Oil Butler vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Oil Butler vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Oil Butler Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $25,000 - $40,700$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $15,000$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 7%4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19871975
Year Franchised 19911975
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Oil Butler Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience -
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service

  • Financing Options

     
    Oil Butler Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Oil Butler Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    8% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Oil Butler Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Oil Butler

    Oil Butler International Corp. was founded in 1987 by Sam Casternovia and Dominic Lege. It began franchising in 1991 and has locations across the United States and internationally.

    About Merlin 200000 Mile Shops

    Merlin is an upscale "under the car" service opportunity which specializes in exhaust, brakes, ride control, suspension & steering, and oil/lubrication services. As a full service business format franchise, Merlin's provides a 90% turnkey state-of-the-art facility, comprehensive training, aggressive marketing programs, and ongoing support.