Established:
John Hutchinson, Welshpool, WA
Started December 2003
Jumping J-Jays franchisee
Why did you choose this franchise?
It's a home based business but with centralised bookings; the system has a strong analysis of the effectiveness of the advertising and understanding the need to evolve to increase brand awareness; the very professional image tailored to appeal to the home market for back yard parties as well as the corporate client; its a simple business to run over about three days a week plus a short time each evening to deal with new bookings; I'm dealing with people in their own homes in a usually stress free environment.
What were your expectations when you started?
Probably a more steady flow of bookings but in fact the weather and time of year logically have quite a large effect. I also thought I would turn over gross about two thirds of what I actually achieved.
How has the business developed? I doubled turnover in my second year and it has increased each year since and I expect to top $130,000 this year. I reinvested a large amount into increasing my castle stock over the first three years and now with everything paid off, I am reaping the benefits.
What is the best part of the business? That the system works! The bookings and computer Intranet system together with the web site are first class and make the paperwork and invoicing very simple. It also allows excellent viewing of past performance, future bookings and turnover. And I enjoy being out and about and meeting families.
What would you do differently now?
There is not much I could have done differently, as I have simply followed the franchise model.
What advice would you offer a new franchisee? Understand you will be working at weekends and all public holidays and need the agreement and support of your family to enter this business.
Do not borrow too much finance to enter the business otherwise you will lose heart as you see all your efforts go to pay off the interest on the loan.
Commit to at least a five year period as it is then you will have written off your capital and see the financial benefits.
You need to be relatively fit and strong. It is a physical job handling the castles. Follow the system as it works.
This article appears courtesy of Franchising Magazine.
14-Jan-2008