hit the road with a mobile F ranchi S e late S t newS M obile franchising VOL 17 ISSUE 02 janUary/fEbrUary 2023 on the road again Mobile v Fixed Site Franchises
Jim’s Pool Care has just reached the prestigious milestone of 125 franchisees across Australia. This has been an amazing growth story for Jim’s and the Pool Industry since the humble beginnings of this Jim’s Group Division over 14 years.
t he Jim’s Pool c are division begin in 2004 in Wa and was taken over by Brett and Kelli Blair in 2008. Since then, Brett and Kelli have invested their time and effort into improving the system and they have added tremendous value to the Jim’s Pool c are division by creating a community where all franchisees can be a part of a supportive and encouraging environment.
Our Jim’s Family Continues to Grow!
Brett told us “ t he Franchisor team, trainers and suppliers are always around to lend a helping hand and be the first point of contact for new and established franchise owners. it has been great to watch the
progress of our franchisees, often starting out a bit unsure, watching their confidence build through training and ending up as confident, professional business owners in their field. t hey all know their business success is ultimately up to them and how
much effort and focus they put in, but they also know we are here to help and support that journey.”
https://www.jimspoolcare.com.au/ franchises/franchise/
The PACK & SEND network continues to expand nationally, with 124 Service Centres now open and another 3 already scheduled to open in 2023. This growth is on the back of the BOOMING Freight, Logistics, and Parcel Market, valued at over $6 BILLION by IBISWorld.
PacK & SeND continued growth is backed up by the technology, support and resources provided to the franchise partner. t his includes the introduction and sales growth training program focusing on the B2B & SMe markets. PacK & SeND is also delivering a new customer relationship management system to help franchisees acquire and retain new customers.
PacK & SeND is ideal for people with an entrepreneurial spirit, who want to leverage their skills and determination to build their own business. PacK & SeND doesn’t require people with previous sales experience, but someone ready to be trained and willing to follow the PacK & SeND system of selling. t his will enable PacK & SeND and its Franchise Partners to continue the growth in the years to come and take advantage of the business model and tech-driven fulfillment services.
t his year, as a franchise system, PacK & SeND retained our 5-star rating for the fourth consecutive year, this rating is conducted by
respected franchise and information specialist FR aNdata. FR aNdata has also completed a Bank credit Report for PacK & SeND that is available to lenders of qualified candidates to assist with their financial lending options. t he Bank credit Report is designed to support lenders in their loan decisions and provides detailed financial information about PacK & SeND.
If you’d like to learn more about PACK & SEND Franchise opportunities, you can learn more and enquire here www. packsend.com.au/own-a-franchise/
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the Jim’s pool c are team has grown to More than 125 Mobile pool shops Across Australia, An Amazing growth story!
Join a 5-star rated Business in the Booming Freight, logistics and parcel industry
electric Car discount Bill will motivate 40% of businesses to buy eVs in the next year
In July, the Albanese Government announced their intention to remove the fringe benefits tax (FBT) from electric vehicles (EVs) to allow Australians greater access to battery-operated, hydrogenfuelled and plug-in cars in their ‘Electric Car Discount Bill’.
Small Business Loans australia (SBL a), a comparison financing and loan website, found that SMe s responded favourably to the proposal with 40 per cent indicating that they would purchase an ev by the end of 2023, provided the Bill passes in parliament.
t he SBL a commissioned survey, found that of the 40 percent of businesses who would be ready to purchase an electric vehicle by the end of 2023, 9 per cent were even willing to purchase this year.
eleven (11) per cent would acquire an ev in 2024, and 15 per cent from 2025 onwards. Disappointingly, 34 percent of business owners reported having no intention of investing in an ev, regardless of whether the Bill passes.
alon Rajic, Founder and Managing Director of Small Business Loans australia, says: “ t he Federal Government understands that the price of evs has been a major barrier to their adoption in australia.” t he survey found the removal of this barrier will have an enormous positive influence on business purchase decisions.
t he Bill applies only to the sale of vehicles priced below the luxury car tax-threshold, which stands at $84,916 for 2022-23. Despite this maximum, the removal of this major barrier is a step in the right direction –pushing australia closer to its 2050 net-zero target.
