Long-term security

After 20 years as a V.I.P. franchisee, these happy people want more!

How long has Mike Vickers been with V.I.P. Home Services? ‘Let’s put it this way – when I first bought my franchise, I had two children under five. Today, they are in their twenties!’

Mike started with V.I.P. in 2003, and has just renewed his franchise for another ten years. ‘I’m not sure I expected to be here all these years later, but when you’re on to a good thing, why would you stop?’ he laughs.

‘Buying my V.I.P. business was a great decision which has served me and my family well.’

V.I.P. Home Services offers two different types of franchise: outdoor (lawnmowing, gardening and outside jobs) or indoor (all types of cleaning). The company is looking for new franchisees for both services in many parts of the country.

Never a shortage of customers

Mike first talked to Franchise New Zealand back in 2006 (see photo), when he told us that V.I.P. had been recommended to him by a relative who used to be a franchisee. ‘They spoke very highly of the people, the life and the money you could make. I’d always enjoyed being outdoors, so I decided to go for it.’

Mike and his wife Janette used the flexibility of the V.I.P. system to start small in South Auckland, and grew their business from $600 turnover per week to over $2,500. ‘The franchise allows you to get into business without investing huge capital, and even guarantees your income for a limited period. That takes the worry out of it, and it’s easy to build it from there. V.I.P. feeds you leads and enquiries on a regular basis, and of course if you do a good job, then referrals come thick and fast, too. In 20 years, there’s never been a shortage of customers.’

Never? Over two decades, Mike has seen as many pandemics, disasters, cyclones, floods, inflation, recessions and property booms and busts as the rest of us, but he says his business has steadily ridden out the storms and thrived. ‘People move away and new people come in, but grass and gardens always grow so business has remained remarkably steady.’

20 Years Of Service

One customer who has been with Mike and Janette right from the start is Miu Hauraki. ‘They aren’t just my lawnmowing people, they have become trusted and valued in the community. They keep my property looking so lovely, I have recommended them to lots of people to look after their lawns and gardens too.’

Saying it with flowers all round. Mike and Janette Vickers with one of their first customers, Miu Hauraki, who still relies upon V.I.P. to this day.

Mike says modestly that while he and Janette are meticulous about their work, a lot of the credit for their long-term success must go to V.I.P. ‘The business is quite easy to run – just follow the system and it works!’

And Mike has passed that wisdom on to lots of his fellow franchisees, having also been an Area Manager and Trainer for V.I.P. for the last 18 years. ‘I’ve been very grateful for that opportunity – training new franchisees has kept me following the systems and learning the latest techniques, too.’

Achieve what you want

‘Helping people achieve what they want from their businesses has always been important to us, and Mike has been a big part of that,’ says Estelle Logan who, with her husband John, is the company’s national franchisor for New Zealand. ‘He is very supportive to new franchisees as they are learning the business, and happily shares his vast knowledge and experience at our regular franchise meetings. These meetings mean our franchisees are always kept up-to-date with everything from new ideas to new legislation.’

Mike values the meetings, too. ‘I don’t think I’ve missed more than two or three meetings ever – you learn so much from them. Catching up with other franchisees is always good, and if they have questions there is always someone who can help them out. It’s always fun keeping up with the equipment, too: for example, I’ve got one guy who is raving about a new battery blower and I’m thinking mine needs replacing, so maybe I’ll give battery power a try!

‘One of the biggest changes I made was to my hedge trimming, after finding a harness system with a spring-loaded tension arm which takes all the weight of the trimmer – all you have to do is guide it. So doing a hedge now is a breeze not a struggle, and after 20 years it’s nice to make some jobs easier!’

Celebrate success

‘Just as we love seeing our new franchisees succeed as they start out in business, it’s wonderful to celebrate the way Mike and Janette have got the very best out of V.I.P. – it’s been such a good business for them over the last 20 years,’ says Estelle.

‘We are so proud of them. Their customers have told us, “We just love the work Mike and Janette do, and we hope they continue for many years to come.” Now they have renewed and those customers’ wishes have been granted.

‘Mike and Janette have shown that, whatever the economy or the weather is doing, a V.I.P. franchise is a solid long-term investment which can give you a great lifestyle and above-average income. Give us a call to learn more.’

Advertiser Info

V.I.P. Home Services

www.viphomeservices.co.nz

Contact Nationwide Enquiries

P 0800 84 74 96

Estelle@viphomeservices.co.nz

Mike as he first appeared in Franchise New Zealand back in 2006, when he had been with V.I.P for just three years. See you again in 2033, Mike!