Pet Goods Direct Established Franchisee Q & A

Darryl Stephenson, Pet Goods Direct , Hoppers Crossing and Water Gardens.

What date did your pet care franchise open?

I was the first Pet Goods Direct Franchisee at Hoppers Crossing store in October 2006.

Why did you choose this franchise?

Having already been a Pets Paradise franchisee since 1985 I have a love for the company and I always wanted to do a one stop shop superstore. So when the opportunity came up with sister brand Pet Goods Direct I jumped at it and haven't looked back.

What were your expectations?

My expectations with Pet Goods Direct were a bit different from that of Pets Paradise. With PP we are in the shopping centres and can rely on the huge traffic flow though our stores; a Pet Goods Direct retail franchise is a true destination store. We do tend to attract the more serious pet hobbyist like breeders, aquarists and reptile keepers.

How has the business developed?

The Pet Goods Direct brand started primarily as a self serve pet superstore and has now developed in to the professional one stop shop where individual customer service is the cornerstone of what we stand for today. Driving past one of our stores you will regularly see one of our friendly staff carrying a bag of pet food out to a client's car for them.

What would you do differently?

I love Pet Goods Direct and wouldn't do a whole lot differently.

What advice would you offer to a new franchisee?

Concentrate on customer services and wherever possible give your clients the personal touch. Stay within the system and follow all the procedures and policies that have been developed by the franchisor and you can't go wrong.

This article appears courtesy of Franchising Magazine