The full survey results, including breakdowns across business sizes and States, can be found here: https:// smallbusinessloansaustralia.com/ resources/electric-vehicles.html
ovenu sign new 25 year Master Franchise Agreement
Ovenu the oven cleaning and detailing Franchise has been operating in Australia since 2005
Bernard Bannon Managing Director said “we saw the concept whilst visiting the UK and just knew it would work in australia. We initially took a Franchise and opened for business in Perth, before taking a 15 year Master Franchise in 2006. “ Ovenu has grown and now has a good presence in Qld, v ictoria and their home State of Wa Bernard and wife Janet run the business with their two sons Ryan and Daniel who both operate Ovenu businesses and with the help of State Managers in Qld and v ictoria.
“We have just signed a new 25 year Master Franchise agreement and are making plans for the next phase of expansion.
“We would love to get a presence in NSW. i believe that Sydney would be our biggest market, but we just haven’t found the right person to launch Ovenu into that State
yet “ said Bernard. it would be a fantastic opportunity for the right person. We also want to expand into c anberra, tasmania and South australia. entry cost of $39,500 + gst, low overheads, and fixed monthly fees makes this a very profitable and easy business to get in to.
everything is included in the start up, a new Franchisee just needs to bring their own vehicle.
Ovenu has earned a fantastic reputation and their 1000s of 5 star reviews keeps demand for their service growing and growing.
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snap-on tools leads the way
Snap-on leads the way in innovation to providing customers the gold standard in tools, tool storage, equipment, diagnostics, repairs information and management systems.
Founded in 1920 in Wisconsin, USa , Snap-on tools now has over 4,500 franchised mobile stores world-wide. in australia, the Snapon tools franchise network has been operating for almost 35 years, delivering quality automotive tools direct to our customers.
We have highly targeted marketing techniques to get in front of your customers. every month, we develop specials to give customers a reason to buy immediately. t here are also regular competitions to excite customers throughout the year.
For new franchisees, you will be sent for initial training at Dallas, texas. Ongoing support from the field team is provided once you are on-the-road. We hold major conferences during the year so you can learn and network with other franchisees.
Having a mechanical or sales background is advantageous as well as having basic computer skills plus a willingness to learn. Our successful franchisees come from all different backgrounds including management, i t, retail, teaching and sales.
- World’s Largest tool Franchise
- e xtensive initial and support and training to enhance performance and profitability
- Snap-on credit offers financing solutions
- Low level entry cost
- Protected list of calls
- No Marketing fees required
- No Royalties
- No Rent
- Mobile stores trade Monday to Friday
To start your journey with Snap-on, visit https://www.businessfranchiseaustralia.com.au/find_a_ franchise/snap-on-tools/
a Mobile franchise With a guaranteed start
One of the big benefits of a mobile-type franchise is not having the expense and commitments of a premises lease. You work from your home and service clients from your car.
But some types of mobile franchises come with big additional benefits that really make life so much easier. Look at Right choice conveyancing, for example. Here is a property transfer, professional services business that is home-based, online centred and mobile. Because property conveyancing requires some pre-requisites with qualifications and expertise, this franchisor guarantees the franchisee’s first portfolio of clients.
yes, Right choice conveyancing, as a franchisor established in the industry, will source up to 80 new clients for each new Right choice franchisee. t hese client files are then used to train and instruct the new franchisee in the processes and steps of property conveyancing, so that they not only ‘learn by doing’ they also have the comfort of knowing they have an assured business revenue stream from the beginning of their franchise.
after the first year, the franchisee has a secure exclusive territory, serviced from a home office and a car, with a stepby-step helping hand into the property transfer business. aND with the comfort of knowing they have a franchisor providing
a steady flow of new client files – each of which means dollars in their bank. What better way to get into a business of your own?
For more information about Right Choice Conveyancing franchise opportunities, contact Colin Crawford at Wollermann Franchise Developments
M: 0425 838 800 ccrawford@franchisedevelopments.cpm.au www.franchisedevelopments.com.au www.rightchoice.com.au
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FOR YOURSELF WITH A DECKSEAL FRANCHISE
Low startup cost, mobile business, and a proven established model – it’s the perfect opportunity.
