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Updated RecentlyOilstop-Drive Thru Oil Change Centers vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Oilstop-Drive Thru Oil Change 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 |
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| Investment | $266,100 - $995,100 | $183,600 - $315,900 |
| Franchise Fee | $27,500 - $35,000 | $26,000 - $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 4.9-6.9% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1987 | 1975 |
| Year Franchised | 1998 | 1975 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 20 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 20 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | ||
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | Ongoing training available | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, 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 | Ad slicks, Regional advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
34% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% 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 |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | No |
Company Overviews
About Oilstop-Drive Thru Oil Change Centers
Founded by Larry Dahl, Oilstop centers provide drive-thru oil changes. The company also offers gear treatment, power drain service, PCV valve replacement, engine stop leak service, internal engine cleaning, engine treatment, fuel system cleaners and other services.
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.