Batteries Plus Bulbs Recognized As the First Certified Device Repair Retailer

In the time where e-commerce seems to reign supreme, Batteries Plus Bulbs has been able to brave the storm and remain the nation’s leading omnichannel franchise retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for both direct-to-consumer and commercial applications. With a focus on providing high-quality service experiences to every customer, Batteries Plus Bulbs has grown from its humble beginnings in Hartland, Wisconsin, in 1988 to over 720 locations across the U.S.

Exemplary of its commitment to providing high-quality repair services to consumers across the country, Batteries Plus Bulbs is now recognized by CTIA as the first certified repair retailer under the Wireless Industry Service Excellence (WISE) program. CTIA is the trade association for the U.S. wireless communications industry and its WISE program consists of a network of certified retail locations that helps consumers identify and utilize qualified providers that meet the highest standards of service quality and device repair.

Technicians at more than 720 Batteries Plus Bulbs’ locations nationwide are set to participate in the WISE certification program. The program is designed to educate and test wireless device repair technicians on industry-recognized standards, certifying those that meet the highest standards for service quality and technical skill. WISE-certified device repair technicians provide consumers with a predictable and high-quality experience, time and time again.

Certification program details

“Becoming the nation’s first WISE-certified enterprise is a privilege no other competitor can lay claim to,” Danyelle Kukuk, Vice President of Product Management and Training at Batteries Plus Bulbs said. “As a leader in device repair quality, we are dedicated to providing the highest customer satisfaction by helping our 700+ stores and their technicians become WISE-certified.”

So, how exactly do technicians become WISE-certified?

According to Kukuk, the WISE program is broken down into two stages: Level 1 and Level 2. “A Level 1 WISE-certified technician has passed the WISE Certification Knowledge Exam and is considered qualified to resolve issues without opening the consumer’s device; this includes functionality inspections, soft reset, headphone jack cleaning, and determining no trouble found (NTF),” she explained.

“A Level 2 WISE-certified technician has completed the practical hands on training and is considered qualified to repair a device by fixing and/or replacing plug-and-play components using our proprietary Methodology,” Kukuk continued. “Some of the common repairs that can be completed by a Level 2 WISE-certified technician include screen assemblies, headphone jacks, loudspeakers and battery replacements. Ultimately, all technicians within a Batteries Plus Bulbs store will be Level 1 and Level 2 WISE-certified.”

WISE Retail Certification is what denotes to customers that a Batteries Plus Bulbs location is a trusted service provider for their service needs.

Benefits for franchisees

Batteries Plus Bulbs’ technicians being WISE-certified is extremely advantageous for the brand and, in particular, its franchisees. Franchisees that certify their technicians and retail locations will be able to market their Batteries Plus Bulbs stores as being WISE-certified, which according to Kukuk, increases visibility, consumer confidence and sales. Industry partnerships developed from the brand’s position as a WISE-certified enterprise will also drive increased sales.

Some of these industry partnerships that can benefit franchisees include the following: Working with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), re-manufacturers, insurance provides and other CTIA members.

The WISE Certification helps Batteries Plus Bulbs thrive as a brick and mortar concept in an increasingly online world: It allows for the brand to distinguish itself from the competition. “The WISE mark stands for quality and consistency which is critical when a customer is researching who to bring their damaged device to for repair,” Kukuk said. “Non-certified competitors will be at a disadvantage when evaluated as an option against a certified repair center. Consumers want a local store where they can bring their device for a timely and high-quality repair.”

Batteries Plus Bulbs is that local store and the WISE-certification is the assurance customers want that makes the franchise concept flourish.