Automotive Maintenance Solutions vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Automotive Maintenance Solutions Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $118,100 - $175,600$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $25,000$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 7%/mo.4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19621975
Year Franchised 20021975
Term Of Agreement 7 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 7 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Automotive Maintenance Solutions Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service

  • Financing Options

     
    Automotive Maintenance Solutions 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

     
    Automotive Maintenance Solutions Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, 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, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

    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

     
    Automotive Maintenance Solutions Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Automotive Maintenance Solutions

    Two generations of the Sheldrick family have contributed to the success of the system. After the first location opened in the 60’s, people have learned a lot about quality automotive service. Back then, the Sheldrick’s had to teach people about the value of regular automotive maintenance services, in general. Now, our reputation is so solid, we grow our business daily by word-of-mouth! The Sheldricks were not planning to sell just any common oil change. They researched the market and the competition and decided that performing complete automotive maintenance actually increased the performance of their customers vehicles. Our market holds over $70 Billion in Un-Performed maintenance service! Think of the potential for AMS locations to capture this business. From it’s inception, AMS has built a structured system that will enable each franchisee to maximize their potential. Our goal is not just to sell franchises, we want you to be successful! We invite you to compare the AMS franchise system to other opportunities and make an intelligent choice. It is our hope that you will see that we are offering more than a product to sell, we are offering a franchise system that works because our structure is built on a sound foundation of integrity and quality.

    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.