Bergen’s currently consists of 23 branches Nationwide. The secret to Bergen’s success is community-based work. “We focus on work within communities and we are efficient because we do not service areas that are too large. In the West Rand, for instance, there are six branches,” says Van Bergen.
"The average household owns 15 to 25 appliances. There is huge market scope. We specialize in both white and black equipment, as it is known in the industry Whites being fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and the like, and blacks being VCRs, hi-fis, televisions and other audiovisual equipment".
One of the biggest challenges facing the company is the popular belief that appliance technicians and electricians specialize in the same area. While appliance technicians usually learn their skills through training in the trade, electricians need a trade certificate to repair household wiring.
Franchisees are given comprehensive support, which includes training on the basics of household appliance repairs. Van Bergen has already enjoyed astounding success, considering that the business was only established in 2002. “I owned three branches before the first franchised branch was opened and the winning concept was duplicated. With the franchises, I focused on keeping the price low to create a foundation of outlets from which to build the business"