Last Updated on August 1, 2012 by DeanR
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Franchise
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops is a franchise for a business providing auto repair, tires, and maintenance. It was founded in 1975 and started franchising that same year.
It was purchased in 1990 and changed their management. They said that they had to change their philosophy. Instead of focusing on immediate transactions like others, they focus more on developed relationships with their customers. Their proof that their philosophy was successful is that it took them only three and a half years to pay off their loan when they acquired the business.
They were also able to grow the company by 42% by the end of 1995. They believe that their business is not just focused on fixing cars but they also focus on developing and growing their employees. They also focus on providing supporting and training their franchisees. They also go by “relationship marketing”. They now have 45 locations in the United States and 12 locations that are company owned.
What services do they offer at Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops?
They offer Oil Change and Lube, Brake Service and Repair, Muffler and Exhaust, Maintenance Tune-Up, Shocks, Struts, and Springs, Tire Replacement, Rotation and Balancing, Air Conditioning Services and Recharge, Wheel Alignment, Fuel Injection Cleaning, Coolant Service, Belt and Hose Replacement, Wiper Blade and Light Bulb Replacement, Steering System Repair, Timing Belt Replacement, Engine Gasket Replacement, Batteries, Starters, Alternator Replacements, Transmission Fluid and Filter Change, OBD and Diagnostics Scan, Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat Replacement, CV Joints, Boots, Axles, U-Joints, Fuel Pump and Filter Replacement, Power Steering Fluid Replacement, Trailer Hitches, and Engine and Transmission Mount Replacement.
With every service that you avail also comes with their 20 Point Vehicle Inspection. They also sell products such as Exhaust like Arvin or Supreme, Goerlichs, Flowmaster, and Magnaflow. For Brakes, they have Bendix, Raybestos, and Wagner. For Ride Control, they have Gabriel, Monroe, and Moog. They have warranties such as DRIVE FOR 200,000 Transferable Warranty and 200,000 Mile Tire Warranty. For those who want something to remember them by, they also sell Technician Apparel, Service Desk Apparel, and Promotional Merchandise like Key Tags, Sport Pen, and Magnet Business Cards to franchisees to give away to their customers.
Cost and requirements on running a Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops franchise
You need to have a net worth of $75,000 and a total liquid asset of at least $25,000 to $60,000. Expect to be investing about $222,000 to $393,000. The cost of Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops franchise fee is $30,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 6.9%. This is for a renewable 20 year term agreement. You will need about five employees to run one location. They allow multi-unit ownership. They do not allow absentee ownership.
What is included in the franchise package?
There will be six weeks training at the headquarters and at corporate training centers. You will be receiving newsletters and a toll free phone number. You will be provided assistance at the grand opening. You will be given access to the internet and to purchasing cooperatives. Expect to be attending meetings and receiving occasional field evaluations. For marketing support, there will be ad slicks, co-op advertising, and regional advertising.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Contact Details
You may reach them at:
Address: 3815 E. Main St., Suite D St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: (630) 513-8200