Q: How do I learn more about Granite Transformations?
A: After you have been given approval from corporate to conduct due diligence, we urge you to contact a random assortment of our existing franchisees and visit some of their showrooms. Without a doubt, that’s the best way to get a real feel for what owning and operating a Granite Transformations franchise would be like. They are the best testimony to the potential of this business – and they can provide information to you about sales and expenses.
Q: How do I decide on a location?
A: Once you’ve made the commitment to become a Granite Transformation franchisee, we’ll provide you with our Store Opening Manual, which specifies our criteria for approvable sites and their build-out. Most of our locations combine a showroom in front (800-1200 square feet) with at least 4000 square feet behind for work area. Easy access and decent street exposure will increase customer traffic to your showroom. Some franchisees have chosen a higher visibility retail location for their showrooms, with a separate fabrication shop in a nearby but less expensive area. Once your proposed location has been approved by Rocksolid Granit USA, Inc., our Store Opening Coordinator will guide you through the most logical layout of your space for both showroom and the shop.
Q: What employees will I need?
A: Depending on how you will position yourself within the organization, you will need to start thinking about potential candidates for several openings. At the very least, your Lead installer will go through our technical training class while you are in operations training. That person will be the core of your shop and will be responsible for training new installation crews as you hire them. You will start with one strong salesperson who may become your Sales Manager. And you will need an Office Administrator, who will enter and process the orders, work with your accounting software, and will probably answer the showroom phone until you need a full-time receptionist.
Q: Where will I get my product?
A: That’s the easy part. All the slabs you’ll need are inventoried at our Distribution Centers. We also carry the approved epoxies, edge glues, router bits, saw blades, tinted caulks and the like. You can order from our warehouse as often as is logical for you, and you’ll find quick links to suppliers of approved marketing materials, business cards, logo apparel and the other extras.
Q: How long will this process take – when can I be open?
A: Identifying the right location is sometimes a variable that may delay the time line a bit, but if you follow our checklist you can have your Granite Transformations up and running within sixty days of signing the Franchise Agreement.
Q: What are my next steps?
A: If you’ve reviewed this material and Granite Transformations still seems like a business that might be right for your future, you should now complete and fax or mail in the short application. After we’ve reviewed it, we’ll send you a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document, in which you will find a sample Franchise Agreement, the company’s Financial Statements, and a complete list of our franchisees and their contact information. Upon approval of your application, we’ll arrange an interview and begin the process of defining your potential territory.
Good luck!
