Merlin 200000 Mile Shops vs DPF Alternatives Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
DPF Alternatives Franchise
Investment $183,600 - $315,900$45,000 - $141,500
Franchise Fee $26,000 - $30,000$10,000 - $25,000
Royalty Fee 4.9-6.9%$750/mo.
Advertising Fee -$300/mo.
Year Founded 19752013
Year Franchised 19752016
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

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

    Financing Options

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    DPF Alternatives 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
    DPF Alternatives Franchise
    Training --
    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

     
    Merlin 200000 Mile Shops Franchise
    DPF Alternatives Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    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 DPF Alternatives

    "DPF
    DPF Alternatives has franchise opportunities available with many markets selling quickly. If you are interested in joining a highly resilient, fast growing niche market, and you like being part of a team, the largest Diesel Particulate Filter service company in the country would like to welcome you with open arms. Our DPF Alternatives family is always looking for great team players who want to make a difference.

    Veteran Incentives  25% off franchise fee

    #361 in Franchise 500 for 2021.  Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.