Join the largest deck and timber restoration and preservation specialists in Australia. We undertake a wide range of projects including decking, cladding, screens, fences, seats, handrails, posts, outdoor furniture, planter boxes and garden edges and service Residential and Commercial properties.
With common benefits including instant brand recognition in an established market, set supplier contracts and a support network of your franchisor and fellow franchisees, buying into an already established business model is a tempting proposition for many!
A timber deck is an iconic part of the Australian outdoor lifestyle and a key feature in countless homes across the country. Not only does a timber outdoor area extend existing living space, it adds value to a property – more so when maintained to its full potential.
With a continual flow of enquiries, repeat business and an overwhelming demand for our services, we just cannot keep up. DeckSeal currently has territories available in NSW, QLD, WA, SA, and TAS.
The restoration and preservation of timber structures and decks is a niche business, placed within a significant growth market. Now more than ever, people are entertaining at home and utilizing their outdoor spaces.
Our franchisees love what they do. The satisfaction they get out of their work and business is endless, from seeing the deck at the beginning of the project to the final result is amazing!
DeckSeal offers everyday people the perfect opportunity to capitalize on their existing skills or quickly build a new set without the burden of learning a new trade.
Our Franchisees are invoicing between $10k-$15k per month (sole operator) and $15k-$30k+ per month (with 1 or 2 staff). These figures can vary depending on location, work ethic, staff, hours per week, etc.
If you’re a motivated, honest and organised person who wants to own a business that enables you to have more flexibility in your life, have control over your income, and bring a smile to your client’s face – then we want to talk to you!
For more information or to register you interest, please call 1800 332 525 or email admin@deckseal.com.au
BUSi N e SS FR a N c H iSe M aG a Z i N e 33 seal your future with a Deckseal franchise WHAT’S ON OFFER: • Your own Exclusive, large territory • Hands on Training, onsite with DeckSeal Master Franchise (4weeks) • Training in Quoting and Sales • Training in Software - Xero, Trak Software, Op Central and G-Suite • Uniform • DeckSeal Supplier Pricing • Marketing Material and Stationery • Operation and Technical Manuals • Sales and Brand Marketing and Advertising
WORKING
START
h it the road with a mobile F ranchi S e
Business has moved with the changes and 2023 brings us the year of convenience. We are all striving for change to our lifestyle where we can earn a living and also enjoy living our lives. Which is why a Mobile Franchise Business may be what you are looking for.
Let’s discuss the positives of owning a mobile franchise business. Mobile Franchise Businesses are less expensive to run, they don’t require the same overhead requirements as a storefront business that has a fixed location. Which means, no rent or operating costs in maintaining a location. Mobile franchises are faster to get up and running and get your business earning quicker. You will have control of your schedule and be able to be flexible with your time and commitments, as there are no set store hours, you are able to meet with client’s at times to suit you rather than operating with set hours.
So have I tickled your curiosity? Then let’s talk about what kinds of mobile franchises are out there available to you now.
Jim’s group
We are all familiar with the ever popular Jim’s Group which includes Jim’s Cleaning and Jim’s Pool Care. This group is at the forefront of providing a commitment to excellence in customer service so their brand stands strong in the mobile franchise world. Jim’s Cleaning Services are practically endless; they offer everything from Home cleaning to Bond Cleans, Regular Cleans,One Off Cleans, BBQ cleaning, NDIS cleaning services and office cleaning to name a few. Jim’s Pool Care is another franchise option within the Jim’s Group offering Pool Servicing, Equipment Repairs, Commercial Pool Maintenance and Pool Safety. They even have their hands in Pool Building Design Ideas and more. Becoming a Jim’s franchisee couldn’t be easier. They offer you all the equipment, training and continued ongoing support, a complete turn key business that allows you to step right in to running your own empire.
