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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs Dominion Auto Centers 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 | $50,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $26,000 - $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4.9-6.9% | 8% |
| Advertising Fee | - | $100 per vehicle sold, 2% of service revenue |
| Year Founded | 1975 | 2012 |
| Year Franchised | 1975 | 2012 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | Needs to have some background in either auto repair or auto sales. | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | Upfront training program, 24/7 online training and operating procedure archive access, social media marketing, event management, lead generation programs, supplier management/development programs, etc, etc. |
| 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 |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | Yes |
| International Expansion | No | - |
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.
Canada's independent chain of Auto Dealership & Repair shops. Credit solutions for all customers and repair financing now available. Dominion Auto Centres� is Canada's first complete auto centre concept. Used Car/Truck Sales & Finance, Automotive Repair & Service, Tires, Towing Accessories and more! A truly complete concept and franchises are now available coast to coast.