America's Fleet Service vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
America's Fleet Service Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $90,000$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $12,500$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 8%4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19921975
Year Franchised 20041975
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee 20% of then-current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
America's Fleet Service Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Mechanical skills

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

  • Financing Options

     
    America's Fleet Service Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    America's Fleet Service 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 slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% 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

     
    America's Fleet Service Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About America's Fleet Service

    We offer comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) program and minor repairs/corrective maintenance. Our recommended standard preventive maintenance (PM) service has been developed using industry standards, manufacturer specifications and recommendations, and years of experience. This the routine maintenance and inspection program. We can also custom the PM to match your companies requirements or program. In our free consultation we generally discuss PM frequency recommendations based on how you use your fleet and its age and condition, driving patterns, and even environmental conditions. We service light trucks (pickups and vans) through class 8 vehicles including: Tractor and trailers Light, Medium, and Heavy Trucks Refrigeration units Off-road and construction equipment and vehicles Diesel, gas, and propane engines Cranes, lifts, booms, Redi-mix, utility, chippers, pony and auxiliary equipment Light trucks, vans, box trucks, pickups and other vehicles

    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.