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franchising feature
feature a rticle: Renae Longworth
snap on tools
Snap on Tools is an award-winning global servicing industrial start-ups, technical trades, building sites and tradesman who are in constant need of equipment. They are key in the building industry saving businesses and tradies productivity on time so they do not have to down tools and leave the site. They come to you with a range of more than 200,000 power tools, hand tools, storage products, diagnostic equipment, repair
information and management systems. They are offering their franchisees Low start up costs,no marketing fund contributions, no royalties and no rent. Snap on Tools have over 100 snap on employees nationwide that are also here to support you to achieve your goals along with direct training and product knowledge to help you grow.
Courier Franchise could be the way to step into becoming your own boss on your terms. Aramex will offer you the opportunity to run a successful franchise business by providing you with training from their team so no experience is necessary. With start-up costs to suit most budgets along with a globally recognised brand there are many benefits to becoming your own boss with Aramex, being out on the road working within your community and you’re also buying an asset that you can sell down the track for a profit. I’d call that winning!
Xpresso Mobile cafe
ovenu
Ovenu is your number 1 detailing oven service. Ovenue was established in 1994 and is known as the best couple family friendly franchise. So if yourself and your partner or a family member are looking to become your own boss then Ovenue will be your go to franchise business. Ovenu is a globally successful brand in a low competition industry you can earn anywhere from up to $2,000 per week. Ovenu also offers their franchisees everything you will need to know to run a successful and profitable business. Their start up package is priced at $39,500 + GST with an earning potential of over $100,00 per annum. Australia now has 35 Ovenu vans on the road, managed by 35 Franchisees and growing. Ovenu has proven to be a strong leader in the mobile franchise world. So if you’re looking for a balanced lifestyle with more free time,more money, then Ovenu is where you need to start.
aramex
With the world now back on track and moving forward 2023 is a great time to get involved with Aramex. With over 58 countries across the world and operating for nearly 30 years with over 800 franchisees, a
I really do enjoy a good mobile coffee van. They are so convenient and are everywhere from events, to markets and even to your office. To thrive running a Xpresso Mobile Cafe you have passion and excellent customer service skills. The entry costs are $122,000 + GST but you won;’t need that whole amount up front. If you have around $40,000 in cash or property Xpresso can arrange the rest through vendor and equipment finance. You will also be provided with ongoing training, brand and marketing support and a great support team. So if you love being around people and have a positive vibe this is the mobile business you need.
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pack and send
Pack and Send have been in operation for over 25 years so this is another mobile franchise that has great backing with a well known brand established, so you know right from the start, your heading for a successful mobile business. Pack and Send are essentially a travel agent for freight. 2022 saw the company grow leaps and bounds and in 2023 their services will grow even bigger as the country gets back on track to providing freight and packaging to their customers on time. Your customers are everyone from blue-chip corporations, small to medium size businesses, tourists, backpackers, eBay, householders and government departments. Pack and Send will provide the training so that you can handle everything from big,large, small, awkward and valuable.
deckseal
Deckseal was founded in 2007 by Brian and Danielle burgess, driven by their love of timber and desire to protect and extend
the life of timber. With a reputation for excellence, demand is spreading to jump on board this mobile franchise. Deckseal is a great investment and here are a few reasons why, they are a niche business so all the leads they receive they are able to service. They have access to large territories using their state of the art mapping platform, you will have ongoing support and training providing you with the leads you need and the marketing. So if you have always wanted to run your own business, then Deckseal is a great way to get there.
city farmers dog Wash
Now this mobile business just gives you all the feels. The pet industry is booming so many people now have pets as part of their family. The need for home based care services for our pets is high. As a City Farmers Dog Wash franchisee, you will get to take the lead in your own business and have a lot of fun along the way. You will have access to a massive retail customer base, increased
buying power and access to exclusive products and suppliers. You will be in tune with everything you need in the Canine world. Just imagine having a business of your own where you are surrounded by pets who provide the answers to relieving stress and keeping you happy. Winning!!
donut king Mobile
Joining an established national brand does have its advantages. You are getting great experience, knowledge with national and local advertising campaigns. Plus a Donut King Mobile Van that can comes to you….is a fresh new way to invest in this popular brand. Donut King Mobile Vans also has a limited time offer on board… .$139,000+GST cost includes $2000 worth of coffee beans 1x seek of expert training, barista training and coffee excellence programs. A guaranteed $600 sales per day for the first 2 weeks, ongoing guidance and support from support office, National & Local Marketing Area, campaigns to drive and customer visitations. Now that is a package!
