Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs American Transmissions Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
American Transmissions Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$80,000 - $120,000
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%7%
Advertising Fee -3%/$400/week
Year Founded 19751981
Year Franchised 19751985
Term Of Agreement 20 years15 years +15
Term Of Agreement 20 years15 years +15
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
American Transmissions Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    American Transmissions Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    American Transmissions Franchise
    Training -Home Office, Plymouth, MI 14 Days
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesCentral Data Processing

    Field Operation Evaluation

    Field Training

    Initial Store Opening

    Inventory Control

    Franchisee Newsletter

    Regional or National Meetings

    800 Telephone Hotline

    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad 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)

    Average Number of Employees: 5 Full-time, 1 Part-time

    Passive Ownership: Not Allowed


    Expansion Plans

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    American Transmissions Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 American Transmissions

    American Transmissions has been providing quality transmission service, repairs, and maintenance at reasonable prices, during our long existence. Did you know that American Transmissions has provided transmission service to many local and state Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire Departments, School Districts, and local governments, as well as, some of the largest and smallest company’s auto fleets in Southeast, Michigan? They choose American Transmissions because they get the most value for their auto service dollars. Thanks for choosing American Transmissions for your drive-train service needs. You can trust American Transmissions for a job well done, because we are "The Dealership Alternative”