Franchise FAQ's
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| Franchise FAQ's
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Q: Can I operate this business out of my home?
A: Yes! It is even preferred. Once you have sufficient volume to support the additional overhead, then you can move to an inexpensive office/warehouse if you wish. |
Q: What will be my territory be?
A: A map representing reasonable radius of your proposed location will be drawn up after you determine that this opportunity is for you and we have accepted your application. We will send out a proposed map and we ask you to highlight the zip codes that you wish to serve. We do not guarantee that the areas that you request will be awarded to you. We will do everything to honor your wishes but we must consider many factors in mapping out your service area. We will be most happy to discuss any changes that we make from your requested area prior to the final territory mapping. Keep in mind that we prefer to award entire counties, although we make exceptions where there is compelling reason to do so. |
Q: How can I lock in my territory?
A: After we together have decided on the territory, you can lock in your franchise and territory by making a Deposit To Hold Territory. This deposit is a minimum of $1,000 (may be more for larger territories) and reserves your territory for 60 days while we complete the paperwork. The deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward your franchise fee. We require this deposit prior to creating a franchise agreement for you. |
Q: What comes in my package and is there anything else I have to purchase?
A: A complete basic equipment and supply package as well as an Image, Identity and Technical package is required for start up. It contains everything you need to get started, with the exception of a service van. If you have existing equipment that qualifies, we will delete this from the required package. We also offer two optional Truckmount upgrades, water damage restoration package, computer package, and a couple of options on van protection items. Our packages are the most comprehensive in the cleaning industry. A copy of the contents of these packages is available under the section entitled "Equipment". (Click Here to see) You may wish to use this list for obtaining your financing and or leasing.
A minimum quantity of uniforms (5 knit work shirts and 2 dress shirts) for you is included in your Image, Identity and Technical package (Click Here for more details)
A Computerized Business Operating System Solution (CBOSS) is available for PCS franchisees. Although at this time we are not requiring you to purchase this system, we HIGHLY recommend that you start your PCS franchise with the CBOSS hardware and software system. The cost of this computerized solution is currently $9,995.00. One year of unlimited telephone support by the two respective vendors is included in this price and further support after the first year is offered at a reasonable monthly fee. (Click here to learn more)
You will be required to purchase forms and marketing materials from the designated vendor of Professional Carpet Systems. A start-up package of these forms will be sent to you upon execution of the franchise agreement and our acceptance of the same Additional items are included in your Image, Identity, Marketing and Technical Start Up Package.
You are responsible for the transportation of your PCS Van and Equipment from Raleigh, NC. You may drive the van home or pay for shipping or a bonded drive. Most franchisees drive their unit back to their territory. |
Q: When will I get my van and equipment?
A: Outfitted van will be ready to drive back from the training in Raleigh at the conclusion of the class. Getting your van back to your territory is your responsibility, however, we can assist you in finding transportation if you do not wish to drive back. You are responsible for this cost.
Equipment and chemicals will be shipped prepaid to arrive at your location when you or your Manager come back from class or sooner if the paperwork and funding is completed on time and you so desire. |
Q: Should I finance or lease my equipment?
A: This would depend on what your financial needs in this area are. If you are conserving your credit line or wish to minimize your initial investment in this venture, then leasing may be your best option.
If you are looking for the least overall costs in interest or looking to invest some money for tax write off, then cash or financing might be better.
Leasing may also offer you a method of accelerating the write off of a capitalized item.
In any event it would be a good idea to ask your accountant or financial advisor what would be best for you.
We have negotiated extremely attractive rates, for those that qualify, with a lease company that specializes in this industry. You can even lease the entire package for as little as 10% down. |
Q: Who should I hire, and where can I find them?
A: If you plan on operating your business with a manager or adding a technician, previous experience is not a requirement. Although hiring an experienced individual may shorten your learning curve, we can train any intelligent person the technical side of our business. It is much harder to instill the needed management skills into someone.