I hope you have enjoyed our mobile franchises article. In our next Issue we will be talking about “Trending Franchises” so don’t forget to tune back in again.
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a rticle: Renae
franchising feature
feature
Longworth
BUSi N e SS FR a N c H iSe M aG a Z i N e 37 DRIVE YOUR OWN SUCCESS JOIN THE WORLD’S #1 TOOL FRANCHISE Contact us today for more details sota.franchise@snapon.com OR call 1800 762 766 snapontools.com.au /FRANCHISE JeJak GR aPHICS a lasting impression Adverts Logos Stationery Posters Manuals 03 5977 8804 | 04222 676 39 jejak@bigpond.com EXAMPLES: www.issuu.com/jejakgraphics JEJAk Gr APhicS is a freelance graphic design business based in Melbourne, Australia working with clients worldwide. With over 20 years experience in the design and print industry specialising in magazine layout and advert design as well as offering a number of other graphic design services including: • Advert design • Corporate stationery • Brochures and flyers • Poster and banner design • Educational manuals • Sports programs • Monthly newsletters • Website, email and social media banners Artwork is tailored to your brand and focused on your message and target audience. No job is too big or small. Contact me today to discuss how Jejak Graphics can make your company or organisation leave ‘a lasting impression’.
Ahh mobile franchises, the wind in your hair as you drive to your next appointment in your branded van with a dog in the back… freedom from paying exorbitant rents and staff costs and you can have some work/ life balance… mobile franchises are a great option… or are they?
on the road again
Mobile V Fixed Site Franchises
There is an emergence of mobile franchises on the market which have certain benefits over the traditional high-cost franchises that we see in shopping strips and shopping centres.
The rise of mobile and home services was happening pre covid (yes, everything is now measured unfortunately by pre or post covid)!
Covid drove businesses to move online quickly to survive and provide their goods and services to their consumers via door to door and click and collect. In a way Covid did many businesses a favor as it forced them to go online and update their systems.
The demand for courier drivers, food delivery and other home delivery services exploded,
and then businesses realized that in fact, this was a more efficient and profitable way of doing business.
Employees are still working from home and the return to office has been slower than expected and so the demand for home services has remained strong as we all want our cars serviced at home, our dogs washed, our garden mowed, our house cleaned, and dinner or groceries delivered to the door.
Taking your business to the consumer's home or office is a great way to generate work without carrying the huge overheads of a fixed site. Consumer spending is now driven by convenience and instant gratification!
Mobile services mean convenience to overworked families and people working from home under work pressure.
the benefits of mobile franchises
The Pros
Mobile franchises require a much smaller upfront capital investment and are generally more affordable
They also offer greater lifestyle and work life balance flexibility than a traditional sitebased franchise.
They are generally owner operated so you do not have staff costs and the issue round staff management when operating a retail site. The franchise fee is usually the biggest cost apart from the need to lease a vehicle, branding and equipment costs whereas for a fixed site franchise it is usually the lowest cost and the investment by the time you add stock
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P ert
franchising feature
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advice: Robert Toth | Special Counsel | Sanicki Lawyers
and shop fit out, bank guarantees on a lease, staff costs and insurance can be considerable.
The ongoing operational costs are also generally much lower with a mobile franchise depending on the nature of the business.
The Cons
Mobile work may not however suit everyone as not everyone is suited or likes to be “on the road” travelling around with the worsening traffic and cost of petrol.
Even though a mobile franchise has less up front cost (which means less risk) that may also mean a smaller income.
A typical fixed site franchise may require investment of anything between $350,000 to $800,000, of which the franchise fee may be $40,000 to $60,000 whereas a mobile franchise investment all up may be around the $100,000 mark.
Many mobile franchises elect to charge a fixed royalty rather than a royalty based on the gross turnover of the business. This can be positive if the business is successful and growing but can otherwise be a fixed cost that becomes a debt to the franchisor, irrespective of the franchisee’s revenue.
