CPR revives cell phones, iPods that are in need of life support
If you've been without your cell phone, you know how lost you feel without it.
A growing franchise realizes this concept and is starting to open stores in the area to fix broken cell phones.
CPR Cell Phone Repair opened its newest store at 615 S. Randall Road, Unit 112 in St. Charles. Carol Schramer, her brother Mike Schramer and friend Jason Humm own the St. Charles location, which opened about a month ago.
"Cell phones are an everyday tool. They're not a luxury item anymore. They're a necessity," Carol said.
In addition to cell phones, the shop also fixes iPods, laptop computers, Play Station units and personal computers. They also do some warranty work for Motorola and Nokia phones.
"It's a good niche market," Carol said of the new business.
Other area CPR stores are found in Chicago and at 4516 Oakton St. in Skokie. Brittney Feiza and her fiancee, Jeff Gasner, own these two stores and have purchased franchise rights in the area.
"We're trying to spread awareness that there are other options out there other than buying a new phone," Feiza said.
Prior to getting into this business, the couple said they worked for a store where they offered various cell phone providers. Feiza found that customers often came in with broken phones and were often forced to buy a new one.
"I did some research and found this company in Florida that repairs phones," Feiza said.
The cost to repair a phone ranges from $15 to $100, depending on what's broken, she said. Repairs are made on site and usually can be done in 15 or 20 minutes.
One of the most common problems that Carol sees with the phones is water damage. "Over 50 percent of the time we're able to fix them when they've been damaged by water," Carol said.
The stores also handle data transfers and can unlock phones.
She added CPR also sells new and refurbished cell phones, iPods and iPhones.
The business owners say if customers don't live nearby, they can mail in their phones. "We then mail them back for free," Carol said. For more, check out www.cpr-franchise.com.
"We're here to give people choices," said Carol, 36, who runs the day-to-day operations of the store. Prior to launching the business she was a real estate agent for about five years. Her position was eliminated when the housing market dropped.
The market is also affecting her brother, who is a home builder looking to expand his business options.
The St. Charles shop is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (630) 444-3544.