I am a victim of the etyres scam. I am an ex franchisee who thought I saw an excellent opportunity in etyres. When I contacted the franchisor I was very impressed in the enthusiasm they showed in their brand, they were very friendly and I was made to feel welcome. After stupidly signing contracts I was invited to the head office to complete the relevant training, immediately after this, the relationship changed an I was made to feel like an unwanted member of staff, not the franchise partner I felt, and believed I was.
Shortly afterwards I found out that the price a potential customer pays on the website is NOT what you receive, there is a % taken off even though you pay 5% every month on top of these sales AGAIN. Each and every job came through I would have to phone the call centre to haggle for more of my money, some of the staff would happily increase this, but I believe these members of staff or no longer with the company.
I am unaware of any subbies being used on my territory, however there was two things that did concern me regarding this, on arriving at one address I was greeted by the customer who asked "wheres the usual guy?". I was a sole trader and was the only person who fitted tyres, so I still don't know who had been there previously. Secondly I arrived to fit some tyres at a different address and was being questioned by the customer regarding the company, he then showed me a letter which was basically showing that part of my contracted area was being offered to him! The guy never pursued with his interest but i do wonder what would have happened if he did?
I believe I've lost approximately 50000 but am still in denial and have not worked out the exact figure due to embarrassment.in my time I was also shocked that it was frown upon if we spoke to neighbouring areas, I don't know the reason why, but suspect it is because if we speak, we would all find out how badly we were being treated and take action. I am aware of approximately ten people who are, or have experienced the same as me and have had their lives ruined by etyres.
The company will never back you up and will always pay the customer regardless of liability and will simply bill you for the privilege.in one instance a customer accused me of damaging their wheels almost twelve months after completing the job; I have fitted tyres for the past twenty five years and was unable to inflict the kerbing damage to these wheels as accused. Needless to say etyres decided it was in the companys interest that this be sorted and organised the wheels to be refurbished, then sent flowers to the customer and billed me for the whole thing. So if your a customer just bear that in mind!
Of course this is my experience, and would advise any potential investor to get the contract read by a specialist and contact as many current, and ex franchisee's for their advice.
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