Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $114,000 - $130,000$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $20,000$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee to 7%4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19831975
Year Franchised 19891975
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee 25% of original fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service

  • Financing Options

     
    Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers 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

     
    Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 40% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT 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

     
    Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Lentz U.S.A. Service Centers

    For over 40 years, Lentz USA has been providing the highest quality automotive service to Michigan residents. Lentz USA can help you with new brakes, oil change, new mufflers, shocks, upgraded struts, and more. Simply, we want to be your complete auto service center! We have earned the trust of hundreds of satisfied customers.

    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.