About you:
Your working background is not vitally important and,
male or female
you don't need to be a "handyman" (although naturally it can help). What you need most is the ambition and energy to build a significant business - with our
full assistance - either in your local town or throughout a wider area.
You will also need a reasonable credit history and no criminal convictions
in the past ten years.
About the Business and about us:
We have
been in the property business for more than 20 years, both in the UK and
USA. We have worked with Royalty, nobility and Hollywood stars - to name
just a few! We have also been featured on prime-time BBC1
(Holidays @ Home, BBC1, 7pm for 6 weeks).
In the figurative sense the heart of the business can be likened to a mix
of "household & lifestyle management". We are primarily client based as opposed to
'call out', although most areas do offer this.
Satisfying, rewarding and offering extensive scope for growth within a high-demand sector, the beauty of the
business model is that it is not restricted to one specific niche such as oven cleaning or lawn care
(both of which we incorporate),
rather we provide a core group of easily managed but much needed services for receptive and
grateful clients -- plus you are free to supplement
these with others of your own choosing.
Why franchise?
Franchising provides a head start and significant
ongoing advantages over your competition. Customers tend to place
much higher credibility over a professional outfit which they know
is insured, reliable and accountable to a Franchise compared to an
unaccountable sole trader. We like to see ourselves as the "AA" of
the handyman world. Customers do too!
We particularly welcome ex-forces personnel into our franchise. Your background and
skill-set are highly valued here and they give you an added advantage
toward your career change. Being ex-forces myself, as are some of our
members (and many of our customers!), we know it's not always easy
resettling in Civvy Street, however we can assure you that our franchise
is particularly well suited to your background.
There are always re-adjustments in any change of lifestyle, however for
you the 'learning-curve' is much less. Whatever military Service you have
been in, we know that you will have the character to do particularly well.
Whether you are ambitious and want to build a regional business or simply
to have a local franchise we have many good areas around the UK still
available in our rapidly growing franchise. You will have the full support
of a good number of like-minded people! This is an exciting time for us as
we begin to expand rapidly nationwide. We'd like you to come and share in
our success.
Graduate careers.
We are seeking to recruit a number of graduates. We appreciate your energy, education and
skill-sets, they are valued highly.
You don't need to be a handyman
(although it can help) as this is more
about replicating a successful business model. You
will need to be
ambitious but your
degree could be in almost any subject. Engineering,
landscaping, marketing and the like would be
particularly helpful.
There is a lot that could be said here but we'd like
most to meet with you in person.
Are you determined and highly ambitious?
We have just the challenge for you!
If you have the right attributes and are seeking a career change we will
allocate you a more than significant territory - and we will reserve other
areas at no further cost (subject to performance). Our intention would be
to work closely with you on a long term strategy and on the basis of
establishing additional revenue streams. We will say about this then we
meet.
Are you not quite so ambitious?
No problem, we need all
types to fill both large and small territories! If you want simply to
work within a local area, or perhaps to "test the
water" first we are happy with that. After all, our
very first pilot area was established within a small
community of less than 4,000 people where the
Franchisee still prospers, even amongst several
competitors providing similar services and almost
without ever leaving the Parish. With our help he's
built a good local business. The demand
in the marketplace for the right people is vast
and being the "local face of a national
organisation" gives you credibility and a
significant advantage over your competitors. You too
can thrive! Where else could you
find an opportunity to create a significant business
with such a low investment? If you'd like the opportunity to establish a local
area, either "hands on" or in a management role,
we'd love to meet you.
Do you have someone you could partner with?
Partnership or "co-operative" franchising is simply
a helpful way of sharing the costs of establishing a
business; adding strengths and skill-sets to the
team and quite likely the ability to grow more
quickly.
We have particularly found this to be true with
father and son teams, brothers and good friends
working together.
The main differences?
Intrinsically there are no operational or
contractual differences between a regular franchise
and a partnership franchise, however there are
significant benefits - and a few possible drawbacks.
The main benefits include: -
sharing the costs with other partners and/or having
additional funds for increased growth rate; added skill sets and team strength, which is
appealing to customers and helpful to you;
the ability to cover one another; holidays or
sickness for example.
The drawbacks are found simply in the fact that the
value of the business (equity) and the profits have
to be shared with others. However, assuming that you
are likely to achieve more with a team, and more
quickly, it is probable that your equity and profit
share would be comparable anyway. Also leadership
decisions have to be made collectively. Some people
work well in this environment, others not so well.
