One year on...
How has running The ZipYard been? So far the business has been a very positive experience. It is a great environment to work in if you enjoy dealing with customers and doing all you can to build long-term relationships. With customers paying up front it is a refreshing change to have a business that is cash positive as opposed to one where you are waiting to be paid or having to chase up outstanding invoices. My initial reservation about having no experience of sewing / alterations proved unfounded, as I have a team of excellent experienced seamstresses. It is surprising how quickly you pick up things that allow you to talk confi dently about a customer’s alteration requirements.
Surpassing expectations
Graeme Mulheron looks back over the past year since setting up his ZipYard franchise in Bedford
What did you do before buying your franchise?
I sold another business I owned to buy The ZipYard as I could see there was a real need for a professional alterations and repair service in the Bedford area. I have been involved in sales and marketing for my whole business career and knew that the ZipYard concept would really complement my skills set.
How has the past year been for you? Business has gone beyond expectation in respect of the original business plan. Sales are running about 30 per cent ahead of target and growing rapidly as word-of- mouth from delighted customers gathers momentum. We now employ six people and have over 7,000 customers. The support from local retailers and customers has been phenomenal. On a personal level the business has the potential to generate a very good standard of living for my family. I have also been able to get my teenage daughters involved in the business
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during school holidays, which is a great opportunity to see them develop their skills in communicating with customers and get some real work experience.
Any unusual jobs or work for celebrities that stick out in your mind? I remember we made a bespoke coat for a small terrier dog that was feeling the winter chill following a severe haircut. We have also repaired costumes used in fi lms.
What are the benefi ts of running a ZipYard franchise?
Customers feel comfortable knowing they are dealing with a national brand. The ZipYard has a very professional image, which is refl ected in the quality of the shop- fi t, online presence and all of the marketing collateral provided by the franchisor. In addition, there is a high level of business support and all franchisees also have free access to a very proactive PR agency. None of this could be replicated easily if you set up on your own.
What have been the highlights? Initially, the highlights were reaching the milestones of our thousandth customer and our fi rst £1,000 sales day. These were both exceeded in the subsequent months. I have really enjoyed becoming part of the Bedford retail community and nurturing relationships with local businesses. This Christmas we ran a campaign with a local charity for the homeless to encourage the public to donate unwanted clothes and the overwhelming response has certainly been one of the high points for me so far.
What are your plans for 2015 and beyond?
So far we have only scratched the surface of the business that is available to us from the Bedford population and we plan to carry on building sales within our territory. I am convinced that everyone is a potential consumer, due to the fact that they are likely to have items sitting in their wardrobe that require repairing, altering or re-styling. Within the next 12 months I would also like to open a second store.
What is your top business tip? Ensure all customers receive an excellent experience. If you can combine exceptional customer service with a good quality of work, believe me, customers will spread the message.
Would you do anything diff erently if you had to start up all over again? No, I would follow exactly the same plan as this has exceeded all of my expectations and clearly worked! n
THE ZIPYARD
WEBSITE:
www.thezipyard.com EMAIL:
edownes@thezipyard.co.uk PHONE: 01530 513 307 CLASSIFICATION: Retail
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