Why TrustPro vs. Starting an Appliance Repair Business Alone
You can start an appliance repair business on your own, or you can buy into a system that already generates the calls. Both paths work. This page lays out what each one takes — the steps, the costs and the time to your first customer — so you can decide which fits you.
How to Start an Appliance Repair Business on Your Own
Here's what launching an independent appliance repair company involves, step by step:
- 1
Form the business and get licensed. Register an LLC or corporation and check your state and city license rules — some states license appliance or refrigeration work, and technicians who handle refrigerants need EPA Section 608 certification.
- 2
Get insured. General liability, commercial auto and workers' compensation once you hire.
- 3
Buy vehicles, tools and starting parts. A stocked service vehicle per technician.
- 4
Build a brand and website. Name, logo, website, Google Business Profile, review collection.
- 5
Generate leads. SEO, Google Ads, local service ads and directories — usually the largest and most unpredictable cost, and the step most independents underestimate.
- 6
Answer and book every call. Someone has to pick up, qualify, schedule and dispatch, seven days a week.
- 7
Set up software. CRM, scheduling, phones, invoicing and reporting.
- 8
Hire and train technicians. Recruiting skilled techs is often the bottleneck to growth.
None of this requires a franchise. It does require time, capital and trial and error before the phone rings consistently.
The Cost of Going It Alone
| Category | Independent | TrustPro franchise |
|---|---|---|
| Time to first customer | Typically 3–12 months to build steady lead flow | Day one — leads are routed to your territory |
| Brand recognition | Starting from zero | Home Alliance brand, operating since 2012 |
| Lead generation | You fund and manage it | Included in the system |
| Call answering & booking | You or a hire | Call center books on your behalf |
| Technology | Typically $500–$2,000/month across separate tools | $600/month, all-in |
| Training | Self-taught | 46 hours, structured |
| Ongoing support | None | Dedicated franchise team |
| Ongoing fees | None | 7% royalty, 1% brand fund |
The franchise path costs more in ongoing fees. In exchange, the steps that slow independents down most — lead generation, booking and systems — are already built.
Is Appliance Repair a Good Business?
Appliance repair has traits that suit a business owner rather than a hobbyist:
- Need-based demand. People call when a refrigerator or washer stops working, regardless of the economy.
- Year-round work. Every appliance category fails in every season.
- Low fixed overhead. No storefront or retail inventory; technicians work from vehicles.
- Repeat and referral business. A household that trusts your technician calls again.
The challenge is rarely demand. It's getting found, booking efficiently and hiring good technicians. That's what a franchise system is built to solve. How much any owner earns depends on market, team and execution; TrustPro makes no earnings claims outside its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Why TrustPro vs. Other Appliance Repair Franchises
Who TrustPro Is For
Who TrustPro Is Not For
We choose partners carefully, and every candidate goes through an interview process. TrustPro isn't the right fit if you want a passive investment with no management involvement, aren't prepared to hire and lead a team, or are looking for a guaranteed income. We'll tell you honestly on the intro call if the model doesn't match your goals.
Compare the Numbers Yourself
The franchise guide shows the full investment, what's included and how the system works.