From our experience, we like them a lot!
What to ask us
and any of our competitors (or any franchisor really). We are absolutely
confident in our credentials but sadly there are some copycat rogues out
there! These questions will sort the chaff from the wheat:
- What real experience
do you have of Franchising?
- How many operational areas do you have?
- Can I meet and speak to your
franchisees; which ones ?
- What does your training
consist of?
- What ongoing percentages do
you charge?
- What clients of prominence
do you serve?
- What experience of a pure
handyman business do you have?
- How have your business model
and systems really been proven?
- Is the franchise agreement
fully renewable on an ongoing basis?
- What happens if I want to
sell my business or to retire?
- Do you have a comprehensive operations manual?
- Do you have 'live' forums
where members can assist each other?
- Is further training
available
on an ongoing basis?
..and to most franchisors (but not us)....
- Justify why are your fees
so high, what do I get and what do you keep?
The difference between a License and a Franchise:
A license is a good way to obtain
the credibility of branding without the cost of a
franchise until you know it is going to viable. We'll help you grow and then you can upgrade. The only major difference is
that a License is
not
re-saleable or assignable. A
franchise adds value (equity) to your business through co-ownership of the
Brand because it is permanent & re-saleable (it's a bit like comparing
the value of a Holiday Inn to an unknown hotel or guest house,
or the AA to Bob's Recovery. Which one would you trust more?!
Advertising Fee An annual fee paid
by the franchisee to the franchisor for corporate advertising expenditures;
usually less then three percent of the franchisee’s annual sales and usually
paid in addition to the royalty fee. Not all franchisors charge advertising
fees.
Agent An individual who can act on
the behalf of another. An individual who acts on the behalf of a corporation
and can legally bind the corporation.
Approved Products Proprietary
products that a franchisee must purchase from the franchisor. Also, products
that must be purchased from approved suppliers. The goal is to achieve
uniform quality assurance among all franchisees.
Arbitration A process in which a
neutral third party hears both sides to a dispute and renders a decision. It
is an alternative to using the legal process, which can be costly, and time
consuming.
Business Format Franchising The
franchisee has full rights to use the franchisor's product, service and
trademark. The franchisor also teaches the franchisee the entire business
format including marketing, selling, inventory, accounting and personnel
procedures. Furthermore, the franchisor provides support via training and
communications for the duration of their business relationship. Restaurants,
retail and many service businesses are business format franchisors.
Business Plan A plan that provides
the objectives of a business and the steps necessary to achieve those
objectives.
Buy-Sell Agreement A legal document
that details the provisions under which a business may be sold.
Capital Capital is cash in checking
and savings accounts, insurance policy cash values, non-IRA stocks and
bonds, and loan receivables due within 30 days.
Company-owned Outlet Some
franchisors establish company-owned stores or offices that, in appearance,
are identical to the franchised outlets.
Conversion Franchise This is a
franchise that permits existing businesses to join a national franchise
system to use its recognized name and trademark and operating system.
Copyright The exclusive right of a
person to use, and to license others to use, an intellectual property such
as a book, pamphlet, or other published material.
Designated Supplier A supplier
designated by the franchisor as the source for purchasing approved products.
The use of a designated supplier for certain products guarantees the
franchisor that each franchisee is providing the same product to its
customers.
Disclosure Revealing facts to
others. In the sense used herein, these facts may be complimentary to the
franchisor or may be uncomplimentary, such as disclosing a prior bankruptcy
or litigation involving the franchisor or key persons as defendants.
Distributorship A right granted by a
manufacturer or wholesaler to sell a product to others. A distributorship is
normally not a franchise. However, certain distributorship arrangements may
qualify as a franchise, may be licensed or be adjudged a business
opportunity requiring disclosure.
Earnings Claims Claims made by the
franchisor as to the past performance of franchisees or to the potential
financial performance of a franchisee. If given, they must be disclosed in
section 19 of the UFOC.
Exclusive Continent An exclusive
continent right gives you as the franchisee the right to that continent. The
franchisor cannot sell other franchises within that continent.
Franchise An agreement, whether
written or oral, for consideration, by which a person permits the
distribution of goods or services under his trademark, service mark or
tradename, during which time the grantor retains control over others or
renders significant assistance to others. (This definition comes from the
Federal Trade Commission.)
