| ||||
Updated RecentlySaf-T Auto Centers vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Saf-T Auto 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 |
||
| Investment | $85,000 - $100,000 | $183,600 - $315,900 |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $26,000 - $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | $500/mo. | 4.9-6.9% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1978 | 1975 |
| Year Franchised | 1986 | 1975 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 20 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 20 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
| Experience | ||
Financing Options |
||
| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
||
| Training | - | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit
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 |
||
| US Expansion | - | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | No |
Company Overviews
About Saf-T Auto Centers
Founded in 1978, SAF-T Auto Centers are providing auto technicians a means to earn an independent living doing what they do best - repair cars.
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.