We have partnered with NCC Assessment Technologies of Jacksonville, Florida to provide you with a customized profile that you can match candidates to. This profile will allow you to compare your candidate to one that has been built by a sophisticated study and computer program. To use this system, simply contact NCC Assessment Technologies at 1-800-737-5622 to receive your start-up package in the mail. The OPQ (Occupation Personality Questionnaire) is the assessment tool that you will administer to your candidate. The cost for this service is nominal and you will be making payment to NCC direct for these services. |
Q: What compensation should I offer the manager or technician and what can he/she expect to make?
A: This is an important question. Some guidelines will be provided to you after you become a PCS franchise. Keep in mind that these are guidelines not mandated compensation plans. Of course the numbers have to be adjusted for your geographic area, quality of the candidate and local needs. But this information will give you a starting point. |
Q: What advertising assistance does PCS provide?
A: PCS will provide:
- Camera ready Yellow page advertising slicks
- We are currently using Telephone Directory Advertising to place the yellow page ads. They have negotiated discount rates. Please check with Dan Fineberg at 314-519-9229 to determine upcoming deadlines and costs.
- Newspaper advertisements
- Direct Mail pieces
- Marriage Mail (Advo) layout
- You will be responsible for all printing, placement and mailing costs
- In addition PCS has developed for purchase through Professional Carpets Systems designated vendor, Arrowhead Printing (770-477-8992) the following items*:
- Insurance Agent Marketing Brochure
- Apartment Marketing Brochure
- Commercial Sales Brochure
- Residential Package Sales Brochure
- Letterhead
- Business Cards
- Forms
- Continuous Form Invoices
- Other marketing materials
*Some of the above are in redesign because of the new logo change and may not be available for a period of time. |
Q: When can I expect to see the finished franchise agreement?
A: After we have settled on a territory and your choice of equipment packages, your acknowledgement of receipt of the UFOC, your Request for Territory Map and your deposit to hold territory, we will proceed with drawing up the documents. We will forward them to you as quickly as possible. |
Q: Where will I purchase my ongoing supplies?
A: We have made this part of the business as easy as we can. Once you are set up, you will only have to deal with four major vendors.
- Private labeled chemicals and equipment-Sun-Belt USA.
- Printed materials-Arrowhead Printing
- Software issues-Our two Software/hardware vendors
- Uniforms from Aramark Uniforms
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Q: Do you have special computer programs to help me run this business and what are the hardware requirements?
A: Yes we do and it is an excellent program that has been time tested for many years. You are not required to operate your PCS business with this software at this time but you may be at a latter date. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you start your business with the CBOSS system. This system can have a major impact on marketing and operating your business successfully, even in the start-up phase. Having one common software program will enable us to have uniformity and assist the entire franchise to grow profitably. One year of unlimited support comes with your package and after that more is available at a reasonable fee. The cost of the software/hardware can be included in your lease.
Because the telephony hardware is very specific, to support it properly it needs to be on a common hardware. We do not use someone's existing computer. You may use your existing computer as a back up for some functions or in a network. (The operations software is good for an unlimited number of users) (Click here to learn more) |
Q: What do I do to get ready for training?
A: When you have executed the franchise document or prototype agreements, we will send you a registration package that will give you the details of where the classes are, where to book your room reservation, etc.
You must fill out all pertinent information and fax back to us immediately.
Please make your airline and hotel reservations as soon as you have made your commitment and we have accepted you as a franchise partner. A delay in doing this can cost you a great deal of money in lost discounts!
You will be sent manuals to read prior to the training. |
Q: Who should attend?
A: Someone that has a vested interest or has some ownership connection must attend. Managers, which may also be the owner, must attend. Any technician that you want trained. Spouses or other family members are encouraged to attend likewise. The technical portions are usually grouped so the technicians will not have to attend those portions that do not apply to them. |
Q: What will I learn and how long will the training last?
A: Our classes generally last two weeks and are held in Raleigh, NC. The cover all aspects of the business and include comprehensive training on:
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet Repair
Carpet Dyeing
Water Damage Restoration
Carpet Sales
Marketing
Production
Bookeeping
To name a few (Click here to see a training overview) |
