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS EQUIPMENT What type of equipment do you use? Is it a high or low pressure system? We use Graco high pressure equipment. All of our systems come with a complete warranty and our experienced technicians know every nut, bolt, seal and hose. Does your spray gun have a trigger? Yes. We use the Probler P2 gun. the original Probler has been the industry standard since it was patented in 1974. The new Probler P2 continues the tradition. It is ergonomically designed and is the lightest gun in the coatings industry. What are the differences between your gun and others on the market? We use the same gun that most other high pressure systems use. Compared to the low pressure systems, our system is more efficient, using at least 1/2 gallon less material per truck. You don’t waste time with changing mixing tubes after each application, or waste money on this change. A triggered gun makes the job much easier for the applicator. Also, the mixing tubes of low pressure systems cost $2–$3, adding thousands of dollars to your operating costs each year. What’s the difference between high and low pressure machines? The primary differences are: 1. High pressure systems spray at 2000–3500 psi, while low pressure systems typically spray at 500–700 psi. 2. Low pressure systems use air to atomize the material, high pressure systems use heat and pressure, producing a finer, more even texture. 3. High pressure systems use a trigger controlled spray gun. Low pressure systems typically use a continuous flow gun, with no trigger, that uses a mixing tube. 4. The use of a triggered gun saves at least 1/2 gallon of material per application. This adds up to a large amount of material costs per year. Does your equipment heat the material, or do you spray cold? Our equipment has electronically controlled heaters that heat the material to a set temperature, usually 160° F. This lowers the viscosity of the product, giving you a finer textured bedliner.
What’s the difference between your high pressure equipment and others on the market? Most of the high pressure systems are very similar. We have been in the business of sprayed bedliners since 1991 and as a result of our experience, we find it important to include in our package a number of additional features that make the overall system easier to use. What are the electrical requirements of your equipment? 230 VAC, 69 AMPS, 50/60 HZ, single phase power OR 230 VAC, 43 AMPS, 50/60 HZ, three base power What are the air requirements of your equipment? 26 CFM at 100 psi, 7.5 horsepower. How long is the hose, and how long can it be? Our standard hose is 50’, however you can have up to 210’ of hose with our AGX 2500 system. What is the capacity of your machine? Up to 1 gallon per minute with our AGX 2500 system. However, other machines are available Is your equipment portable? Yes. Our equipment is easily loaded into a truck or trailer for on-site applications. What does it take to go mobile? You need power and air at the job site. If it is not available, simply rent a generator and compressor and bill the rental to the job.
MATERIAL How much material do you spray on a truck? Spraying a bedliner requires 3–5 gallons of material, depending on the size of the truck bed and if over-rail protection is applied. How thick do you spray the material? A typical bedliner gets sprayed with six coats on the floor at
15–20 mil (1 mil=1/1000”) per coat for a total of about 1/8”. The sides get three coats for a thickness of about 1/16”. Why do you not spray your material 1/4” thick, like your competitors claim? This is a common question, and one of the biggest misconceptions in our industry today. Companies who claim a 1/4” thick bedliner are misleading consumers in most cases. You will commonly see “up to 1/4” thick” on advertising materials and brochures. The catch is the “up to.” These applicators use “edging” techniques- the process of spraying extra material on the edges of the truck bed- giving the illusion of 1/4” thickness throughout. Some go even further by telling potential dealers that the material is sprayed 3/8” to 1/4” thick on the floor and 1/8” on the sides. But if asked how much material is used in application, they suggest an average of 4 1/2 to 5 gallons. The math simply doesn’t add up! To determine the volume of 100% solids material required to meet this specification, we use a simple, straight-forward volume calculation. One gallon of polyurethane material will cover 1,604 ft² at 1/1000” thick (1 mil.) To determine the volume required to cover a given area at a given thickness, we multiply the area (in square feet) by thickness (in mil) and divide by 1,604. Gallons= square feet x thickness (mil) 1,604 mil/ft²/gal To illustrate, we measured the truck bed of a Ford Ranger: Floor: 33 ft² Tailgate: 6.4 ft² Total at 1/4”: 39.4 ft² x 250 mil (1/4”) 1,604 mil/ ft²/gal = 6.14 gallons Sides: 31.2 ft² Total at 1/8”: 31.2 ft² x 125 mil(1/8”) 1,604 mil/ft²/gal = 2.43 gallons This is a total of 8.57 gallons, or 97% more than the company claims as their average amount of material per truck. And this is a small truck! A full size truck with a long box and over-rail protection will use over 11 gallons of material at the advertised thickness. We should note that 11 gallons of coating will also weigh 101
