Franchisee Testimonials

Craig MacDonald -

Former Brisbane Bayside and Brisbane Southside Franchisee

I started my first Glass Technology business in late '96 and did so well that within two years I had 2 Sub-contractors and was servicing 2 areas.

Having the 2 sub-contractors had allowed me the ability to increase the business as there were now 3 of us working. I was primarily in the area of sales, technical and logistical support. After nearly 9 years I had sold the areas to my sub-contractors and I have now retired. Both of the sub-contractors are now business owners in their own right and are doing very well indeed.

I believe my success was is in no small part due to the outstanding support received from Glass Technology Sunshine State. This support can be measured in three very important areas.

1. Research and Development
Glass Technology Sunshine State continuously measure and evaluate new products and systems to ensure that their franchisees have the latest and most effective equipment and products available. This allowed us unparalleled market advantage and afforded me the ability to penetrate our competitor's client base, and might I add, much to their chagrin.

2. Supply of Stock and Equipment
Most small businesses in Australia have mild to chronic liquidity problems. This is due in large part to unreliable suppliers of products and or services. This has never been the case in relation to Glass Technology Sunshine State. Having adopted a philosophy of "just in time buying" I found my cash flow was solid because I could always rely on prompt and speedy service from the franchisor. This had allowed me to invest money back into the growth of the business. Please let me state that in the 9 years of my association with the franchisor I have never ever been let down.

3. Support - Technical Direction and Networking
Being part of this franchise allows you to access the scope and depth of knowledge and experience gained and willingly shared by the Glass Technology Team.

Technical
On a few occasions I had a need to ask about particular problems with relation to head light repairs. One time I was on the phone for about an hour while I was walked through a very difficult repair. This was done without any reserve whatsoever and impressed me greatly. I have never had a problem that has not been able to be resolved either by phone or email, and I believe that this type of support is second to none.


Networking
Not many small businesses have the networking scope that is provided by Glass Technology Sunshine State and its Franchisees. With Mike, (Cairns) Scratch Hog Repairs. Scott,(Brisbane Southside) Taillight Repairs. John, (Gold Coast) Headlight Repairs and of course "me" who knew everything after 2 months (not). There is nothing that cannot be worked through. Someone will know.

I am more than willing to discuss any aspect of this endorsement if needs be, and I am available business hours.

Yours Respectfully,
Craig E MacDonald
6 Norfolk Court
Point Halloran, Qld, 4165
Phone 07 3207 0909
cammacd@bigpond.net.au

 

 

October 15, 2005

If you are reading this you are considering the purchase of a Glass Technology Franchise, and asking yourself all those questions in relation to its viability, the effort required to operate the business, will it provide lifestyle benefits, can I, or do I have the skills to effectively conduct repairs.  All these questions can only be answered by you, based on what you expect to gain from operating your own business, and the effort you are prepared to put in. As an existing Glass Technology Franchise owner I can only relate my experience since commencement.

I purchased my Glass Technology Franchise in August 2001. The decision to purchase this Franchise over other options was not an easy one as there are considerable business opportunities available, however did come down to a couple of factors, including an interest in the motor trade, a business which allowed freedom to work when I wanted and take time out if required, and support received and costs associated with running the business.

This franchise provides me with the flexibility to work hours which suited myself without the need to have a shop open at all times, without the need to hire expensive staff, without the extensive overheads which affect a lot of static businesses. The franchise viability is one that can only be assessed based on the area in which it is to be operated, and the commitment that is applied together with market forces in place at that time.  So far as my experience is concerned, I have found that albeit that the market is constantly changing an income continues to be made by myself.   The effort expended is not all that great in that the work is generally not physically challenging.

After taking into account market forces, the level of income made will depend on your methods of work, personally I prefer to spend the day out repairing windscreens and collecting lights for repair and then spend time in the evening repairing the lights, however if I have places to be, then I will return home to repair lights early afternoon, or leave them until the next morning.The franchise company (GTSS) provides sufficient support to operate the business with training and marketing activities a great asset when starting.  I found that once the training and marketing had been received that most repairs were relatively easy to complete, and when I encountered difficulties the directors of GTSS were only to happy to spend time answering my questions including those in relation to the maintenance of equipment, sourcing of parts, and what is considered fair when billing customers.

In addition to the support provided by GTSS, I have found that the existing franchise owners are only too willing to help with information and support to ensure that the brand is represented at its best, maintaining a quality reputation.

Mark Brooks
Glass Technology Nepean

0421 580 167