Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Indy Lube Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
Indy Lube Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$250,000 - $450,000
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$7,500
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%5%
Advertising Fee -5%
Year Founded 19751986
Year Franchised 19751989
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years +5-10
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years +5-10
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

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

    Financing Options

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    Indy Lube 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
    Indy Lube Franchise
    Training -Headquarters 2-3 Weeks
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesCentral Data Processing: At Additional Cost

    Central Purchasing: At Additional Cost

    Field Operation Evaluation

    Field Training

    Initial Store Opening

    Inventory Control

    Franchisee Newsletter

    Regional or National Meetings

    800 Telephone Hotline

    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
    Indy Lube Franchise
    US Expansion 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 Indy Lube

    INDY LUBE oil change centers specialize in fluid maintenance of both passenger and light industrial vehicles. Each INDY LUBE facility is up-scale with a spacious reception room with television, wallpaper and courtesy phone. The INDY LUBE full-service oil change includes a 20-point safety and fluid check. Each center also has a point-of-sale computer system.