Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs CARSTAR Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$298,200 - $804,300
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$20,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%1.5%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19751989
Year Franchised 19751989
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
CARSTAR Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    CARSTAR 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
    CARSTAR Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours Additional Training: Regional training, 1-2 days; Ongoing training at franchisee's location as needed
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    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)

    		Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 8 - 9

    Expansion Plans
     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    CARSTAR Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    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 CARSTAR

    CARSTAR is a champion of the independent collision repair operators, consequently, CARSTAR is the largest automotive collision repair franchise in North America. The well publicized industry dynamitics: declining repair opportunities, acceleration in shops being de-selected from Insurance referral programs, excess repair capacity, increased competition from Multi-Shop Operators and Consolidators, and scarcity of skilled labor, has changed how the Independent Collision Repair Operator needs to conduct business. The CARSTAR Franchise program offers many solutions to these and other issues in which you and your business may be facing. We believe we are the champion for quality Independent shops, providing effective training solutions, staying involved in National and Local Industry Associations and developing sale and marketing programs to help our Franchisees compete in this turbulent market.

    CARSTAR leverages the purchasing power of Driven Brands to provide tremendous benefits for our CARSTAR store owners. Nearly 50 corporately managed purchasing programs provide our CARSTAR partners on average $25,000 or more in cost savings and rebates. With larger volume stores easily surpassing that amount in rebates. Store owners also benefit from a national fleet program, top vendor partnerships and support from national service providers.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a conversion CARSTAR franchise is $23,500 to $165,300. This includes $10,000 to $20,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new (ground-up) CARSTAR franchise is $298,200 to $804,300. This includes $10,000 to $20,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

    "Top""  "Entrepreneur
    #17 in Canada's Top franchises.
    #120 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #164 in Franchise 500 for 2021.