COMPUTER DOCTOR LAUNCHES FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALLER MARKETS (2/00)

In an effort to better serve smaller communities, Computer Doctor International recently launched a new concept: Computer Doctor Mobile.

The evolution in the computer Repair franchise is one of three methods Computer Doctor offers to serve computer users: full storefront locations, Express stores located within other existing businesses, and now Computer Doctor Mobile.

"Our Mobile system has an entry level cost of less than $20,000 and is operated out of an office environment rather than a retail location," said Lonnie Helgerson, founder and CEO of Computer Doctor International.

"Computer Doctor Mobile provides the same services and sales that the full size store and Express does, but is limited to communities of 10,000 or less. This is an excellent entry level franchise, or makes a great expansion franchise." The start-up cost includes a down payment needed to buy or lease a service van.

A new franchisee needs a fax machine, telephone, cellular phone and some office equipment. Franchisees are required to have an office location for customers, and for shippers to drop off and pick up repairs and parts. A facility of 200 to 500 square feet is recommended. It offers all of the same services and products that the other Computer Doctor stores do.

Operating capital varies according to the number of employees, overhead costs and other factors.

"Mobile locations offer in-shop and mobile computer service to customers as well as offering a very limited amount of product for resale," Helgerson said. "This allows the franchisee to save huge amounts of money by not having mass amounts of inventory and allows the franchisee to concentrate on service where the real money is made.

"There's no need to compete with big box stores, when you can service all of the computers that they sell. Another feature of a Computer Doctor Mobile center is its flexibility in where it can be located. It can be operated from various locations including office parks and office buildings. Virtually anywhere that service is needed, a Computer Doctor Mobile can go there."

The growing Computer Doctor International Franchise family has 103 stores in place or in development in 14 states and two countries. The company repairs computers at store locations, and offers a mobile computer-repair service which travels to people's homes and businesses. Stores also sell new and pre-owned computers and accessories.

With corporate headquarters in Aberdeen, S.D., Computer Doctor International recently signed with Wal-Mart to test market stores in Wal-Mart Supercenters.