lbs. Not only will you make no margin on the bedliner, the customer won’t be too thrilled about the added weight to their vehicle. Is your material polyurethane or polyurea? Our material is a hybrid blend of polyurethanes and polyureas. The truth is that each material has its benefits and strengths, and a blend offers you the best of both products. What percentage of your material is polyurea? Just like a good cook, we can’t divulge our ingredients. However, just ask any of our applicators if they would like us to change the formula. The answer will be a resounding no. Will Ameraguard® hold up in rugged conditions and temperature extremes? Ameraguard®’s material will not warp, crack, peel or split because of weather or other environmental factors. Ameraguard® has been tested in such diverse climates as the cold of the Canadian north to the intense heat and humidity of the southern coast of Louisiana. Why is your material any better than your competitors’? Our material out-performs others for the following reasons: • “User friendliness.” It can be sprayed in virtually any climate or under any weather conditions. • It is slow enough that it “wets” into body seams, but fast enough not to run or sag. • It produces a great looking texture, not the typical dry looking finish. • It has physical properties that are higher than most other bedliner products. • It uses a very heavy loading of high-grade pigment, giving it a rich black color that resists chalking longer than any other black bedliner we know of. Is high pressure material better than low pressure material? Not necessarily. As with all things, there are trade offs. The softer, low pressure material gives a bit more grip, while the harder high pressure material is much more resistant to physical damage. This difference is especially important on hot days when the surface temperature of a black bedliner can reach 160°F in the sun. At these temperatures low pressure polyurethane material softens, losing up to 50% of its strength. The harder high pressure polyurethane/polyurea hybrid material is less susceptible to the effects of temperature
change.
PRICING AND FINANCING How much money do I need to get into the sprayed bedliner business? This depends on whether you will be starting a standalone operation, or adding Ameraguard® to your existing business. If you are adding to your existing business, you will need the cost of the initial package plus spray area, compressor, electrical and ventilation work. If you are setting up a standalone operation you will need to have enough funds to cover the initial package price, a facility, insurance, office and shop equipment, spray area, compressor, electrical and ventilation requirements. You should also have enough operating capital to sustain the business until it is generating enough positive cash flow to sustain itself. $75,000– $100,000 is typical to cover everything, of which a considerable amount can be financed through a lease OAC over three to five years. How much does your material cost? We offer discount pricing based on volume ordered and method of payment. A rough average is $25 per gallon. How much does it cost to spray one truck? On average, 4.5 gallons at $25 per gallon would be $112.50 plus masking materials ($15) making it a total of $127.50. Include two man-hours of labor per truck sprayed. How much can I sell a bedliner for? This depends on a number of factors in your market, including competition. Typically a sprayed bedliner sells for between $400 and $650. How much can I charge for a colored sprayed bedliner? Colored bedliners can be sold for an additional $200–$300 per application. They are becoming very popular. How much extra does it cost to do a colored bedliner? A color application entails the following added expenses for the applicator: Pigment: $40 Top Coat: $30 Automotive pigment for top coat: $30–$100 Total: $100–$170 Plus an additional man-hour of labor.
What wholesale price is offered to car dealers? Car dealers typically look to make at least $50–$100 on the sale of a bedliner through a third party supplier. This margin supports their decision to sell a sprayed bedliner over a drop-in to their customers. Do you extend credit to your dealers? Can i pay for my material net 30 days? Ameraguard® does not extend unsecured credit to dealers for the purchase of material. We do, however, allow dealers to charge parts, pigments and promotional items on account. Ameraguard® will accept credit from dealers that provide an irrevocable letter of credit for an amount equal to or greater than the cost of materials purchased. Net 30 day terms are available for dealers that meet certain criteria on a case by case basis. Does Ameraguard® have a financing program for the original purchase? No, Ameraguard® does not offer direct “in-house” financing for the purchase of an Ameraguard® dealership. Does Ameraguard® have a leasing program for the original purchase? Ameraguard® can put a prospective dealer in touch with a number of credible leasing agencies familiar with our business. In many cases, leasing is an attractive financing option which allows you to get into business for a small initial investmentusually first and last month’s payment. Leasing agencies typically require that you have been in business for two years and have a good credit rating.
COMPANY How long have you been in business? Ameraguard® was incorporated in 1991. Where are your dealers located? The Ameraguard® opportunity is available worldwide. Please visit our web site for more information. www.ameraguard.com. © 2010 Ameraguard®, Copyright protected by international copyright law. May not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission. All rights reserved.
1-866-366-7035 US 1-888-333-1311 Canada 210-680-5112 Fax 5405 Bandera Rd. STE. 133 San Antonio, TX 78238