Fixed site franchises generally charge a royalty, based on the turnover of the business of between 4% to 10% of gross turnover (revenue) and also a marketing fund contribution of around 2% to 5% per cent.
A mobile franchise may still charge an up front franchise fee of $20,000 to $30,000, plus the cost of the vehicle and equipment. The vehicle and equipment can usually be leased, thus reducing the capital outlay.
Fixed site franchises also require the franchisee to hold stock so that has to be funded up front and the working capital requirements for a fixed site franchise over the first six or twelve months of operation will be much greater.
What to consider
The things to be considered are:
a. Whether you are allocated an exclusive territory or whether the franchisor or other franchises can compete in your territory.
b. What is the franchisor's online policy as far as directing leads to you, in your territory?
c. Where is the territory allocated as to where you live – do you want to be travelling across town to service your area?
d. Do you have to travel long distances within your territory to service clients for a small fee in which there may be little profit for you?
robert toth is Special Counsel Sanicki Lawyers, with over 35 years’ experience in Franchise, Licensing and Distribution law acting for both local and International franchisors, franchisees and master franchisees and with expertise in dispute resolution. Robert is an Accredited Commercial Law and Franchise Specialist, a member of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) and the International Franchise Lawyers Association (IFLA) and regularly writes for franchise and corporate journals online.
contact robert@sanickilawyers.com.au or even call him on mobile 0412 67 37 57
e. Can you still take time off and have a break without impacting on the business if you are a sole trader?
do the numbers
Even though it may be a lower entry costs you should still talk to other franchisees in the system to gain feedback and then do your own financial due diligence and cash flows with the assistance of your accountant and financial advisor to see if the business is sufficiently viable to at least pay you a reasonable salary?
If the numbers don’t work, then don’t commit, as mobile franchises can be di fficult to sell.
You may also need to accept that by taking up a mobile franchise you will be doing nothing more than taking a salary and that there may be no goodwill value at the end so you may not sell the franchise for a capital gain.
training and support
You should ensure that the franchisor provides adequate training up front and ongoing training and support and that they
have the latest booking and CRM software for ease of bookings and payment.
There is really no excuse these days for outdated software.
Does the franchisor have a social media presence and are they on Instagram compared to the competition?
your exit plan
Most mobile franchises have a limited life span and therefore you need to look at what the transfer or assignment costs are and any restrictions on selling the franchise and any non compete clauses that may restrict you from setting up in competition.
If things don’t go to plan it can be di fficult to get out and sell a mobile franchise and you may still crystallize a loss if you walk away during the franchise term.
So, before you “get on the road again” like Willie Nelson did back in the 60’s, do your analysis and get advice from your specialist franchise lawyer and financial advisors to limit your risk so you can make an informed decision before you commit.
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“ Mobile services mean convenience to overworked families and people working from home under work pressure.”
Franchi S ing on the road…
Having been through several recessions and challenging business environments in Australia over the years, the one thing I have found is that when the economy begins to emerge from a difficult period, there are enormous opportunities for the franchise sector, especially that part of the franchise sector offering simpler, low-cost service units.
The disruption of COVID we are settling into will not be an exception. There are already signs of a sharp increase in demand
for low-cost, niched service franchises and I believe this will only increase as we move forward. And mobile service franchises will fit into this category perfectly.
Why will demand increase?
Well…
1. So many of us have had time at home through mandated or other forms of lockdown and this has given us the opportunity to reflect on the lifestyle we want for ourselves and our families
2. Associated with the lockdowns, many of us have also had stretches working from home and being with our families for extended periods of time. For many of us, the less stressful working environment and reduced
commute has been a welcome relief. And the closer relationship with family has come as a welcome surprise.
3. We have not travelled or had opportunities to spend on luxuries, so savings are up, a lot
4. Many of us have seen a significant increase in the value of our homes and the resulting growth in our equity
5. Many have lost jobs but benefited from redundancy payment lump sums
The net result is, so many more of us are cashed up and looking to change our lives, no longer wanting to be beholden to the 9 to 5 work in the city. Many of us are looking to work from home. We want to control our own destiny. We want the flexibility to organise our working lives so we can take the kids to swimming lessons or watch them play soccer, working around these events.
