In 2005, Sonya and I decided it was time to enter into our own small business. After much soul searching, research of different businesses and many sleepless nights we decided to purchase a
Fellas Gifts franchise.
This decision was a major change of direction for us as my previous background was in the Cleaning Service industry, and although my wife had had some retail experience previously, she has been focusing on looking after the kids for the last eight years.
The three main things that attracted us to a Fellas
Giftwares Franchise were:-
Firstly, the Fellas
retail franchise Concept. It’s a great concept. We continually still get at least weekly positive feedback from our customers that they love the store and the products.
Secondly, the Motorbike. We love it. People love it. It stands out from the crowd. People ask us about it at least weekly. “Is it real”, “Can I buy it” etc. This bike as a display really makes us different from other men's gifts stores. Customers remember the visit to our stores.
Thirdly, The franchisors. Since our first meeting with Brian and Helen, I knew that they had a good retail franchise system and that they were two very genuine people that we could trust. We felt comfortable in letting them help us succeed. Even to this day the whole Head Office team has been very supportive in many aspect of this great system. The regular reports and feedback are great and the supplier discounts that Fellas Gifts enjoy, probably overtakes the low franchise fee.
When we first started this men's specialty giftwares franchise we had a very steep learning curve but the assistance by Fellas Head Office in helping us to get established was excellent. We had a lot of assistance with stock ordering and cash flows in particular, which we believe are very necessary in conducting a successful business.
In June 2007 we purchased the Mt Gravatt Store and since then have been able to develop both stores into quite good businesses. We both really enjoy "retailing" but now we are working more "on" the business rather than "on the shop floor". Make no mistake, having a successful Fellas Gifts Franchise involves a lot of commitment and hard work but the rewards are there if the effort is there, and the systems are followed.
After purchasing our second store we would have no hesitation in recommending the Fellas Gifts franchise to anyone who wants to be a part of a professional franchise system. Overall we find the experience of owning a Fellas Gifts franchise challenging and rewarding.
9-May-2008