!"#$%&'()#&*+,#
and also a banker with prior knowledge of the franchise business model. These two actions alone will save much time and potentially a lot of money.
-&,*,%./#(01,'.
How do you see business developing in the future? equipment that will produce better quality products with a better shelf-life. Now that computerised tills so I can keep a closer check on each of my stores, allowing me a much better stock control and spend less time on accounting and paperwork to concentrate on developing and growing my business. My stores are currently trialing some new equipment for Cartridge World also using a telesales team to contact new B2B customers.
David Charton already worked for Cartridge World as a member of the technical support team when he bought the York franchise in 2008. He is now a multi-unit owner within his area.
Why did you go into franchising? I gained a lot of knowledge about the Cartridge World business and knew that the majority of their franchisees were making a good living. So I thought “why not give it a go, be my own boss and make some money for myself?”
What attracted you to a resale? Because it was an existing business there was already an income coming through meant I could borrow less from the bank. Obviously, along with the business, you get the customers and, importantly, the business sales information.
How has business been so far? What’s a typical day like?
The original business I bought has gone doubled the turnover. This encouraged me to buy two further Cartridge World stores in York both of which are steadily increasing turnover. I now employ three full-time staff and one part-timer to do our deliveries. You have to be very committed, deliver
great service and look after your customers. It is not unusual for my working day to start at 5.30am. To be a successful Cartridge World franchise, you have to multi-task. So before we open I get the paperwork out of the way: accounting, ordering, wages, plan for the day ahead etc. Then when we open I can give my full attention to my customers. I also endeavor to visit my other around 6.00/7.00pm. Once at home with my wife and my two girls, I make sure I switch off until the following day
34 |
Businessfranchise.com | November 2012
What have you found the pros and cons to be with running a resale franchise? The pros are very much to do with the hesitate to give them a call to ask for help. The advice is good and visits from support staff are always valuable. It is also important that you look after your staff well in order to get the best out of them. I am currently working on a bonus scheme to recognise my employees commitment and efforts.
Any advice for others considering a resale? You need a variety of skills to be a successful franchisee. Keep a tight rein on your B2B customers. If they owe money to you that is due for payment, never hesitate to ask for it. You might lose the odd not being paid! Follow our motto: “Great service this time, great service next time, great service every time”
2#$1/3%*%13(45",#66
Russell Golding, 42, runs
Recognition Express Home Counties
North. Having worked in the City, he was unexpectedly made redundant in 2003.
Subsequently, he went into franchise ownership and has since also bought a Recognition Express resale. He lives in Maulden, Bedfordshire with his wife Sally, and children Charlotte and George.
What prompted you to look into franchising? I was made redundant and it was a very black time and a very traumatic few months as my father had also just died. Luckily I had the luxury of being able to take nine months out to think about what to do with my life. I had a young family and had been leaving home at 6.30am every day, commuting 1.5 hours to work and not returning until 7:00pm on a good day. If I was entertaining clients it would be gone midnight before I got home. Being made redundant gave me the breathing space to look at my lifestyle and make some changes.
Had you always wanted to run your own business? And why did you decide on Recognition Express?
I knew I wanted to set up my own business business idea that I felt could work for me, so I decided to look at existing businesses and that led me to franchising. At that time there were about 700 franchises in the UK so I narrowed it down to those that interested me and that might across Recognition Express, who at the time held the title of Franchise of the Year. I went to see them, and also some Over two months I whittled it down to one – Recognition Express.
When and how did you start trading? We started trading in March 2004. Initially my wife and I worked together, but after nine months, however, we both decided all! She has since gone back into corporate four years it was just me covering the Cambridge area. I was able to work from home and spend some time with my kids. I was one of only a few fathers at the school gates!
Then, in early 2009, I purchased an existing franchise in Kettering covering an additional six territories. I now manage nine members of staff.
How is business going? getting a regular stream of enquiries coming through to us each day – from our existing client base as well as from new prospects. that we are going the extra mile for our clients and offering a great level of customer service. Some of our competitors have enquiries and business from them too. I see
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100