Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Dominion Auto Centers Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$50,000
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%8%
Advertising Fee -$100 per vehicle sold, 2% of service revenue
Year Founded 19752012
Year Franchised 19752012
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service
  • Needs to have some background in either auto repair or auto sales.

    Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
    Training -Upfront training program, 24/7 online training and operating procedure archive access, social media marketing, event management, lead generation programs, supplier management/development programs, etc, etc.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    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)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Dominion Auto Centers Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    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 Dominion Auto Centers

    Canada's independent chain of Auto Dealership & Repair shops. Credit solutions for all customers and repair financing now available. Dominion Auto Centres� is Canada's first complete auto centre concept. Used Car/Truck Sales & Finance, Automotive Repair & Service, Tires, Towing Accessories and more! A truly complete concept and franchises are now available coast to coast.