If You Want Franchise Success... Headquarters' After-Sales Management Gains Importance

Cleanup24, a brand operated by Unilux, runs the largest direct service team in the laundry industry with 12 members. Photo by Cleanup24

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] As contactless services increase, unmanned store franchise brands are also growing. Ice cream shops, study cafes, and self-service laundromats are representative examples. These unmanned stores do not incur separate labor costs and have relatively low initial investment costs, making it easy for office workers, housewives, and retirees to start a business without burden.

Franchise startups allow store operation regardless of time and place, but equipment breakdowns can directly impact sales. Therefore, when considering starting a business, it is necessary to carefully examine the headquarters' after-sales support.

CleanUp24 Provides Systematic After-Sales Support Through Nationwide Service Network

CleanUp24 operates the largest direct service team in the laundromat industry with 12 members, enabling quick response and smooth parts supply in case of equipment failure. In addition, employees belonging to the service team receive regular training at least once a month to provide stable service, and thorough after-sales management is supported through a systematic process via branch service networks in each regional hub.

In particular, commercial washers and dryers installed in laundry franchise stores are often overseas products such as Primus and IPSO from the United States, making parts availability a crucial factor for product repair. CleanUp24 enables immediate repairs through thorough inventory management at a large-scale parts warehouse and logistics center operated by its parent company, Unilux.

Moreover, CleanUp24 has introduced the smart unmanned solution IoT-Biz technology, allowing control of washing machines, kiosks, detergent vending machines, TVs, air conditioners, and even indoor lighting via smartphone timers and power switches. CCTV and door control can also be managed remotely, enhancing security during late-night hours.

A CleanUp24 representative said, “Laundry franchises require continuous headquarters support after opening for stable store operation. Unilux, the headquarters of CleanUp24, has operated a dedicated A/S team since its establishment in 2001 with extensive know-how and years of experience, enabling prompt response.”

BeHumming Study Cafe Enables Immediate A/S Through Direct Headquarters Construction

The study cafe startup brand BeHumming Study Cafe revealed that ‘after-sales management’ was ranked first as the reason why existing franchisees in Busan, Gwangju, Gunsan, and other areas are steadily reopening their second and third branches. BeHumming Study Cafe currently follows the principle of direct construction by headquarters, carrying out all interior construction nationwide directly from the headquarters. This allows more immediate A/S than other brands, and detailed care is provided through local advisors.

Don Chicken Supports From Delivery Business Preparation to After-Sales Management

The food service franchise ‘Don Chicken’ launched a business category change product composed of experts with over 10 years of franchise experience to support the shift from dine-in to delivery-focused operations. This product supports a sales consulting system that assists from delivery business preparation to after-sales management and offers interest-free loans to help self-employed individuals discouraged by startup preparation funds. Additionally, a ‘Startup Support Team’ was established to provide support such as delivery app subscription fees, tasting events necessary for local promotion, and even sample chicken for tasting.