Appliance Tagging Services believe that franchisee support is key

Why do so many small businesses fail? Could it be that those small business owners are now not only the managing director, but also the receptionist, sales rep, marketing analyst, accounts clerk, debt collector, IT guru, office clerk, chief cook and pot washer? How does this leave them any time to work on their business strategy and become an expert in their new chosen field, all while trying to build a successful business? 

When Ainslie and Sarah Allen decided to franchise their electrical safety testing business, they wanted to offer a complete administration service for their franchisees.

“We know how difficult it can be managing conflicting priorities when you are a sole operator. On one hand, you can get so bogged down with invoicing and admin that your business and customer service can start to suffer. And on the other, as your customer service comes first, invoicing and debt collection gets overlooked and cash flow screams to a halt.

“We didn’t want that to happen to our franchisees or our valued customers. We wanted our franchisees to focus on their core business – servicing their clients’ test and tag requirements, and growing their local businesses.”

Appliance Tagging Services Pty Ltd  has employed a team of dedicated operational and administrative staff to make sure the franchisees’ businesses run smoothly. Data processing and test report production through to invoicing and debt collection is all handled by the administrative team.

The electrical safety franchise even prepares Recipient Created Tax Invoices for their franchisees, assisting with management of their cash. Additionally, the service team communicates with the clients to schedule testing services; and secures and manages the relationship with major national clients.

The team at the electrical safety franchise group also manages all of the above-the-line advertising and marketing, with a sales team dedicated to tendering for national work while sourcing local leads for franchisees.

This ensures that the franchisees are left to get on with the most important aspects of their business; servicing existing clients and growing their business at a local level.

Megan and Ken Black, franchisees from Canberra, say that the administration support provided by the electrical safety testing franchise was a big attraction.

“Being new to business we were looking for the support of a franchise system. With the professional team at ATS head office managing client reporting and billing, as well as national tendering for the franchise network, we can focus on providing the very best face-to-face experience in our community. We believe that is what will set us apart from our competition.”

Nathan Brown is one of ATS’ longest serving franchisees and is chairman of its franchise advisory council. He believes the invoicing and debt collection service is a vital ingredient to the success of his business.

“Apart from taking away the headaches of chasing payments in what is currently a challenging financial climate, this service ensures a steady cash flow for my business and peace of mind for my family.”

Customer satisfaction is monitored by the support office by actively seeking customer feedback which is then forwarded to franchisees. This ensures the electrical safety franchise network continually improves its service delivery and customer satisfaction promises.