Computer & Internet Franchises

What's Out There? A Spotlight on Computer & Internet Franchises

By AMY COVINGTON

WSI: Internet Consulting & Education

With headquarters in Toronto, WSI Internet Consulting & Education was ranked among the Franchise 500 in Entrepreneur Magazine and claims to be the fourth largest fastest-growing international franchise. Their suite of services includes consultation, design, development, hosting, optimization, Web site registration, review of connectivity, training and marketing support. WSI franchisees number 700 in 87 countries and are comprised of men and women of all ages and backgrounds. WSI clients' Internet solution, which is custom tailored and built at one of WSI's Global Production Centers (strategically located in low cost, high-tech regions such as India or Australia), is designed to reduce their business overhead and increase revenues.

Quik Internet

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Quik Internet franchisees offer their customers a full range of Internet products: dial-up Internet access, broadband satellite access, DSL, Web hosting, design and consulting, among many other services. Becoming a Quik Internet is a low overhead business opportunity, which enables non-technical people to deliver tailored Internet services at a local level. The franchise fee $35,000 (plus approximately $14,000 in software and connection fees), entitles franchisees to a host of support systems includes training; a slew of technicians who set up everything and maintain all backend administration, freeing you up to grow your client base; advertising tools and operational support from billing to marketing.

Computer Troubleshooters

Computer Troubleshooters, ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine among the Franchise 500, is an international network of small franchises that provides onsite computer services to small businesses. Founded by Wilson and Susan McOrist in 1996 after selling their previous franchise Express Bookkeeping which had grown to over 200 locations in Australia and New Zealand. The US branch of Computer Troubleshooters was formed by Chip Reeves in 1999 after he had successfully built his own computer service CIPTECH Computer Services into one of the largest small business computer service firms in Georgia. Currently, there are 300 Troubleshooter locations in 16 countries, which 150 locations in the United States.

GlobeNetix

With headquarters in Houston, Texas, the GlobenNetix System enables small and emerging businesses to access New Economy opportunities, relying on personal approaches from a local Web Strategist dedicated to creating a beneficial presence for their business on the Web. GlobenNetix provides custom Web sites using SiteAssistant, an editing application that allows the customer to manage content; personalized Web Assessment and Strategic Reports from a certified "Web Strategist" to create an effective Web presence; Internet promotion and advertising; custom Intranet, e-Commerce and graphics; and access to the Internet through dial-up, DSL, and T1 connections.

Netspace

NETSPACE franchises, ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list, total 52 in 25 states and is a international franchisor of Internet-based business solutions services, as well as Web site design and hosting under the registered trademark. Netfran is the only full-service, large franchisor of Internet consultancies in the U.S. today, according to Founder and President Elliot Krasnow. Netspace franchisees help small and medium-sized businesses grow via proprietary Internet-based marketing technologies and strategies developed by Netspace. They are supported by Netspace staff who have the marketing, consulting, technical, training, education and advertising experience needed to service clients from all sectors of the business and professional community. With a franchise fee of $39,500 and total investment from $51,200 - 70,900 (including the franchise fee), franchisees receive one week of training at headquarters, with ongoing training at the franchisee's location and support including a toll-free phone line, Internet support, field operations/evaluations, purchasing cooperatives, and marketing support such as co-op advertising, national media and regional advertising.

Computer Tots/Computer Explorers

Computer Tots/Computer Explorers, who also rank on the Franchise 500 list, offer enrichment programs delivered at childcare centers and preschools for children ages 3-Kindergarten and for kids ages six and up delivered at private and public schools. Their programs help kids discover technology through exploration. Franchisees market technology services, hire, and train and supervise teachers to teach classes. The franchise fee is $25,000 with an estimated $10,000 - $13,900 in additional costs, which entitles franchisees to comprehensive training, ongoing franchise services support, curriculum development, marketing and program materials, newsletters, system-wide mailings, marketing and program materials, public relations materials and guidance, private online bulletin board access, a Web page, and annual conference.

Rescuecom

After opening his first computer business in 1985, David A. Milman experienced success as his business grew. He realized the challenges in hiring and retaining qualified employees and decided franchising his business was the best was to expand. In 1998, Rescuecom franchisees began offering onsite computer repair, maintenance and installation services. Placed on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list, as well as receiving placements on other prestigious Entrepreneur Magazine lists including Top New Franchises in 2003, Top 101 Homebased Franchises in 2004 and Top Low-Cost Franchises in 2003 and 2004 (the franchise fee is $2,500 - $28,900) , Rescuecom has 51 franchise locations.

Friendly Computers

With humble begins in a college apartment in 1992, Friendly Computers is now a successful franchise operation, earning mention on the Franchise 500 list, and providing businesses and consumers with computer repair and support. The company helps customers from beginning users setting up their first computer to large corporation installing networks and implementing e-commerce solutions. Franchise fees range from $9,500-25,000 and include a toll free phone line, grand opening, Internet, purchasing cooperatives, and marketing and advertising support.

CM IT Solutions

With 120 locations in 29 states and another 40 scheduled to open before the end of 2004, CM IT Solutions functions as a technology partner/mentor for businesses with 50 employees or fewer. Franchisees and their staff are trained to help clients leverage technology to save money, increase efficiency and/or generate incremental revenues. CM IT personnel can also build basic Web sites using a template-based site builder from another partner, assist in setting up e-mail marketing programs, and install one of the most important capabilities in the tech world today: a wireless network.

Alpha Graphics Printshops of the Future - Digital Publishing, Internet/Printing

The first AlphaGraphics Printshops of The Future location opened in Tucson, Ariz., in 1970. Nine years later, the company became a franchise business with operations located throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. AlphaGraphics offer a variety of printing, copying, and publishing services including custom-made business forms, stationery, announcements and presentation folders. Web site design also is available. Franchisees can buy in for an investment of $352,000-545.900 in start up costs.

Consultis: Information Technology

Begun in 1984 Consultis, focusing singularly in the IT arena, offers support staffing services: consultants for PC technical, help desk and Web support; network administration and data center operations; contract staffing and resource placement services.

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