Franchise Agreement Outlines
requirements of the franchisor and describes the franchisor’s commitment to
the franchisee. Includes information about territorial rights of the
franchisee, location requirements, training schedule, fees, general
obligations of the franchisee, general obligations of the franchisor, etc.
Franchise Feasibility Studies
Franchising can be a highly effective method of financing expansion through
the acquisition of outside capital. The objective of a franchise feasibility
study is to determine the degree to which a company, whether a
well-established concern, a small operation of one or two units, or simply a
concept that bears the characteristics of a successful franchisor, may be
successful as a franchisor.
Franchise Fee A one-time fee paid by
the franchisee to the franchisor to "buy into" the franchise. Generally, the
fee reimburses the franchisor for the costs of initial training and support
for new franchisees.
Franchisee A person or entity to
whom the right to conduct a business is granted by the franchisor or
licensor.
Franchising Neither an industry nor
a business, but a method of doing business within a given industry. At least
two parties are involved in franchising\: the franchisor and the franchisee.
Technically, the contract binding the two parties is the franchise.
Franchisor A person or entity
issuing or granting a franchise or license.
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
Also abbreviated as FF&E. Movable personal property used in the operation of
a business.
Gross Sales The revenue before any
expenses are deducted. It is the sum of all money generated prior to
deducting wages, product cost, taxes, interest, etc.
Identify Items Items that display
the registered trademarks of the franchisor. These items (such as paper
products, uniforms, point of sale materials or exterior signs) are usually
required to be used in a franchisee’s business.
Initial Investment Usually includes
the franchise fee and the total investment amount including working capital
required to commence operating a franchise.
Master Franchisee Describes an
individual or company owning the exclusive rights to develop a particular
continent for the franchising company.
Multi-Unit Franchise Franchise
agreement providing franchisee with the rights to develop more than a single
unit. Refer to Area Development Franchisee and Sub-franchisor.
Non-compete Clause A clause in a
contract that prohibits you from entering into the same line of business for
a specified time and within a specified area after you leave employment or
after you terminate, sell, or otherwise leave a franchise.
Operations Manual Comprehensive
guidelines advising a franchisee on how to operate the franchised business.
It covers all aspects of the business, including general business procedures
not necessarily peculiar to the franchised business. It may be separated
into different manuals addressing such subjects as accounting, personnel,
advertising, promotion and maintenance.
Product Format Franchise The ability
to sell a particular companies product that does not constitute all that you
sell. For example you may have a service station that sells a brand of
gasoline, but you are not restricted on the other products or services that
you can sell. Many times these are not true franchises, but can be
considered distributorships.
Qualification Questionnaire A
document prepared by the franchisor to be completed by the prospective
franchise, which provides initial information to the franchisor in order to
assist him in determining whether or not the prospect is capable and
motivated. Often a financial statement is included in the questionnaire
format.
Quality Control The method by which
the franchisor enforces the rules of operation set forth in the operating
manuals. Quality control involves regional coordinators visiting each
franchisee.
Royalty A royalty refers to a
percentage of gross sales that you pay to the franchisor monthly.
Rules of Operation (see Operations
Manual) Specific mandatory rules with which every franchisee and company
outlet must comply. This document will change from time to time. By
incorporation by reference in the franchise agreement, violation of the
rules of operations allows the franchisor to cancel a franchise agreement.
Service Mark Defined as "a mark used
in the sale of advertising of services of one person and distinguishes them
from the services of others." The word "trademark" is specifically
associated with goods or products such as toothpaste or automobiles, whereas
service marks relate to employment agencies, real estate chains and the
like.
Subfranchisor A type of multi-unit
franchise, whereby franchisees act as independent selling organizations that
are responsible for the recruitment and ongoing support of franchisees
within their given region.
Total Investment The amount of money
estimated for complete set up of a franchisee’s business, including the
initial investment, the working capital, and subsequent additions to
inventory and equipment deemed necessary for a fully operational and
profitable enterprise.
Trademark The name associated with a
product (see Service Mark). Prior to federal registration, the symbol "TM"
or "SM" may be affixed near the word or words constituting the mark or
symbol to inform the public that it is intended that the name be protected.
Turnkey The franchisor is
responsible for fully developing a "turnkey" franchise until or after, the
doors are open for business.
Tying Forcing a franchisee to
purchase one product as a condition to the sale of another. Tying may be
illegal if the products used in the franchise operation can be acquired from
other sources at a more competitive price. The product must, however, be
judged "equal to - or better than" the products specified by the franchisor
in terms of quality.
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