With its mend and make good mentality, WindowGeeks specialises in repairing windows, doors and conservatories
A true business opportunity needs something special. A unique selling point that makes it stand out from the crowd. It also helps if there is real consumer demand and that the market conditions are right.
So what better, in an age of austerity and thrift, than a money saving service that gives households something traditional double-glazing companies can’t - or won’t - provide?
Discover
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“Customers are amazed when they call us round and discover the huge savings they can make,” says WindowGeeks’founder Phill Pedley. “And despite almost four decades in the glazing industry, I’m still amazed by the ridiculous quotes customers are given for work they just don’t need.
“I went to see a lady in Morecambe recently who was told she needed to spend £2,300 on new windows when, in fact, all she needed was a replacement double glazed unit that cost £25.That’s an extreme case, but typically our costs for repairs will be in the hundreds, whereas commission driven salespeople will be pitching replacement windows in the thousands.”
WindowGeeks specialises in repairing windows, doors and conservatories. It sources parts that double glazing firms claim are no longer available, replaces the glass if it’s just the glass that needs replacing and has a mend and make good mentality that’s on trend both environmentally and economically.
“Now is the right time to be joining WindowGeeks,” says Exeter-based franchisee Brian Devine.“This business is ready to explode. It will be the first place people will go to for window repairs and I wanted to secure my share of the market here in the West Country”
Six months into his new business, Devine has no regrets about leaving his job as a telephone service engineer. “I used to travel every day, spending mind-numbing hours on the motorway and getting home late at night completely shattered,” he says. “I still work hard, but the business is much closer to home so I can get back to spend time with my wife. My job before was quite mundane, whereas I enjoy every moment in this business and especially dealing with people.”
He adds:“Leaving the security of a monthly salary was a daunting prospect, but I was getting orders from customers before I’d even finished my training. I knew from the moment I met Phill that this is a real business with massively untapped potential. And the support I have received has been invaluable, especially in the early days while I was learning about the technology and terminology”.
Search
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There are 17 WindowGeeks areas operating in the UK and the search is now on for more driven and enthusiastic people who’d like to run their own business. The franchise is ideally suited to ex-installers or practically minded individuals with people skills who can take on all aspects of the business. A low entry fee of £7,995 (plus VAT) puts the franchise within the reach of most and without heavy overheads its ongoing costs are minimal.
For people with management skills, however, there is the option to take on staff and run a multi-van operation. In partnership with two business associates, chartered accountant John Commander has invested in five WindowGeeks territories.
“From a financial perspective, this franchise is set up properly,” he says. “And I should know what to look out for. The franchisor makes his money downstream - when we are successful - and not from high upfront costs. I invested because I like the brand, the business has been tried and tested in various parts of the country and the economic climate is perfect for this business right now”.