FAQS

After four decades of continued growth in Florida and the surrounding states, Pinch A Penny is bringing our pool care expertise and service to the growing markets of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. These markets, like Florida, have large populations of pool and spa owners who will enjoy the benefits of the selection, expertise, and service offered by a locally owned Pinch A Penny franchise. Combine the strong population growth in these states with a climate ideal for poolside living, and you have a strong potential for great returns on your investment. How do we know? Because we’ve done our homework. It’s also reassuring to consider that pools and spas need continual maintenance. So not only are these markets growing, those pools and spas already in place provide a solid base for business. To find out where specifically we’re growing, visit Available Markets.

Pinch A Penny is based upon a unique and proven concept–provide an extensive line of pool and spa care products and the expertise to use them wisely. We don’t just ring up purchases, and unlike online retailers, we’re a source of advice many pool owners quickly come to rely on. Pinch A Penny franchises offer one of the most complete lines of pool chemicals, maintenance equipment, and parts and accessories available anywhere, which gives Franchise Owners a competitive advantage. Combine this with maintenance service trucks, and full pool repair capabilities, and consumers have a one-stop resource for anything and everything they need for the backyard.

Remember when your parents told you to never swim alone? The same applies to our business.

We’re founded on the belief that only together can we achieve the kind of unparalleled success we’ve enjoyed to date. When you buy a Pinch A Penny store, you become a part of the family and tap into 45+ years of expertise in the industry. We’ll support you in both opening your store, which includes sales training and merchandising, and giving you an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of the business.

Once your store is open, you’ll have a dedicated 800 number that can provide guidance every step of the way, and a network of existing Franchise Owners who know the ropes and are eager to help!

We don’t just run you through the basics and leave you to learn on your own. You’ll be required to undergo up to four weeks of training on virtually every aspect of pool care. Only then can you confidently and thoroughly serve your customers. Plus, we offer ongoing training opportunities for you and your team.

Our primary training courses are conducted at the Pinch A Penny Corporate Headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, by some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts. Our Training Coordinator is a Certified Pool Operator Instructor recognized by the National Swimming Pool Foundation and Certified Aquatic Facility Operators.

Your Training Coordinator will leave no stone unturned. After all, the more you know about what you sell and why you sell it, the more valuable your business will be—for both you and your customers. In fact, we’ve found the key to any Franchise Owner’s success is the ability to develop a loyal customer base through extensive knowledge and customer service, which is unmatched by your competitors.

While referrals are important, we would never expect you to rely on just that or self-promotion to make your franchise work its hardest. We have an entire staff of advertising professionals who create national-caliber, targeted advertising campaigns to promote the Pinch A Penny brand.

Our award-winning efforts have helped foster our “expert” reputation in the minds of our target audiences. And we have one of the most sophisticated pool owner databases to make sure we’re getting our message to the right people.

Most of what you’ll sell can be ordered through an affiliated central distribution facility in Clearwater, Florida. Stores receive deliveries on a regularly scheduled basis. Even in transit, we’re promoting the Pinch A Penny name through image advertising on our trucks that travel throughout the Southeastern U.S. and Texas.

Pinch A Penny franchise start-up costs depend on the market and individual location. See the range of initial investment costs on our Investment page.

As with most small businesses, no day is typical! You’ll spend a lot of time working with your customers to help them keep their pools in great shape, either through in-store sales or home visits to troubleshoot, clean, fix, and/or repair their pool or spa. You’ll also work on scheduling, payroll and ordering inventory. The Pinch A Penny team is ready to guide you when and if needed.

You’ll work with an experienced team of trainers at 4 weeks of Pool School to learn all you need to know about pool care. Pool School teaches you about pool and spa care as well as how to operate a Pinch A Penny store. When you finish Pool School, you’ll be ready to open, and then you receive in-store training with one of our team members to empower your success.

You’re never on your own! With 45+ years of experience, we have the expertise to help with any challenge. Your franchise family is here for you today, tomorrow or ten years from now.

No. Most new Franchise Owners come from non-pool industries. After finishing Pool School, you’ll have a Pool School Certificate as well as a Pool & Spa Operator (CPO®) Certification, the world’s leading verifiable pool and spa training credential, & your Advanced Service Technician (AST®) Certification, so you’ll be ready to take care of your customers’ pools and educate them about good pool maintenance.

Yes. Currently we have a new store financing program, for qualified candidates, that offers up to 80% financing of your startup costs at rates comparable to an SBA loan without all the fees.

You must have a willingness and desire to help customers, and the passion to go above and beyond to be sure customers have what they need to keep their pool or spa in great shape. You have to be committed to training and educating your team so they can meet and exceed customer expectations.

Typically, depending on real estate, construction and other variables, the average time for new stores to open is 6-9 months from the initial inquiry. From build out to opening day, Pinch A Penny takes care of everything so your turnkey store is ready go from day one.