As Americans, we see franchises every day and everywhere. Many major corporations will use this business method as a means to expand without taking on the additional financial risk. The word franchise drives from a French word that means free. In reality the model venture is the free use of a copyright product or business name as long as there is an initial investment to build a location. Franchises will work for almost any consumer good: food, service, electronics and many more. Even phone service providers have devoted their efforts in distributing products through local vendors.
Consumers may notice the difference when they walk into one of these master shops and discover that the technical support may not be as versatile as their needs. Particular services may not be provided at a local vendor because they are only affiliated and do not have the same rights as a corporate store.
An example of a disadvantage of such a location can be a case of fixing technical issues with a device. Some agents are not equipped with the knowledge or the technology to fix complex problems. Another example would be if one tried to change their phone number or request a particular area code and phone number, it is not possible because only a corporate store can assign phone numbers.
If one wanted to pay their cellular phone bill by any means other than online or by phone, they would automatically have to go to an official company location. Agents do not have the capability to take cash or credit for a service bill.
Depending on the location, a privately operated vendor can have anywhere from one to six employees. Local agencies only provide electronic equipment and answer questions about products. Their employees will make a small hourly wage accompanied by commissions on the products sold.
Local, privately owned and operated stores can be a good place to get a deal or get personable service. The workers at these locations are interested in receiving commissions and in a customer’s repeated patronage.
Corporate stores may have more capabilities and variety of consumer products for sale, but the service can be of a lacking factor. Workers at corporate stores will not always travel the extra mile to make a customer happy. The next time when you are in need of cellular service assistance, consider your options carefully and choose the location that would best benefit you.