Why do so many small businesses fail? Could it be that as ‘the boss’, suddenly everything rests on your shoulders? You 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 you any time to work on your business strategy and become an expert in your new chosen field, all while trying to keep all the balls in the air and build a successful business?
Having been in that situation, when Ainslie and Sarah Allen decided to franchise their electrical safety testing business, they wanted to provide a total 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 (ATS) has employed a team of dedicated operational and administrative staff to ensure the franchisees’ businesses run smoothly. The administrative team handle data processing and test report production through to invoicing and debt collection.
ATS even prepares Recipient Created Tax Invoices for their franchisees to assist with their cash flow management. In addition to this, the ATS service team liaises with clients to schedule testing services; and secures and manages the relationship with major national clients.
ATS also handles 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 leaves franchisees free to get on with the most important aspects of their business; servicing existing clients and growing their business at a local level.
Franchisees Megan and Ken Black from Canberra say that the administration support provided by ATS 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, one of ATS’ longest serving franchisees and chairman of its franchise advisory council believes the invoicing and debt collection service is integral 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.”
The support office monitors customer satisfaction by actively seeking customer feedback which is forwarded to franchisees, ensuring the network continually improves its service delivery and customer satisfaction promises.