Pool care franchise Swimart has 76 locations across Australia and New Zealand. If you want to join the line-up of franchisees, you’ll need to understand some basics about the business.
10 must-ask questions for Swimart
1 How seasonal is this business and how do you manage quiet times?
Swimart is a seasonal business but the work never stops! As every pool owner knows, you can’t just forget about your pool in the months you are not swimming in it.
So, in our network, the retail trade might take a slight dip in winter, but Swimart’s pool servicing and maintenance services keep all our franchise partners busy.
2 What technical knowledge do I need?
No technical knowledge is required. With our Swimart Academy online training and extensive in-field training program, you will learn everything you need to know about running a successful pool and spa business.
We would never put a new franchise partner in front of a customer if they weren’t ready, but after 35 years of experience, we know a thing or two about the industry.
3 What will I be doing as a franchisee and how do I make money?
Put simply, we have two main sources of revenue: retail and service. The beauty of Swimart’s franchise model is that franchisees are not solely reliant on just one income stream.
We sell chemicals, pool equipment, above-ground pools, spas and leisure products – and the list keeps growing. Onsite we service, maintain and complete installations on our customers’ pools and spas.
4 How does the franchisor make money?
Being part of the Swimart group requires you to pay a monthly franchise fee.
5 How can I expand my business?
Expansion can be achieved in a few different ways. You can become a multi-unit franchise, which means having more than one location.
Expansion can also be achieved within your existing business by growing retail traffic and your service customer base. We have proven strategies on how to do all of this successfully.
7 What makes the business stand out from competitors?
Swimart is the longest-running – and one of the largest – pool and spa groups in Australasia. Also, knowledge, tenure and expertise is key to our success.
Some of our franchise partners have been with us for up to and over 30 years. That is very rare, especially for a franchise model.
8 What innovations have you introduced in the last 12 months to help franchisees?
Technology continues to play a major role in Swimart’s evolution.
In the last 12 months, we have launched more local focused marketing campaigns and promotions to drive sales to our locations. This evolution away from traditional media has generated fantastic results.
9 What will it cost me to invest in a franchise?
A new Swimart store can range in price depending on the size, but let’s say between $150,000 and $250,000.
A mobile-only franchise costs approximately $50,000 to get started (not including the vehicle).
10 How long is a term and can I renew?
The initial term is five+five years and at the end of 10 years you will have the option to renew for another five+five term.
Read about the pool industry and how franchise brands are operating in the sector in the Feb-April edition of Inside Franchise Business.