Franchise Field Service Engineer?

[AlexRus]

Hello! I am first time here and never used forum before. So, sorry for any inappropriate questions I may ask. And correct me if I’m wrong. I have a dilemma. I work as a Field Service Engineer for company A L Domestics for 2 years. This company is a Service Partner for Whirlpool. Before-3 years for BSH Appliance Care. And before that – as Service engineer again, but not for domestic appliances. But now I strongly feel, that I wont to be my own boss and organise my time how I think will be better for my customers and me. I feel confident with my knowledge and experience. I heard about possibility to work as Freelance or Franchise Field Service Engineer, but do not know anything about this. Does any body have a similar experience? What it is involved be a Franchise Engineer? Thank you. 😕

[Alex]

Re: Franchise Field Service Engineer?

From one Alex to another.

Reading your post, looks like you may be under the illusion you will be able to manage your time a little better if you are your own boss. Then paradoxically you are keen to become a franchised agent. As anyone will concur, the 2 things do not go together. If you contract to do any work for any organisation, you are expected to provide a service, little trips to unwind or whatever is not part of the deal. Nor is sickness.

If you decide to make a go of it and not rely on supply of work by being an agent, yes you can pick & choose; but as soon as you take a day out, you lose income and potential new customers; which in the early days you will need.

There is the “chicken & egg” scenario to be considered as well. Work providers tend to look at those who have a proven track record, and where possible are agents for existing companies. This tends to get in the way of anyone starting out. If you can become what is termed a second tier agent, being the one they fall back on when the 1st tier cannot oblige you may have a start. However you would be used or abused unless the 1st tier agent falls by the wayside.

I was lucky, as after Electricity Board, I worked for a couple of Zanussi agents, when my last employer decided to cease in my area, I was approached by Zanussi and it went from there. Being a sevice agent with the Zanussi credentials, then doors opened for me in no time at all.

Once I started employing staff, then I could take it easy on the workload front, but it was 12 years before I took a holiday that was longer than 2 days. Some might say I’ve made up for it since, and there was no such thing as illness.

I must add though, nothing ventured, nothing gained. It isn’t all sweetness and light, and if you are really resolved to do this, then it is down to you to make it work.

Alex (The original one)

[eastlmark]

Re: Franchise Field Service Engineer?

Alex,
As you are a trade member, browse through the trade work and vacancies thread as well as the rumour thread for lots of stuff about the pitfalls of franchises.
By the way, what part of the country are you in?

[AlexRus]

Re: Franchise Field Service Engineer?

Alex, thank you for your replay.

As I understand, privilege to work for somebody are paid holiday and sick days, and no worries about will you have customers tomorrow or not.

Now, Whirlpool required Service Division to provide after sale service. They contract small company such as A L Domestics etc., and A L Domestics employ me. I cover certain area in London. But I have to do 10 jobs a day, which for my opinion very difficult to do without loosing quality and as an engineer job satisfaction.

I do the job, Whirlpool pays A L, and they pay me. Of course holiday and sick I consider.

So, if I still cover the same area in London and provide after sale service for Whirlpool white goods, but get directly paid from Whirlpool, is this what I understand called Franchised Engineer? And of course in this case I will have to pay A L for running office (they have call centre) and booking calls. I get my own van, tools, uniform. No problem. And I like to be in good health state. Still have holidays, paid by myself. As long as I want? I do not know.
Is this Franchised?

AlexRus

[kwatt]

Re: Franchise Field Service Engineer?

Alex,

In the situation that you describe you’re better off being a paid employee as oposed to a “franchise” engineer. Also bear in mind that most contracts in this industry are for a start low paid, but more than that tend to have a three month termination which, in effect, is termination with little or no notice at all so there’s very little security. Certainly far less security than being an employee as if the rules change, the management plan changes or the work dries up then you’re out on a limb.

Then think on the startup costs, you’ll need a van, stock etc to get you going and, given the low rates on offer, the payback time is lengthy indeed before you actually start to make a profit on it if indeed you ever do. The most recent example is Merloni offering franchises that just couldn’t pay, some of the guys on here took them on and, to my knowledge, most of them have dropped it as not being viable to sustain.

As to ten calls a day, that’s almost standard as you need at least eight complete a day to sustain an engineer generally where they are employed and many get more than that dependent on the area etc. Some of the Merloni/Hotpoint engineers are known to be being issued with 15 or more calls per day.

K.

[admin]

Re: Franchise Field Service Engineer?

Hi,

I used to do a Whirlpool franchise and got shafted big time by them…..useless just about describes them.

Do yourself a favour and stay well clear of Whirlpool.

AL domestics have a london franchise…ok. So are you looking to work for yourself?

If so, are you Corgi and what postcodes would you cover? Have you fridge system abilities?

Supply the info and I’ll pm you some companies to approach.

Kevin

[Dave_Conway]

Re: Franchise Field Service Engineer?

eastlmark wrote:As you are a trade member, browse through the trade work and vacancies thread as well as the rumour thread for lots of stuff about the pitfalls of franchises.

Alex hasn’t requested trade access as far as I’m aware Mark, Alex, please read here for access to the trade forums:

http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/abou … orums.html

Dave.

[AlexRus]

Re: Franchise Field Service Engineer?

Thank you for granting me an access to the Trade Forum.
I will jump right in.
And hope this will disillusionize me, kills my zeal to become a self-employer. Or, perhaps, adds me energy and confidence to move on. 💡

[Jim_1]

Hi there Alex….take a deep breath and walk right on past that shop window….Alex the original 1 has given you really good advice…however id like to add a little to it..there are some little hidden extras you may not be aware of …Many franchised engineers today have been forced into the situation where they have to purchase the spares required for the warranty work and then invoice the main agent for their time and parts used..grand if your diagnosess has been accurate if not you get to keep the parts..they are not returnable and dont be tempted to order unrelated fault parts ie..if you need a replacement drain pump..then dont order a motor and module thinking great ive got these free…because when your invoice lands on my desk i will def. query the fault and visit or have it inspected if necessary…Be warned …Be careful…id give it a by…but good luck

[AlexRus]

Thanks Jim. If I ever start work as franchise I will consider this. Just right now I am not working at all. But what company are you working for? 😉

[Author]

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