Tuffy Auto Service Centers vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Tuffy Auto 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
 
Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $224,000 - $413,500$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $30,000$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 2.5%-5%4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee 5%-
Year Founded 19701975
Year Franchised 19711975
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

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

    Financing Options
     
    Tuffy Auto 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
     
    Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 104 hours Additional Training: At existing store -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 5

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% 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
     
    Tuffy Auto Service Centers Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Tuffy Auto Service Centers

    Charles Amy founded Tuffy Auto Service Centers when he opened the first Tuffy Muffler shop in 1970. The private company began franchising one year later and now has shops in several states. It is based in Toledo.

    If you purchase an area development franchise you must pay an additional area development fee that will be negotiated based on the number of franchises to be developed and the development schedule, but you will only pay an initial franchise fee of $5,000 for each franchise developed.

    #222 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    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.