|
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 |
||
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 | 1972 | 1975 |
Year Franchised | 1974 | 1975 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 20 years |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 20 years |
Renewal Fee | $2K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
Experience | ||
Financing Options |
||
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/Yes | No/Yes |
Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/Yes |
Equipment | No/Yes | No/Yes |
Inventory | No/Yes | No/Yes |
Receivables | No/No | No/No |
Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
||
Training | - | - |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Regional advertising | 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: 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 |
||
US Expansion | - | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | No | No |
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.
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.