I am interested in owning a Fresh Car SMART Repair Franchise, how do I get started?
We are delighted that you are interested in starting a Fresh Car franchise and joining a fast growing, successful business. Please complete the application form and we will be in contact with you. We do have a robust and in-depth franchise recruitment process and franchises will be awarded to suitably qualified individuals following a thorough 2-way process that ensures we are both comfortable with our business relationship.
What skills do I need?
We primarily require individuals who have the energy and motivation to deliver our SMART Repair services to our growing customer base, ensuring high quality SMART Repair services are consistently applied. The ability to create a strong customer base and deliver customer service excellence is essential.
You must be keen to manage your own business, focus on success and be prepared to put in the necessary time and effort to “make it happen”. You must also have an interest and affinity with the services we provide. It is not necessary for you to have all the skills to operate the Fresh Car SMART Repair Franchise, as you will be provided with the necessary knowledge and expertise during training.
How can I finance the Fresh Car SMART Repair Franchise?
The Franchise can either be financed from personal capital or from a business loan – most of the major clearing banks have specialist Franchise Departments as they view Franchising as a safer way to start a new business. In this regard, local Bank Managers will usually provide good terms and a higher lending proportion of the required start-up capital than might otherwise be available. Franchisees could also apply for business loans through the Start Up Loan Company [ www.startuploans.co.uk ] which is a Government-backed loan scheme for new start-up businesses.
How will territories be protected?
You will be awarded rights to operate a Fresh Car Franchise in your territory which will be predetermined in the Franchise Agreement. The Franchise Agreement will contain a clause that provides you with more than adequate protection. In essence, we will offer a limited number of franchises in a given geographic area based on local supply & demand for our services.
Will I need to prepare a business plan?
Yes, as we will need to satisfy ourselves that what you project in your business plan is both realistic and achievable. You will also require this for your own planning and for raising any additional funding required to start your business.
What is the longevity of the Fresh Car SMART Repair business?
The Fresh Car SMART Repair business model is driven by the following factors:
- Strong brand, brand image and consumer awareness
- A proven, well-developed business model – delivered through our Mobile SMART Repair network
- Consumer demand for high quality car SMART Repair services
- Service delivery – local, friendly service offering convenience & reliability
- Technology-driven business that delivers efficiencies for our franchisees, and delivers an excellent customer experience
- An experienced, motivated, and well-resourced Head Office team
What online order protection does Fresh Car SMART Repair offer customers?
Fresh Car’s online capability is a safe and secure way of placing your order. All information submitted within the order process and personal organiser is encrypted to ensure that all customers’ personal and sensitive information is kept secure.
How many staff will I require?
We envisage that franchisees will predominantly be franchisee operators, with the ability to work on their own initiative but with the full, ongoing support of Fresh Car’s team.
Franchisee’s may opt to employ an assistant technician to work alongside you in the business, but this will be your personal decision based on local demand, workload & personal preference. Over time, some Franchisees may decide to invest in & operate multiple mobile van SMART Repair services and employ technicians for each vehicle. In any event, Fresh Car will assist and advise you on an ongoing basis, as & when required or requested.
If you take on an employee to operate in your own geographical area, then there is no additional upfront payment to be made to Fresh.
On what basis do you select your Franchisees?
We want our Franchisees to succeed, and on that basis, we will be very selective. Broadly, we want ambitious people, particularly from customer service oriented environments, who are interested in promoting the Fresh Car SMART Repair brand and our range of products and services in your franchise territory. You will be able to absorb procedures and systems with ease, be disciplined, capable and have a positive outlook. Above all we look for happy and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for delivering high standards and communicating this to their customers, prospective customers and working with us in a team-focused ethos.
Is Franchising the best option for me?
Assuming you have made the decision to own and operate your own business, then franchising may be your best option as it offers many clear advantages over creating a new business from scratch. You will be able to use our existing business format and our systems, processes, and operational knowledge, thereby reducing the risk and cost of starting up a completely new business or working in a new industry sector.
Our services are developed and have been successfully tested and operated in the marketplace. You will have much more credibility with your clients’ who will see you as part of a larger, national organisation. This will give you the time to focus on growing your business with the confidence and knowledge that we are with you all the way.
Is my success guaranteed?
The simple answer to this question is no. As with any business, success does not just happen. It requires hard work, focus, dedication, and a passion for what you do.
We will be there to help and support you all the way, so with your commitment and the Fresh Car methods, systems & processes and our expertise and many years’ experience, everything will be in place for a successful future.
Whilst you will benefit from our nationwide marketing, it’s also important to note your success will depend on your own local marketing initiatives. It will be your job to do the local promotion i.e. handing out leaflets, using your own network, and contacting local companies to help generate repeat business.
Can I sell my Franchise?
Yes. One of the benefits of owning a business is the ability to sell on that business and receive the capital appreciation you have built up over time. Obviously, we will want to first approve the new business owner prior to issuing a new Franchise Agreement, just as we will with you prior to your acceptance to the Fresh Car SMART Repair Franchise.
How important is the brand image?
Image will be vital to the identity of the Fresh Car Franchise network and the successful development of all our Franchisees. Branding and brand awareness will be national; Fresh Car and all Franchisees will need to play their part in supporting this.
What is the renewal franchise fee?
You may renew the Franchise Agreement after the 5-year term for a further 5 years. We do not charge renewal fees, but you will need to pay our reasonable legal and administration costs.
What training is required?
At Fresh you will receive two weeks of comprehensive hands-on training with our training programme. Our expert training team will provide you with the practical skills and instruction to get you up to professional standards. There’s also on-going support and technical aftercare available to help build your knowledge and experience. You’ll also be able to spend time with existing franchisees and at Fresh HQ to get a real feel for how to run a successful business.