How to become a windscreen repair professional

Optic-Kleer provides franchisees with everything they need to become a windscreen repair professional

With time becoming more and more of a luxury in modern life, being able to combine two crucial jobs at the same time is a godsend.

Windscreen repair business Optic-Kleer has a network of franchisees in more than 300 locations around the UK who work mostly from supermarket and DIY stores, meaning they can usually repair a chipped windscreen while a customer shops, saving valuable time - a hugely attractive prospect for busy adults nationwide.

Benefits for customers

Because most insurance policies cover windscreen repairs, the work usually ends up not costing clients a penny - and for many customers, the beauty of the service is Optic-Kleer can take care of the insurance paperwork too.

The benefits for customers are obvious, not least because Optic- Kleer doesn’t replace windscreens, meaning customers are not pushed into replacements they don’t need. If a windscreen can be repaired, an experienced technician can repair it, often taking as little as 20 minutes to complete.

The benefits for franchisees are also clear. The Optic-Kleer franchise package is a turnkey business opportunity that equips franchisees from the outset.

A low initial fee of £19,950-plus VAT (which can be reclaimed) includes all training, accommodation and meals, equipment, consumables, uniform and marketing materials - in fact, everything a potential franchisee needs to become a windscreen repair professional.

And with funding available for the right applicants, only £7,500-plus VAT of personal funds is required to start a business that offers a better work-life balance.

As with any start-up, a positive attitude and approach are essential to running the business. Optic-Kleer franchisees who are friendly and have the ability to talk to people are likely to have plenty of happy customers.

John Speare, a franchisee since 2011, says: “Becoming a franchisee was a real buzz for me because I always wanted to own my own business.

“Although I have the safety of the umbrella of an organisation, I felt like I was about to embark on my own business, which was fantastic.

“Once you’re set up with the marketing materials provided with the franchise, you attract a lot of customers and you don’t have to do the hard sell at all.”

Company set-up

What does the company offer as well as full training on repairing windscreens at its head office in Lincolnshire? The team at the head office helps with setting up a limited company (including VAT registration) and introduces franchisees to an accountant to advise on their accounts, managing director David Overton says.

David adds: “Crucially, we professionally map and define an exclusive windscreen repair territory to suit you.

“And in addition to the initial training, you will get on-site mentoring with one of our experienced technicians, who will help you turn the workshop training into reality with hard earnings and hands-on repairs.”