Hi. This blog is simply my opinion and may not be based on any facts whatsoever - I agree but was also advised to provide that statement ;)
I bought into the Computer Troubleshooters ideology when I saw their advert in 'Entrepreneur' magazine for 'one of the best computer franchises'. Little did I know, the company simply paid for the advertisement (as they have for over the past 10 years).
Their 'head office' was a joke - Nothing more than a $1000/month (tiny) office run by a few people - their technology was behind the times (old laptops, linksys routers, etc..), and the 'trainer' (I was the ONLY PERSON being trained, mind you, was a bit too self-assured and always smelled like cigarettes). The 'two day training course' basically showed you how to setup service contracts with companies - Giving them different options for service, time-tables, levels of support, etc.
That being said, I would up paying $12k for a few binders, some notepads, and an email address. After a little over a year, I decided that I would stop paying my 'monthly fees' and disbanded from the company. Things couldn't have been better since: I make more money - The 'support' that I need is easily found online - And, I'm not constricted by corporate fees.
I really do feel cheated out of my $12k though - I would recommend this:
a) Buy a local domain (i.e. 'PhoenixComputerRepair.com'
b) Build a website for your company using Wordpress
c) don't use pay advertising, neither Yellow Pages nor Newspaper (think door-to-door)
d) google 'SEO'
e) have a graphic-design friend make you a good logo for free, or pay someone for a great logo (a profession logo design typically charges around $750 or so)
Finally, I really do have to reiterate how disappointed I was in Computer Troubleshooters (computertroubleshooters dot com, comptroub dot com, etc.) - I feel that their support was lackluster if nonexistent, and the quality of the people supporting the effort were undereducated and dull. But then again, this is only my opinion, and not based on fact. Make your own choice.
According to Chip Reaves of Computer Troubleshooters, on May 14, 2008, Computer Troubleshooters had over 500 locations around the world. Yet, on the Computer Troubleshooters blog (today), he states that there are 'over 450' locations. That's a 10% drop in 2 years - However, I doubt that Chip Reaves numbers are correct - He's probably still counting my 'franchise' as a location....since I left the organization in 2006 yet am still included in all of their internal emails (kinda shows the professionalism of the company, huh?).
Have a question about my post? Post a comment - I won't approve it but will get your email address to answer your question.
