9 Tech Service Franchises To Keep Your Eye On
Although there aren't scads of them, there are a number of tech services franchises popping onto the scene. Not only might you find yourself competing local against them, they could be valuable partners if your own service needs outgrow your ability to handle them internally. I also think you might be able to take a cue from their advertising and outreach activities.
I wrote about one of the biggest ones, Geeks On Call, in a business profile for Digital Connect magazine last year. Here are some others you might keep an eye on.
• WSI Internet: Bills itself as a network of consultants that handle e-business solutions for small and midsize businesses.
• Computer Troubleshooters: Now up to 450 locations around the world, the company's U.S. operation was formed by Chip Reaves, founder of Chiptech Computer Services out of Georgia.
• Rescuecom: Self-billed provider of IT services, boasting one hour emergency response time and 24x7 customer service center.
• Fast-teks On-site Computer Services: Boasts consulting and training services for business owners and residential customers.
• Concerto Networks professes to be a provider of low-cost solution services to small and midsize businesses, including offerings such as the "m" word (managed services!)
• Computer Renaissance, with almost 100 retail stores originally focused on redeploying refurbished systems and offering onsite repair; now it sells new equipment, too.
These two franchises weren't ranked, but they were listed by the magazine as worth watching.
• Launched in 1996 out of Texas, there are currently about 120 CM IT Solutions stores with plans for several hundred more locations by 2010.
• TeamLogic IT is a series of tech consulting operations related to the Sir Speedy and PIP Printing franchise networks.
Have you run across any of these guys? Send me your feedback, tips and other channel business gossip at [email protected].