And the move away from employment into a business of our own fits the bill.
What are we looking for?
Well…
1. Obviously, something we can do from home, or a home base
2. For most this will be the first step into business, and we will have no idea how to make it all work. So, we are looking for something where we will be given the opportunity and training to be successful.
3. We are also looking for something we will enjoy doing. Something that fits our abilities and interests and often something that will make a difference
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ex P ert advice: Brian Keen | Founder | Franchise Simply franchising feature
4. Most importantly, many will be looking for something they can grow into a career path or business growth opportunity.
Many will be happy to take on a greenfield site, work hard to build it up and then sell with a good return and more business experience and move on to the next project.
Others will be looking for a career path within a group such as Poolwerx where franchisees start with a mobile van franchise, servicing pools. They are then given the opportunity to grow their business skills so they can manage several mobile units and then on to owning a shop, managing the retail outlet as well as all the mobile units in the territory.
Training in the best franchise groups such as this starts with the technicalities of servicing a pool but fast moves onto business coaching, dealing with staff management, financial control, local area marketing and more. Poolwerx’s long-term multi-unit franchisees (many stay on for 20 years or so) are very sophisticated business owners.
simpler, service orientated
mobile franchises fit the bill
Jim’s Mowing is the archetypal franchise which fits this category.
Jim’s first group just provided a lawn mowing service. No gardening. No rubbish removal. His franchisees just pushed a lawn mower each day.
In those days, Jim also made sure he organised the way the group ran so the franchisor support office did all the marketing, took all the calls, made the bookings, invoiced customers, and took payments. Support also managed all the books. Why? Because he wanted each franchisee to be mowing lawns as much as possible every day because it is the mowing which brings in the money. He didn’t want his franchisees, or their partners distracted by business tasks they would not be so good at. Or spoil their weekends doing that chore.
www.franchisesimply.com.au
Today, Jim’s is made up of over 50 service divisions and there are over 4,350 Jim’s franchises Australia-wide.
I am watching the building industry do the same thing. Specialist mobile franchises are emerging in the niched home building and renovation market. Gutter cleaning, gutter installation, kitchen cabinet supply and installation, roof restoration, outdoor pergola and decking, holiday letting, etc.
The same thing is happening in the medical industry. Remedial massage to the aged community, ear cleaning and care, home care services.
And in the cleaning industry I see niched franchises servicing strata units, domestic cleaning, commercial cleaning, window cleaning and so on.
The list is long.
the tricks to making it work
Jim really hit the nail on the head all those years ago when he set up Jim’s Mowing.
1. Niche it
Choose one or two elements and deliver to your ideal market. Select the most profitable and easiest part of your business to franchise. Don’t try to franchise the whole lot unless you have very good reason to, and then maybe you have more than one franchise group. Window cleaning and then gutter cleaning is a case.
2. Help your franchisees focus on the job and bring in the money
Work out the characteristics of the person you want to deliver the service to your customer in a way your customer will love. This means they must have the skill and personality to get the job done well and to relate to your customer base.
3. Then take away the tasks they hate and will be distracted by or which they will ignore
Today’s digital business environment makes this part of the job for a franchisor easier – provided you have the skills. And if you don’t, bring in staff with the skills to handle the tech. None of us with growth aspirations can handle a business today without a good technical base.
Marketing, lead generation, sales, POS systems tied into a central accounting system, stock control, customer service, central call service – the list goes on.
4. And provide support to your franchisees
Build the relationship, provide training, and make sure your franchisees are doing everything correctly – your way.
But don’t forget, you need to keep your franchisees accountable and compliant. Make sure you have good ops manuals to help them do things your way.
Your main job as franchisor is to train and support your franchisees to become as happy and profitable as they can possibly be within the rules of the franchise group. That way you will be happy and profitable too. v
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Brian Keen Brian Keen has been involved in the franchise industry for more than 30 years and, today, is the Founder of Franchise Simply, Systems2Grow and Microloan Foundation Australia. His on-the-ground business experience as a multi-unit franchisee, franchisor and consultant helping many of the big names create their own franchise systems and growth over the years has been fed into Franchise Simply, helping today’s SMEs grow their business by franchising.