Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Honest-1 Auto Care including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$206,650 - $659,150
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$45,000
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%6%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19752003
Year Franchised 19752003
Term Of Agreement 20 years20
Term Of Agreement 20 years20
Renewal Fee -25% of franchise fee at the time of renewal


Business Experience Requirements

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience; customer service
  • An automotive background is helpful but not required. Solid business acumen is required with marketing aptitude as well as the ability to motivate a staff and supervise day to day operations.


    Financing Options

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 4 weeks Classroom Training: 3 weeks Additional Training: Ongoing training
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives

    There is a three week training program, coupled with frequent webinars, an annual convention, a proprietary line of fluid products at discounted costs to Zees, and field support through corporate staff, Region Developers, and vendors. 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 Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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)

    The owner will spend 50% of their time in the center, 50% networking, marketing and developing fleet accounts. Average number of employees to run a location is 8-10; 1-2 Managers, 4 Technicians and the owner. Hiring assistance is provided.


    Expansion Plans

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 Honest-1 Auto Care

    Honest-1 is the only national full-service auto repair and maintenance franchise chain that is 100 percent ESA Certified Eco-Friendly Auto Care. Honest-1 executes numerous eco-friendly actions companywide, including strict recycling of auto materials, pollution prevention, resource conservation and trademarked services such as ECO TuneUp and ECO Oil Change. In addition to its high standards to be environmentally responsible, Honest-1 is committed to all-around quality customer service unprecedented in the auto repair and maintenance industry. Each Honest-1 staff member and technician is thoroughly trained to meet company-set standards, which are designed to make the maintenance process less intimidating for non-auto enthusiasts while providing upfront, honest service. With 22 locations throughout the U.S., Honest-1 centers are family-friendly, and are characterized by clean and upscale waiting areas, Internet cafes, children's play areas, comfortable chairs and couches, HDTV and complimentary beverage stations. Honest-1 plans to open 10 more locations nationwide in the next year. For more information and to inquire about available franchise opportunities, visit www.honest-1.com. Honest-1 Auto is growing rapidly and has an opportunity for you.

    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee