The Jump From One to Two
Every multi-branch repair business was once a business thinking about whether to open a second location. That decision — taken at the right time, with the right preparation — is the inflection point that separates a repair technician with one shop from a repair business owner with a growing enterprise.
The preparation that goes into a second location determines whether it thrives or struggles. Here is a comprehensive checklist organized by category.
30–60 Days Before Opening
Location and Lease
[ ] Foot traffic count at the target location (physically count for 3 days at different times)
[ ] Competitor mapping (how many other repair shops within 500m? 1km?)
[ ] Lease terms reviewed (length, renewal options, rent escalation clauses, break clauses)
[ ] Tenant improvement allowance negotiated (who pays for fit-out?)
[ ] Signage rights confirmed in lease (exterior sign, size, illumination)
[ ] Parking and delivery access verified
[ ] Internet connectivity confirmed (fiber, cable, or acceptable mobile data)
[ ] Electrical capacity verified (sufficient for your equipment)
Legal and Compliance
[ ] Business registration at new location (if required by local authority)
[ ] Trade license for new location (requirements vary by city/municipality)
[ ] Tax registration updated if new branch triggers registration requirements
[ ] Insurance policy updated to include new location
[ ] Fire safety and safety compliance for new space
Financing
[ ] Fit-out cost fully budgeted (furniture, signage, equipment, initial inventory)
[ ] Operating capital reserve calculated (enough for 3 months of payroll and expenses before the location reaches profitability)
[ ] Financing confirmed (savings, loan, investor)
2–4 Weeks Before Opening
Staffing
[ ] Branch manager hired or promoted (this is the most critical hire for a second location)
[ ] Technicians hired for the new location
[ ] Counter/front desk staff hired
[ ] All staff vetted, contracts signed, background cleared
[ ] Branch manager fully trained on operational processes at Branch 1
[ ] All staff trained on RepairCoreX before opening day
RepairCoreX Configuration
[ ] Second location added in RepairCoreX Settings → Locations
[ ] All Branch 2 staff accounts created with correct roles (assigned to Branch 2)
[ ] Branch 2's service types and prices configured (may differ from Branch 1)
[ ] Invoice template configured for Branch 2 address and contact
[ ] SMS notification templates updated with Branch 2 details
[ ] Inventory catalogue set up for Branch 2 (separate inventory tracking)
Inventory
[ ] Opening stock ordered for Branch 2 (based on Branch 1's most-used parts)
[ ] Parts received, counted, and entered into RepairCoreX Branch 2 inventory
[ ] Supplier accounts established for Branch 2 (or shared supplier with separate delivery address)
[ ] Accessories and consumables stocked (cleaning supplies, QR sticker labels, screen protectors to sell)
Physical Setup
[ ] Workbenches installed and equipped
[ ] Counter and customer-facing area fitted out
[ ] Computer or tablet for RepairCoreX access at the counter (tested and configured)
[ ] QR code scanner or tablet holder at bench (for technician job management)
[ ] Label printer installed and connected (for QR sticker printing)
[ ] Cash drawer and/or card payment terminal installed and tested
[ ] Signage installed (exterior and interior)
[ ] CCTV / security system installed
Marketing
[ ] Google Business Profile created for Branch 2 (separate from Branch 1 — different address)
[ ] Social media updated to announce Branch 2 opening
[ ] Branch 1 customers notified of Branch 2 opening (email/SMS announcement)
[ ] Opening offer decided (first 50 customers get free screen protector installation, etc.)
[ ] Local area distribution (flyers in nearby businesses, market)
Opening Week
Day 1
[ ] Full team walkthrough of the RepairCoreX workflow (create ticket, process payment, close ticket)
[ ] Test transaction: create, invoice, and close a test ticket at Branch 2
[ ] Payment terminal tested with a real transaction
[ ] Label printer tested
[ ] Owner or senior manager physically present for at least the first 3 days
First Week Daily
[ ] End-of-day ticket review: all open tickets properly logged, any closing issues?
[ ] Daily revenue reconciliation: system total matches cash + electronic receipts
[ ] Owner check-in with Branch 2 manager (daily call for first 2 weeks)
[ ] Customer feedback monitored (ask customers directly; watch for first Google reviews)
After Opening: The 90-Day Check
At 90 days, compare Branch 2's performance against your expectations:
Ticket volume: on track relative to forecast?
Average ticket value: comparable to Branch 1 for same service types?
Customer return rate emerging: any repeat customers in the first 90 days?
Quality indicators: warranty claim rate, customer feedback
Use the data to have specific, objective conversations with the Branch 2 manager about performance. This early calibration sets the standard the branch will operate to.
The checklist ensures you don't miss anything important. Execution and management beyond opening day determines whether Branch 2 becomes an asset or a drain. Plan well, execute consistently, and measure relentlessly.