Surging Ahead

Jim’s Test & Tag thrives no matter what

Trevor Fenton had little hesitation in spending his redundancy payment from the telecoms industry on a franchise. ‘I’d looked at Jim’s Test & Tag as soon as I heard the rumours of job cuts,’ he says. ‘It fitted my skills, was customer-focused, would give me flexibility of lifestyle, and would get me out of the office onto the road once more.’ Franchisees don’t need to be qualified electricians, with full training and all necessary equipment provided. ‘I made a nice, smooth start and was looking forward to the money pouring in from grateful customers,’ recalls Trevor. ‘There was just one snag – I started two months before the first Covid lockdown!’

The unlucky timing at least allowed Trevor to discover the benefits of being part of a franchise. ‘The franchise was very supportive, and it was good to feel part of a team. There was no work, of course, so they cancelled our fees for the duration and because Jim’s Test & Tag has virtually no overheads, with the government subsidy it was all very survivable … just not good for building a new business!’

A sudden surge

That all changed after lockdown as franchisees caught up with a backlog of work. Jim’s Test & Tag provides testing and tagging services for electrical equipment, fire extinguishers and first aid equipment in workplaces throughout the country. By law, equipment needs to be inspected at least annually, with building site or workshop equipment requiring 3- or 6-monthly inspection to the relevant standards: AS/NZS3760:2010, or NZS4503:2005 for fire extinguishers. The regulations ensure regular and repeat business for franchisees – and Trevor was quick to benefit.

‘The work poured in. Jim’s Test & Tag call centre ensures if any work is in the area you have bought, you automatically get first dibs,’ he explains. ‘Equally, if you are overloaded, you can mark yourself as unavailable and another franchisee will take it on. It’s a very flexible system – I bought the Hamilton Airport territory, but I work from Thames to Raglan to South Auckland, depending on need.’

Trevor Fenton: ‘The work poured in’

Three years in, Trevor says the franchise has been as good as he expected. ‘I knew I’d have to work hard and put myself out there at first, but it’s given me a great deal of flexibility and an easier life. No matter what the economy is doing, demand is ensured thanks to the legislation. The Jim’s Test & Tag support systems mean you can programme regular visits to keep your customers safe and legal, so you’re actually taking a problem off their shoulders while building recurring income. It all adds up to a great business.’

Jim’s Test & Tag NZ is looking for additional franchisees throughout New Zealand to meet ever-growing demand. The franchise fee of $55,000 covers everything bar a vehicle, which can be leased.

Advertiser info

Jim's Test & Tag

www.jimstestandtag.co.nz

Contact Peter Mahon

P 0800 454 654

info@jimstestandtag.co.nz