Tunex Automotive Specialists vs Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Tunex Automotive Specialists Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Investment $155,000 - $218,000$183,600 - $315,900
Franchise Fee $19,000$26,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 5%4.9-6.9%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19721975
Year Franchised 19741975
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee $2K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Tunex Automotive Specialists Franchise
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

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

  • Financing Options

     
    Tunex Automotive Specialists Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/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

     
    Tunex Automotive Specialists 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, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 8% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (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

     
    Tunex Automotive Specialists Franchise
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Tunex Automotive Specialists

    Tunex was founded in 1972, and the first service center began operating in 1974. The public company began franchising in 1975 and has more than 25 company and franchisee-owned service centers in operation. The Tunex franchise opportunity includes both a conversion option (converting an independent service center to a Tunex franchise) and independent franchise units.

    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.