Matrix-Archived

ABOUT MATRIX WAREHOUSE

The Matrix Warehouse concept was founded in answer to the market need for a reliable computer shop and it was in the face of strong competition that the first store opened its doors to the public in Verwoerd Park, Alberton in 2000. Encouraged by the instant success of the Verwoerd Park store, four more stores were opened the following year. As the business grew it became clear that the best way to ensure personal involvement in every store was to franchise the concept and while the quest to establish a Matrix Warehouse outlet in every town in South Africa, we have already established a countrywide network that is nearly 90 stores strong. 

At Matrix Warehouse we pride ourselves on our value for money offering, our outstanding support and service and keeping abreast of continual developments in the IT market.

MEET THE TEAM

OUR CULTURE & VALUES

Matrix Warehouse is committed to being the leading privately-owned IT retail group in South Africa, delivering exceptional client services and superior products at affordable pricing. This commitment implies growing and improving our business to remote areas and to major centres across the country. 

We pride ourselves in conducting our business on the principles of good corporate governance which essentially translates to responsible leadership. It is Matrix Warehouse commitment to ensure the highest ethical standards in our interactions with our suppliers, customers, competitors and our community.  

OUR FRANCHISE OFFERING

If you are interested in acquiring a business in the growing and ever-evolving IT industry, Matrix Warehouse provides our qualifying franchisees with a turnkey model, based on a standardised shop layout plan which includes fittings, IT infrastructure requirements, signage, etc. 

Matrix boasts almost 90 Stores countrywide and is represented across all nine provinces, as well as Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. On average our franchise stores achieve turnovers between R7-million and R10-million per annum. With over 500 knowledgeable staff countywide we are able to serve our customers efficiently. 

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

Matrix Warehouse is the largest independent IT group in South Africa and we are fast becoming a household name. With a growing nationwide footprint of mostly owner-run outlets customers are assured of the best service at all times. Whether it is for work or play, our online store operates 24/7, and if we do have it, we will gladly source it.  

Delivering exceptional customer services and superior, but affordably priced products is our guiding principle. As such we have made it our mission to build strong relationships with such ‘tier one’ level suppliers as HP, Dell, Lenovo, Intel, Acer, and Microsoft amongst others. 

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

As a competitively priced, complete IT solutions provider, Matrix Warehouse outlets engage in the retail distribution of complete desktops, notebooks, tablets, printers, PC components, peripherals and software. In addition to computer hardware and software they offer networking, repairs, upgrades and complete IT solutions for home and business. All components used are registered brand name products, ensuring a high quality finished product and a below average failure rate on custom-built computers of less than 0.5 percent. Support services such as technical repairs and callouts add exceptional value for customers.

MARKET TRENDS & TARGET MARKET

Serving the needs of the ever-growing segment of personal computer users, the Matrix Warehouse target market includes all computer users, whether for personal or business use, as well as anyone requiring a custom-built computer. Individual customers typically fall in the mid LSM categories.

BECOME A FRANCHISEE

Matrix Warehouse understands that not all entrepreneurs are created from the same blueprint, however the typical Matrix Warehouse franchisee should embody the following traits and skills — determination, an appetite for risk, confidence, resilience, passion and adaptability. While an IT qualification is not a prerequisite, knowledge of the IT field is recommended. Applicants should possess a strong business background with the necessary retail and managerial experience to run their own business.

ESTABLISHMENT COSTS

Establishment cost:
R785,000 (incl opening stock)
Joining fee:
R115,000
Working capital:
From R150,000
Establishment cost:
From R1,05-million
TOTAL set-up cost = Establishment cost + Joining fee + Working capital
Own cash contribution requirement:
R250,000

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

An ideal location for a Matrix Warehouse retail store should have a high foot count area and should be located in or near a shopping centre with at least one major retailer amongst the tenants. Parking facilities that will make it easy for clients to drop of their PCs is a must. Stores typically range from 80sqm to 150 sqm. 

For a typical store layout, click on the floor plan below:

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Each store will typically employ a team of five, including two technicians. Technicians must be A+ N+ certifified or have at least three years’ experience and they must be adept at fault finding both with software and components.

TRAINING

Franchise owners and all their staff must complete a 28-day introductory training programme prior to the store opening. The training curriculum covers all processes and systems, as well as basic product training and selling skills. All staff and new owners must attend 28 days training prior to opening. 

FRANCHISOR SUPPORT

Our franchise support team use their extensive franchising and industry experience to guide franchisees in the running of their businesses. Regular site visits afford the franchisor the opportunity to timeously alert the franchisee of concerns that need to be addressed. 

Matrix Warehouse maintain a strong online presence with promotions posted daily and our website attracts more than 70,000 unique visits per month. In addition, the monthly Matrix Warehouse specials advertised by broadsheets delivered door-to-door are eagerly anticipated by many clients.

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

With our dream of establishing a Matrix Warehouse in every town across the country franchise opportunities are available across South Africa and in neighbouring countries. 

