Franchisors Mark and Penny Campbell purchased the (re-branded) OZ Bin Cleaning franchise master licence from the UK-based parent company in 2001. Both Mark and Penny had been highly successful in their own prior careers.
They were confident that the cleaning franchise model would work in Australia, however rather than rushing into franchising, they operated the business for four years so that they could understand ‘on the ground’ issues and success factors.
Mark and Penny continue to service the Northern Beaches area of NSW as a company-owned enterprise, enabling refinement of the model so that incoming franchisees get the best possible know-how, systems and support.
Perhaps surprisingly, the environmentally-friendly factor remains appealing. Franchisees operate mobile units capable of cleaning and sterilizing up to 200 wheelie bins with 250 litres of water, in just a few minutes each. All water used is filtered, recycled and disposed of in accordance with EPA guidelines. And unlike (its few) competitors, OZ vacuum dries bins, eliminating the germ transference that occurs during mop or towel drying.
Beyond the technology, there is a culture of care, reliability, approachability and value. There is no need to have a smelly bin, wafting germ-laden ‘bin-breath’ into respiratory systems.
Entry into an OZ franchise costs $67,000, encompassing an exclusive territory and unique mobile cleaning unit.
Pre-launch period: OZ assists in obtaining necessary consents and licenses from local authorities, and in preparing a business plan.
Launch period: Training is provided in sales, marketing, cash flow management, and practical business operation. The franchisor supplies an on-call business coach for the first 12 weeks.
Ongoing support: Along with a national call centre number channelling enquiries to franchisees, OZ works with local authorities to improve industry standards and assists franchisees to secure volume contract business, including introductions to clients in commercial sectors.
OZ has made solid inroads into the food industry – recently securing membership of the Australian Restaurant & Catering Association and opening doors for franchisees in the massive hospitality sector. This is called ‘nodal marketing’. Fewer points of contact creating exponential enquiry and secured, high-value, repeat business.
But the key point is volume. The need – domestic and commercial – is certainly there and the price of the service is highly affordable, while the technology makes it simple to get volume pumping.
23-May-2006