Tilden Car Care vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Tilden Car Care Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $131,500 - $171,200$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $25,000$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 6%4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19231975
Year Franchised 19961975
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Tilden Car Care Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience -
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service

  • Financing Options

     
    Tilden Car Care Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Tilden Car Care Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Training --
    Support Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, 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 5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    90% 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

     
    Tilden Car Care Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Tilden Car Care

    Sydney G. Tilden founded S.G. Tilden Inc. in 1923, and Tilden for Brakes Car Care Centers were born. In 1966, Tilden began offering franchises to existing loyal store managers. Now publicly owned under the name Tilden Associates Inc., the company is based in Garden City, New York.

    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.