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

Agreement term
10 Years (renewable)
Management services / royalty fee
5% of turnover
Marketing fee
R1,000 pm

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS & ACCOLADES

In smaller towns across the country Matrix Warehouse are often voted Best IT Retailer in the Reader’s Choice Awards. In addition, we also regularly receive recognition form our vendors such as Dell, Epson and HP. 

COMPANY INFORMATION

Registered name
Matrix Warehouse Group (Pty) Ltd
Registration number
2008/0189359/07
Head office address
27 Louis Trichardt Street, Alberton
Postal address
PO Box 7912, Albemarle, 1614
Phone
+27 11 869 2613

FAQ's

What is franchising?

Franchising is defined as an arrangement where one party (the franchiser) grants another party (the franchisee) the right to use its trademark and/or trade name as well as certain business systems and processes, to produce and market goods or service according to certain specifications. The franchisee usually pays a one-time franchise fee as well as a percentage of turnover as royalty or management services fee. For this the franchisee gains immediate name recognition, tried and tested products, standard building design and décor, detailed techniques for running and promoting the business, training of employees, and ongoing assistance in promoting and upgrading of the products.

Am I suited to franchising?

While franchises are growing in popularity, the sad reality is that many people enter into franchise agreements thinking it’s a fool-proof plan for success, but the fact is that franchises still fail. The very essence of a franchise is consistency. If you’re not happy to follow someone else’s blueprint, you may be better suited to a different type of venture.

How do I evaluate a franchise opportunity?

FASA has issued a publication entitled How to Evaluate a Franchise and franchisees are encouraged to refer to this publication. FASA will also assist a potential franchisee in evaluating a franchise opportunity.

How data-hungry is the application process?

The bandwidth required to complete the application, excluding the uploading of source documents, is less than that of a single high-resolution photograph.

FUNDING APPLICATION

The consideration of an application for funding by an individual to a financial institution, whether it is a commercial bank or a development funding institution, always pivots around two principles:
  • The profile of the applicant candidate with reference to financial position and the way in which an individual conducted his or her personal financial affairs. In certain cases, prior experience in the industry in which the franchise brand operates will be required, e.g. the restaurant and hospitality industries. The funder will also assess the current lifestyle of the applicant in order to determine if the size and profitability of the new business suits the applicant and if expectations could be met.
  • The parameters of the actual opportunity available, whether it’s a new or existing business. The business case for the repayment of a loan is always dependent on the numbers, which is a function of location, projected sales, overheads, etc.
It is therefore not possible for a funding application to be processed unless all the details of the applicant, as well as the details of a business’ plan, demonstrating that the business will be able to repay its debt, are available. The initial step will always remain an application to the franchise brand in order to introduce a candidate, after which specific opportunities would be communicated to be followed by an application for funding.

Matrix Warehouse will certainly be able to refer successful applicants to suitable funders once an application has been approved by the franchisor, but every funder will also have its own application and approval process. 

What could be stated is that once a prospective franchisee has completed the online 6-step application process below, the same application will be submitted to the funder, i.e. no additional forms will be required.

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Should you wish to proceed with the application process, you will be required to register online and navigate your way through a 6-step application process. Only after completing the application process will the franchisor provide you with a detailed Disclosure Document as required by the Consumer Protection Act. 

The 6-step application process is designed with three objectives:
  1. To allow the prospective candidate an opportunity to disclose and communicate all the personal information required by the franchisor and the funder to take a view on how well-suited you are for assuming the role of franchisee.
  2. As intimidating or time consuming as the application process may seem, it exposes you to a fraction of the level of resilience required to ultimately own and manage your own franchised business. 
  3. Successful franchisees comply with the rules and procedures of the business system. Completing the five steps of the application process can be deemed your introduction to adhering to the Matrix Warehouse business system.
While the application process is not intended to discourage prospective franchisees or to create barriers to entry, the process by its very nature will serve as an early deterring mechanism for candidates who should not be pursuing business ownership. The truth is that the challenges a franchisee will face in their own business is significantly more complicated and daunting than the application process. If you are intimidated by the 6-step process running a business will likely be more challenging than you are anticipating, essentially putting yourself, the franchisor, the funder, the landlord and your future staff at risk.

From a cost perspective the charges relating to the entrepreneurial assessment, application review and credit profile verifications are insignificant when measured against the cost of buying a franchise, and it could be the best money you ever spent should the outcome confirm that you should not venture into business or that you would not be able to attract funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1

Register
online

STEP 2

Complete 
quick application

STEP 3

Online Entrepreneurial and Franchisee Aptitude Assessment 
R345.00 VAT Incl

Upon completion of STEP 1 to 3, you will receive a 
notification from Matrix Warehouse to proceed with STEP 4

STEP 4

Complete full application plus document uploads

STEP 5

Request credit check 
and application review 
R1 725.00 VAT incl

STEP 6

Franchisor introduction
meeting

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