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Updated RecentlyMerlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Honest-1 Auto Care including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $183,600 - $315,900 | $206,650 - $659,150 |
| Franchise Fee | $26,000 - $30,000 | $45,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4.9-6.9% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | - | 1% |
| Year Founded | 1975 | 2003 |
| Year Franchised | 1975 | 2003 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 20 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 20 |
| Renewal Fee | - | 25% of franchise fee at the time of renewal |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | An automotive background is helpful but not required. Solid business acumen is required with marketing aptitude as well as the ability to motivate a staff and supervise day to day operations. |
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Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | -/Yes |
| Payroll | No/No | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | On-The-Job Training: 4 weeks Classroom Training: 3 weeks Additional Training: Ongoing training |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | There is a three week training program, coupled with frequent webinars, an annual convention, a proprietary line of fluid products at discounted costs to Zees, and field support through corporate staff, Region Developers, and vendors. Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
| 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) | The owner will spend 50% of their time in the center, 50% networking, marketing and developing fleet accounts. Average number of employees to run a location is 8-10; 1-2 Managers, 4 Technicians and the owner. Hiring assistance is provided. |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | No | - |
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 Honest-1 Auto Care
Honest-1 is the only national full-service auto repair and maintenance franchise chain that is 100 percent ESA Certified Eco-Friendly Auto Care. Honest-1 executes numerous eco-friendly actions companywide, including strict recycling of auto materials, pollution prevention, resource conservation and trademarked services such as ECO TuneUp and ECO Oil Change. In addition to its high standards to be environmentally responsible, Honest-1 is committed to all-around quality customer service unprecedented in the auto repair and maintenance industry. Each Honest-1 staff member and technician is thoroughly trained to meet company-set standards, which are designed to make the maintenance process less intimidating for non-auto enthusiasts while providing upfront, honest service. With 22 locations throughout the U.S., Honest-1 centers are family-friendly, and are characterized by clean and upscale waiting areas, Internet cafes, children's play areas, comfortable chairs and couches, HDTV and complimentary beverage stations. Honest-1 plans to open 10 more locations nationwide in the next year. For more information and to inquire about available franchise opportunities, visit www.honest-1.com. Honest-1 Auto is growing rapidly and has an opportunity for you.