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Updated RecentlyMerlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Auto-Lab Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Auto-Lab including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $183,600 - $315,900 | $128,750 - $317,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $26,000 - $30,000 | $27,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 4.9-6.9% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | - | 3% |
| Year Founded | 1975 | 1985 |
| Year Franchised | 1975 | 2004 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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| Training | - | Continuous technical and management training programs |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Auto-Lab, LLC offers support in all areas of business management and operations through our corporate office, located in Farmington Hills, MI, and our strategic vendor partners. Our support includes, but is not limited to, continuous technical and management training programs, group purchasing programs, group marketing and advertising programs, electronic purchasing through vendor partners, a program for HotLine support, instant information network, assistance with business opportunities, etc. |
| 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 |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | No | - |
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 Auto-Lab
Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers is a full service auto repair and maintenance service franchise that has been operating since early 1989. Auto-Lab currently operates stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Arizona, California, and Florida.
Auto-Lab offers an immense amount of franchise support from our corporate office as well as a highly respected brand image. We require less investment, a small franchise fee and more control of marketing and advertising associated with your target customer base. The Auto-Lab Business Management System is a computer program unique to Auto-Lab that will assist you in all areas of managing a successful
Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single unit
Auto-Lab franchise is from $128,750 to $317,500. This includes $13,750
to $27,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. If you
convert an existing auto care facility to an Auto-Lab single unit
franchise, the total investment necessary is from $29,500 to $279,500,
which includes $19,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its
affiliates.