iDropped franchise

iDropped provides fast, on-site repairs for the most popular brands of mobile devices with a specialization in damaged iPhones, iPads, iPods, Galaxy S5 & S6 and laptop computers. As technology advances, iDropped strives to adapt and continually learn device repairs. iDropped locations are also retail centers that sell major accessory brands such as LifeProof, Otter Box and Belkin.

We recently spoke with Chad Altier, Co-Founder and CEO of iDropped, about his franchise. We learned how iDropped compares to its competition, what he looks for in potential franchisees and lastly, where he sees the franchise in five years.


What is the idea behind the franchise?

In 2011, I was playing baseball with my son when a pop fly landed right on my phone. When I picked it up, I only saw a cracked reflection of myself. Having dealt with this frustration many times before, I teamed up with a friend to launch iDropped.

How does it compare to its competition?

Unlike many wireless retailers that require customers to go days without their phones while being repaired, iDropped strives to mend phones in an hour and other electronic devices within 24 hours.

We ensure that each device goes through a rigorous pre- and post-repair checkpoint to ensure complete functionality before it is returned to the customer. iDropped uses the highest quality parts and supplies and supports each repair with a one-year warranty.

What do you look for in a potential franchisee?

We look for someone who has managerial experience and is familiar with computers. A passion for technology is great, but technological skills are not necessary.

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Where do you see the franchise in five years?

By the end of next year, we expect to have a total of 12 units and plan to continue to grow by three more locations than the previous year previous over the next five years. So in five years, we plan to have 82 iDropped units open.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of a franchisee?

A day in the life of a franchisee is dependent upon their goals. It can be both rewarding and challenging. Repair Centers generally open around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. Owners will arrive around 8 a.m. and review sales figures, transaction details and inventory use from the day before.

Depending on the day of the week, one may begin ordering parts or accessories, start a new marketing campaign, perform an inventory audit or simply study up on a new device that just launched. Once the doors open for business, customers will arrive and repairs can begin. An owner/operator may have a protégé technician they work alongside tackling repair after repair, putting smiles on customers’ faces.

It’s important to build relationships within your region as a local business operator. Our franchisees take the time to get to know their neighbors, establish trust and become the go-to technology repair provider for their community.

Some days, franchisees train their technicians on a new repair or method, review upselling techniques or simply help them organize inventory. At the end of the day, service waivers are organized and the last of the day’s emails are answered.

What’s your background?

I first took on property management during my senior year of high school with the purchase of a four-unit apartment building and now have more than 20 years of experience building, operating and managing companies — everything from propane delivery to mobile pressure washing.

I attended the University of Scranton for three semesters and then Penn State Worthington for a semester but never graduated college because I found passion in entrepreneurship.

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What motivates you to keep going?

My family is my inspiration, and my commitment to leave a legacy and achieve something memorable within my life is my motivation.

There is a demon that everyone has — this entity is a culmination of all the ideas you never tried, all the dreams you never accomplished, all the moments you never experienced. The question is at the end of day, will this demon hover over you, smother you with misery; or will this demon be so small, that it is cute and makes you laugh and leave with a smile? That concept is also very motivating. It is my own interpretation of a motivational speech by Les Brown.

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?

In my youth, I wish I expedited a couple of ventures I embarked on. I may have hesitated more than I should have. That is in hindsight knowing what I know now and what my capabilities are. However, I don’t regret anything. All people experience growing pains, particularly as entrepreneurs.

Please tell us your secret to success…

The mind is a very powerful tool. I believe our thoughts, dreams and aspirations take control of our actions. If we can eliminate or at least subdue the fear of failure and the voice that tells us something is unobtainable, we can free up space to create greatness. If failure and the fear associated with it is not an option, then only success is left. Recondition your mind and you can re-invent your life.

What is the worst job you have ever had and what did you learn from it?

I cannot say I had a bad job since I was never forced into a job. I will say that every job I did have I learned what interested me and what was mundane or unrewarding. I appreciate all my past jobs because today I am a culmination of all those experiences.

What is one trend that really excites you?

Technology excites me. Particularly how smart devices, even though manufactured and designed by independent companies, have the ability to seamlessly communicate with each other. When leaving my house for work I can take my iPhone, hit a button and turn on the lights to our breakroom kitchen and the coffee pot in a second. I can drink that coffee as I sync our POS sales from our iPad with QuickBooks on my Mac. How much one can accomplish in a day compared to 10 or even 20 years ago is mind-blowing.

What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?

The cloud, the cloud and the cloud. It enables one’s life to be limitless. You can access anything from anywhere. Cloud-based storage systems have eliminated the need to be at office. I am no longer strapped to a chair in fear that if I leave I cannot respond or view what I need.

The cloud has eliminated the need to travel to acquire, share or revise documents. This ironically gives me the freedom to travel even more for both business and pleasure with my family.

Do you (or did you ever) have a mentor?

My grandfather was my mentor, and I am thankful to him for helping to shape me into the person I am today. He not only talked to me about the importance of doing the right thing, about taking chances and everything that truly matters in life, he also led by example.

Any final words for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Never give up on your dream. You can and will make it happen with determination and perseverance. The bottom line is you cannot receive a yes or obtain a win if you are not asking questions or participating in the game. Choose your field and own it.

Where can people get more information on iDropped franchise opportunities?

Visit the website here.

Where can people find iDropped on social media?