In This Article
"What happens to tinting if the economy tanks?" It's a smart question — and the answer might surprise you. Window tinting has proven remarkably resilient through every economic downturn in recent memory.
Why Tinting Demand Holds During Recessions
During recessions, people keep their existing cars longer instead of buying new ones. When you're keeping your car for another 3-5 years instead of trading it in, you invest in making it better — and tinting is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make. A $350 tint job transforms how a car looks and feels.
- People hold onto cars longer → more demand for upgrades and protection
- Tinting is affordable compared to other vehicle modifications
- Heat rejection saves on fuel and AC costs — an economic argument
- UV protection preserves interior value — practical, not frivolous
- New car dealerships still tint every vehicle on their lot
The 2020 Stress Test
During COVID-19, when much of the economy shut down, tinting businesses were among the first to bounce back. The service is contactless (you drop your car off), it's a one-person operation (minimal exposure), and pent-up demand created a boom when restrictions lifted. Many of our students had their best months ever in late 2020 and 2021.
TSO student enrollment increased 40% during 2020-2021. People stuck at home realized they wanted a career with more freedom and control — and tinting checked every box.
Low Overhead = High Resilience
Businesses fail in recessions because they can't cover their overhead. A tinting business — especially a mobile one — has almost no overhead. When your break-even point is 2-3 jobs per month, you can survive anything. That's the power of a lean, high-margin business.
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