Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Car-X Auto Service Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Car-X Auto Service Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$214,000 - $326,000
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19751971
Year Franchised 19751973
Term Of Agreement 20 years15 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years15 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Car-X Auto Service Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service

  • General business experience
  • Managerial skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Car-X Auto Service Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Car-X Auto Service Franchise
    Training -Available at headquarters, Available at franchisee's location
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingAd slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 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)

    		 58% 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
     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Car-X Auto Service Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    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.

    About Car-X Auto Service

    Dedicated to serving you for almost 30 years, Car-X Auto Service is more than just a place that repairs your vehicle. In fact, Car-X prides itself on providing you with a commitment to our Five Star Service. We began franchising in 1973 and have grown to become one of the dominant brands for undercar service in the midwestern U.S. Income opportunities are provided primarily by brakes, exhaust, road handling, steering systems, tune-ups, air conditioning, tires and oil changes for all makes of cars and light trucks.
     

    Car-X franchise owners have the freedom to run their own businesses while sharing the resources of a proven and trusted brand with almost 50 years of experience. Advantages of joining the Car-X Family include (but are not limited to):

    • Brand recognition and outstanding customer retention rates
    • Start-up assistance and continued support
    • Negotiated vendor pricing and buying power
    • Technical onsite and online team training programs
    • Marketing and advertising support
    • Lowest royalty and start-up fees in the industry