Expetec� Instantfx Expected To Be Instant Hit

Imagine being able to create a web site for your small business in much the same way that you order a sandwich and pay for it at your favorite sub shop: built to your specifications and ready in a week’s time. It does take a little bit longer to build a web site than a hoagie, after all. That’s the premise behind InstantFx (pronounced “instant effects”), a provider of web site design and hosting services. It is a new franchise offering of parent company Expetec Corporation, based in Aberdeen , S.D. The company’s original concept, Expetec Technology Services, has been a leader in the information technology services industry since it began franchising in 1996. It has 151 service locations in 30 states. If Expetec Technology Services is the respected older sister, Instant FX is the brash little brother. It’s a lean, mean, fun and easy business for franchisees and customers alike. One meeting with an InstantFX franchisee is all it takes for a small business owner to have a web presence, usually in a week’s time. Customers select a web site design from a fast-food-inspired-menu system that features an inventory of hundreds of templates specifically suited to different industries along with other options and custom features. After making their selection, customers cannot only see what the site will look like when completed, but they are also given a price on the spot. “My goal was to make the process similar to the way you would order a sub sandwich,” said Lonnie Helgerson, founder of InstantFX and the Expetec Corporation. “You get to choose the type of bread, meats and condiments you want and then you’re told how much it will cost. To me, there was no reason you couldn’t do web sites the same way.” The franchising process is equally simple. The franchise fee is only $3,500 along with a $25 per week system access fee. The only required equipment is a laptop computer, scanner, printer and Internet access, which most people likely already have. Franchisees earn profits by taking a percentage of the initial design fee and build residual income by receiving a monthly share of the hosting revenue for each of their customers. Helgerson expects most franchisees to run InstantFX on a part-time basis and says it should be particularly appealing to individuals such as college students or stay-at-home mothers looking to earn extra money. However, it can easily be run as a full-time business for those with greater aspirations. Because business is conducted at the client’s location, there is no need for an office. “The simplicity and cost of owning an InstantFx franchise is very attractive,” Helgerson said. “Plus, it has a little sex appeal because it’s part of the Internet movement.” Spice is exactly what Helgerson was looking to put into InstantFX, whose creation somewhat evolved from customer demands fielded by sister brand Expetec. While Expetec Technology Services might be considered staid and professional (an image Helgerson admits he’s looking to change), InstantFX not only has a catchy name, but a jazzy, simple, vibrant logo with eye-catching colors and a web site ( www.instantfx.biz) that captures its essence. “We wanted to be the fast food of the web services business,” Helgerson said. “We wanted to have fun with InstantFX. So far, I think we’ve hit a home run with it.” InstantFX is a perfect complement to sister company Expetec; so much so that existing Expetec franchisees were given the opportunity to add the InstantFX brand at no cost, creating an instant network of more than 60 InstantFX service providers. Helgerson also expects to sell 5 to 10 independent InstantFX franchises by Dec. 31. “We thought it was a perfect extension of what we were already doing,” said Helgerson. “It made sense for us to create a co-branding opportunity for our franchisees much like KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Plus, creating a separate brand for web services makes it easier for our Expetec franchisees to go after another segment of customers.” While there are established competitors within the industry, Helgerson sees no one having an established national foothold, or as he puts it, “Nobody is the McDonald’s of web services, by any means.” Potential customers for InstantFX include not only small and medium-size businesses, but also organizations, schools, individuals or virtually any entity that needs a web presence. InstantFX offers a three-tiered pricing structure, starting with a basic package geared toward customers who have never had a web site. The second tier offers more advanced options while the third offers customized programming. InstantFX franchisees won’t be able to run their business from in front of their computer. They’ll have to actively solicit customers, but InstantFX offers a variety of advertising, marketing and promotional materials, including an optional direct mail program. A small business owner might pay an average of $500 to $700 for the design of a basic web site, plus additional monthly hosting fees that include e-mail capabilities. Creation of customized e-commerce sites is also available. The design process is handled by one of InstantFX’s multiple operations centers. Helgerson said he was once a layman himself when it came to technology and understands the needs of an auto body shop operator, insurance salesman or Main Street business owner. Most of these people don’t have the knowledge to create their own web site, don’t have the time or don’t want the usual delays associated with such an undertaking. “Our customers will know exactly what they’re getting when they pay for it,” Helgerson said. “When it comes to web site design, no one has taken the level of service to the customer like we’re doing with InstantFX.” For franchise information visit Expetec.com

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