looking into wr

[def328]

Just found this forum today, looks like a good resource for information.
My first post and question. I have a chance to purchase a existing windshield repair franchise. I would be trained by the franchise and he would do some additional training with me and introduce me to all his regular customers. He has has the business for 8 years and I believe the price is right. I don't think from talking with him he has pursued all the business to be had, he seems happy with the business he has and only working a few days a week.

Trying to figure out what kind of income is possiable with proper advertising (he does none at all now) and working the business much harder than he does.

From what I have read so far on this forum, many of you seem very happy in the wr business.

Thanks!

[GlasWeldTech]

It could be worth looking into if it is for you. Myself, I wouldn't buy into a franchise. With a little hard work you could get the business that you say he doesn't have. Please take the time to fill out your profile and maybe some more of the other oldies will chime in.O love my job!!

[Brent Deines]

As the former owner of a franchise owner (not windshield repair), I can tell you that there may be advantages and disadvantages to owning one. Just be sure to read the fine print and do your homework. Windshield repair equipment is not all that expensive, and training opportunities abound, so you need to ask yourself what it is that you are buying.

Is it the name? Sometimes that is worth quite a bit, but only if that name carries an excellent reputation. Is it the customer base? The name and customer base are called good will, and don

[def328]

I think what I would be primarly be buying is the customer base. Through the franchise he has several national accounts, rental cars, etc. He has picked up some dealerships too. I wouldn't be starting from scratch this way. I just don't know yet what the potential income is for this type of business.
Thanks.

[SGT]

The true potential depends on the individual and how you operate your business. So it is up to you to realize what your true potential is. I would not go by what the MFG's use as an example for the profit potential in this business. Is it possible? Sure it is but not the norm by any means. Do not have false expectations of getting rich quick with this. It takes time and a lot of effort.

[Sneck]

Sounds to me like you would be buying a franchise AND somebody's business with all the customers too. This is WAY better than "buying into" a franchise that you have to start from the ground up and develop your own customers from day 1. If the price is right, I don't see how you can go wrong.

However, Brent Deines has brought up several important questions that should be taken very seriously when making your decision.

Good Luck!

[GlassStarz]

guys the harsh facts are that most people who fail here fail for the obvios reason NO CUSTOMERS a huge percentage of the guys who buy kits couldnt sell thier bodies in a womens prison sit around grumbling that this isnt gonn work and then sell thier kit on ebay sad but true. If someone can buy a existing business with a proven clientel the hard work is already done. As long as the seller does enough to keep the existing customers on line its worth the blue sky in the sales price.

[mrchip]

hey def328....answer the questions on post 2 from brent and that would give us more to work with...are you a people person??..can you take rejection??..do you have a positive attitude??..i know for me if i had to pay a royaltyand locked into their products i wouldn't buy it..i like my freedom

[def328]

I think the name has a good reputation from what I have found so far. I have called other franchisees in other cities and the company seems to really take good care of them. It is the customer base that gets me interested, its business already there for me to hit the ground running. I would consider myself pretty good people person, I believe I can get more business. I also know I have a lot of pride in my work so I'm not worried about keeping customers. The royalty is 4%, so in comparison to other franchises I have looked at its fairly low. The price is the same price he paid for the franchise 8 years ago, so considering I'm getting the customers it sure seems fair. He is willing to take me out to all customers and introduce me etc. He is also willing to work with me for some time after the purchase for additonal things he has learned out in the field. As far as having to purchase their products, at this point I don't know.

Thanks.

[mrchip]

i still don't like it..why not just buy customer list..forget the franchise..and buy a delta kit..free training and keep all the money..you are not your own when you pay royalty and i'm sure you will have to buy from them..they will monitor you and if supplies drop off or volume they will want answers..i'm sure their products are pricey.. i sold my customer list when i left jersey..if this guy wants to unload and get some moola...try it..is it superglass?/or fleet??