|
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Geeks On Call America vs Device Pitstop including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
||
Investment | $53,400 - $82,200 | $100,700 - $218,250 |
Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
Royalty Fee | 11% | 5% |
Advertising Fee | - | $2K/yr |
Year Founded | 1999 | 2013 |
Year Franchised | 2001 | 2013 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
||
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 |
||
Training | - | Product knowledge workshops and using the technology systems and tools in our stores. The entire infrastructure of the store is preconfigured and setup for you, but it's imperative you learn the basics behind the systems. We understand that you are not a technician, but as a business owner, you need to be able to know the product, speak the language, and understand the processes that your technicians will go through. This part of the training is actually the section our franchisees really enjoy. On-The-Job Training: 20 hours Classroom Training: 63 hours |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Ongoing support services include: Grand Opening assistance. Ongoing communication between corporate and franchisees. Planned yearly convention. Continuous networking between franchisees. Personal review of monthly sales figures to ensure proper growth. Continuous research and development. Newsletter Toll-Free Line Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
Marketing | Regional advertising | When you begin your training, you will further explore your store location, merchandising, signage, advertising, and budgeting needs. You will also work with a media buyer on your opening campaign, as well as working with Device Pitstop on a grassroots, local marketing campaign. Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
Operations |
Franchise can be run from home. 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
||
US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | No | - |
The nation’s premier provider of on-site computer service, Geeks On Call was founded in 1999 and started franchising in 2001. Currently we have over 340 independently owned and operated franchises in the United States, with new locations opening regularly. Instantly recognizable by our certified, trained, and tested technicians driving blue Chrysler PT Cruisers, we are one of the fastest-growing franchise companies according to Entrepreneur and Franchise Times.Geeks On Call pioneered the concept of Computer Solutions At Your Home & Business and, in many locations, we also offer same-day on-site computer support. Our services include system security and online privacy solutions, hardware and software repairs and troubleshooting, wireless equipment and network installations, spyware and virus prevention and removal, data backups and transfers, and other forms of on-site computer support that meet today’s increasing demand. The Geeks On Call franchise owners and technicians also serve as high-tech experts for news stories, and have been featured in USA Today, NBC Nightly News, and hundreds of local newspapers and television stations in the cities where we work and live.