Valvoline Instant Oil Change vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $181,000 - $3,158,500$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $30,000$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 4-6%4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19861975
Year Franchised 19881975
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

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

    Financing Options
     
    Valvoline Instant Oil Change 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 Yes/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, 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 allowed. (97% 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
     
    Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Valvoline Instant Oil Change

    We’re passionate about cars, as you might expect. But we’re really in the business of taking care of people. At Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) people are our greatest asset. We bring the quality of the Valvoline brand to the do-it-for-me quick lube customer. Today we have 900+ VIOC locations coast to coast, and we serve
    9 million customers a year. We don’t just change oil; we protect one of our customers’ most valuable investments. Because they rely on their vehicles, they rely on Valvoline Instant Oil Change.
    Valvoline Instant Oil Change is a division of The Valvoline Co. and was created in 1986 with the purchase of quick-lube centers throughout New York, Minneapolis and Michigan. The public company began franchising in 1988 and is based in Lexington, Kentucky.

    "Entrepreneur

    #57 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #20 in Franchise 500 for 2021.





    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.