Only three months into his new ChipsAway venture, Sean Wiltshire is busier than he ever imagined possible and loving being his own boss with the help and support of the UK’s leading minor car paintwork repair franchise. When Sean first started researching into the different franchise options, he attended an exhibition and looked at as many opportunities as possible. Many were out of his price range, but ChipsAway seemed to fit the bill perfectly – a relatively low investment, with a very reasonable return and the added benefit of being able to develop into a larger operation further along the line.
Sean came straight to the next open day at ChipsAway’s Head Office in the Midlands – which just so happened to be the following day! “The open day was hugely informative and interesting – it made the decision making a very quick and easy process,” explains Sean. “Soon after that I started training, which was brilliant and although I think I’m a fairly practical person, the trainers really helped make it easy to pick up.”
During the four-week comprehensive training course the team at Head Office put everything in place for the launch of your ChipsAway business. This includes organising your stationery, putting together a marketing plan and booking promotions, creating your website landing page and personal email, as well as organising the van livery and uniform. “My launch weekend was phenomenal; we were inundated by people wanting repairs done. In total, we estimated well over £5k worth of repairs and took bookings which kept me busy for the next few weeks. I even managed to secure a national account - I couldn’t believe how effective it was!” Sean says. Just three months in and already making good money from his ChipsAway business, Sean can also see the potential for earning substantially more, especially with his plans for expansion; “I’d like to grow into a CarCare Centre (fixed base workshop) within the next year,” he comments. “I’d then take more of a managerial role, developing the business and employing others to undertake the repairs.”
Sean couldn’t be happier with the way things are going for him since joining ChipsAway; he’s earning a great living and gets to meet new and interesting people every day, which he thoroughly enjoys. His only advice for potential franchisees considering joining the network is quite simply, “just do it!”