'PC Pal' franchise

patman99

Has anyone got any experience of the 'PCPal' franchise?.

I am seriously thinking of going self-employed, and am currently investigating every possibility, including franchise opportunities. As I already have a huge amount of experience in building/repairing computers and networks (both for myself and family/friends), I started looking in to franchises in computer repairs, and this lot caught my eye as they seemed to be the only ones not trying to pass themselves off as something better than they actually are.

PNPSUKNET

I wouldnt recommend it, instead put a line ad in yellow pages. What you have to also consider is that its highly recomended to obtain liability insurance as your going in someone elses home.

yellowlawn

patman99 wrote: »

Has anyone got any experience of the 'PCPal' franchise?.

I am seriously thinking of going self-employed, and am currently investigating every possibility, including franchise opportunities. As I already have a huge amount of experience in building/repairing computers and networks (both for myself and family/friends), I started looking in to franchises in computer repairs, and this lot caught my eye as they seemed to be the only ones not trying to pass themselves off as something better than they actually are.

Patman99, I too have been involved in IT for 12 years now and looked into franchising before. All I can say is the franchise fee you pay, what could you get with that on your own? If you have a bad month and earn little or nothing they still want there monthly fee regardless.

paulwf

How many franchisees do they actually have? Once you get outside the midlands (are these branches owned by the company?) there are only 5 branches. Is it a proven and established franchisee basically? Anyone can franchise but it doesn't mean they can demonstrate success.

The sample figures they give don't seem that great given the outlay and I presume there is an ongoing fee? Remember their sales figures are turnover not profit.

£25K is a very high set up fee, they don't seem to be providing that much. Don't get me wrong I can see some benefit to their training package but perhaps £5K not £25K.

Lastly read the threads on here about setting up as a PC technician, many have tried and failed, I'm not sure if there is anywhere like enough profit to be able to cover the setup and ongoing franchise fees. They certainly aren't a well known brand.

patman99

The main reason for my OP was to see if anyone on here had actually taken on/knows someone who has taken on a PC Pal franchise. That way, I could get an answer as to whether or not it was worth investing £25k. I know they supply the franchisee with training (if required) and quite an extensive toolkit (probably including such stuff as 'Microscope 2000', PSU tester, various cable testers & diagnostics software). If their package includes a vehicle, then it isn't quite so expensive. If it doesn't, then £25k buys a lot of equipment and advertising.

I am investigating the serious poss. of going s/e, and have spoken to a back to work adviser at JC+. If I don't think it will be viable, then I will stay on the dole until a job comes along.

paulwf

They should be able to provide franchisees to speak to. Remember though that they may be selective about who you can talk to. Probably of most value is finding out who is no longer a franchisee, that's assuming they have been franchising for a while. Getting that list will take some digging

You mention vehicles, watch out for this as you may end up having to lease through their "special" contract.

Sorry for sounding cynical, whenever I see a franchise fee of over £10K and premises aren't involved it makes me suspicious.