Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Master Mechanic Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Master Mechanic Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$175,000 - $225,000
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%6%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19751982
Year Franchised 19751983
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Master Mechanic Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Master Mechanic Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Master Mechanic Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, 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 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

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Master Mechanic Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    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.

    About Master Mechanic

    The business provides full-service automotive repair and maintenance services to both retail and commercial clients through its franchisees, with special emphasis on drivability and engine performance. This is an excellent opportunity for existing independent garages looking to rebrand or for those with automotive and/or business experience who are considering the benefits of owning their own business. Many consumers today are in desperate search for an auto repair/maintenance facility who can provide this level of trust in your mechanic to the same extent as your doctor or dentist -- this is the relationship Master Mechanic works very hard to create. The independent auto repair/maintenance market is rather diverse with specialists in everything from oil changes to exhausts to tires to transmissions...creating confusion for many consumers as he/she must now be expected to know what's wrong with their car, then know who specializes in that service and then undertake the selection process as to which shop to do business. At Master Mechanic, there is neither confusion nor doubt because we are full-service facilities -- everything from a basic oil change to complex engine diagnostics all performed by licenced technicians. Let's take a look at the options...the fast lube market lacks the technical expertise for anything beyond fluid changes...the big box stores have been branded with perceived lower cost but unreliable service...while the new car dealerships tend to be very costly leaving the independents like Master Mechanic Franchises as a very attractive alternative.