Make the dream a reality: Brisbane expo part 1

Sarah Stowe

Have you booked your tickets for the upcoming expo in Brisbane? This event will be showcasing a number of established and emerging franchise systems and provides a great opportunity for people looking for a business investment to discover more about franchising.

There’s hardly a sector of business or services today that isn’t represented by a franchise brand, whether that’s a household name such as McDonald’s, or a newbie like Crave Australia.

So whether you have your heart set on a food and beverage business, want to tap the potential of the home services sector, can see yourself making a success of retail or want the out-of-office experience of a mobile franchisee, you’ll find something to whet your appetite at the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo.

Once through the doors at the show you will have the opportunity to meet some of the people behind the brands, find out just what it takes to be a franchisee in the various systems, and take advantage of the seminars, talks and advice on offer.

A seminar program includes franchisors, business advisors and franchising experts who will be sharing their expertise and understanding of the sector, with free sessions running throughout the two days of the show.

The Franchise Council of Australia will also provide further insight into the franchising industry to help visitors decide whether franchising is right for them.

WHO IS EXHIBITING?

Check out just some of the businesses who are participating at the expos – for an up-to-the-minute listing of exhibitors, visit www.franchisingexpo.com.au

Auto One Australia

A privately listed, member-owned automotive parts and accessory business, Auto One has 60 outlets operating across Australia.

Being a member-owner means having an equal say in the decision process where everyone has the same opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of the business and works together to achieve mutually beneficial results.

Not only will members receive complete business, financial and marketing support, they will be given opportunities to attend annual conferences, network with other members, participate in personal development workshops and invite customers and staff to trade nights and corporate functions.

New members receive assistance and support with store plan layouts and designs, store opening launch, monthly business programs and trade and loyalty incentive schemes.

Chem-Dry Australia

Since 1977, Chem-Dry has been providing professional, environmentally safe services and cleaning by using a hot carbonated water extraction method that uses little water and delivers fast drying time.

Chem-Dry is looking for motivated, hard working and passionate people to join their team in servicing its domestic and commercial customers. Franchisees will be given training and support in the areas of cleaning, business ownership, marketing and operations.

Chem-Dry assists franchisees to build their business by devising a business and marketing plan and a realistic cash flow projection. A business coach is also organised to support each franchisee, along with opportunities to attend national and international conventions, state seminars, webinars, training days and one-on-one coaching sessions.

Franchisees have access to products that are designed by Chem-Dry’s own chemist and are required to complete training in cleaning carpets, upholstery, tile and grout, rugs and mattresses.

Chem-Dry will be focussing on expanding its commercial division this year with the launch of its new equipment, the XTS unit that has been designed to reduce costs, maintenance and repairs for franchisees.

New franchisees are required to pay a flat fee royalty but are not expected to contribute to a national marketing fund.

A turnkey cost of $24,990 plus GST provides franchisees with ongoing support and training, uniform, operation manuals, training DVDs, a three day training course, a promotional pack, an online package and business coaching.

Crave Australia

Crave Australia has entered the fast growing frozen yoghurt market with a low entry cost and a product that focuses on flavours designed for the ‘Western’ palate.

A franchisee also has the potential to provide more flavours per store in a smaller footprint due to the exclusive rights to the only seven-flavour machine – and this also saves in set up fit out and equipment costs.

The Crave Australia frozen yoghurt franchise model has been set up with the focus on return on investment. Franchisees do not necessarily need experience in the food industry but could be looking for an investment opportunity with low entry and operational costs. The Crave franchising model has been automated and systemised so that a franchise may view this as a part time business opportunity.

Franchisees get direct access to Crave’s machine service, warranty and maintenance team, a dedicated training and operations manager, leasing and locations team and a business skills and education manager.

The company is looking to expand to New Zealand and Western Australia to add to its new secured locations in Queensland and hopes to have up to 30 franchised stores by the end of 2013.

A Crave frozen yoghurt franchise offers a total turnkey solution for less than $250,000 and with the addition of leasing arrangements for equipment this cost can be significantly lowered. Crave can also assist potential franchisees with securing a franchise loan.

Jim’s Diggers

Jim’s Diggers, a division of Jim’s group, is the only national earthmoving franchise in Australia and has experienced rapid growth since launching two years ago.

An energetic, practical and business minded franchisee can leverage a well known brand to work flexibly to suit themselves – where they want, when they want  – and join more than 3200 other Jim’s franchises across Australia, owning their own territory or taking on a master franchisor role.

Jim’s Diggers offers a comprehensive training program including initial training [prior to starting out in business] at Jim’s National Training Centre in Melbourne where franchisees will receive a Certificate IV in Business. A franchisee then undertakes further training at Jim’s Diggers head office in Adelaide, covering a range of topics including on the job tricks and tips, quoting, marketing, OH&S induction and system training.

In the first week of starting a Jim’s Diggers franchise, franchisees will complete the five day On The Road Induction Program where an experienced franchise trainers assists new franchisees with everything they need.

The initial franchise fee is $33,000 including GST and the Business Start Up package is $11,000 including GST. The Business Start Up Package includes all training, sign writing, stationery, uniforms, an iPad, legal documents and sign up, manuals, vehicle and equipment advice and access to all the Jim’s systems.

Rent4Keeps

Rent4Keeps is an easy to use appliance and furniture rental solution providing customers with as many options as there are products on the market.

With great demand for rented goods, Rent4Keeps services people in many different financial and social circumstances who find it more convenient and prudent to rent rather than buy.

A Rent4Keeps franchise is a lifestyle business which is easy to run either from home or an office. Most importantly, the company reports a huge customer demand and very low overhead costs. A franchisee will receive franchisor support from a dedicated support person to ensure the franchisee understands the system and continually improves operations.

Rent4Keeps Queensland is focused on building upon the solid, and significant, growth experienced across Victoria over the past couple of years.

The Rent4Keeps franchise term is 15 years with a turnkey cost of about $160,000.

Salts of the Earth

Salt therapy franchise Salts of the Earth specialises in the facilitation of salt therapy, a complementary medical therapy that provides relief to people who suffer from a range of different respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, cold and flu, cystic fibrosis, hay fever, sinusitis and emphysema. Salt therapy can also be used to manage emotional conditions including anxiety, stress and depression.

A NAB report released in December 2012 uncovered Australia’s private medical sector is on the rise, and it predicts the industry will continue to grow in the future as people choose to spend more money on their health and wellbeing than ever before.

David Lindsay and Kath Micalizzi founded the business in 2010, and the first Salts of the Earth franchise opened in the Melbourne suburb of Essendon.

The business has five franchises, and former Boost Juice general counsel Kristie Piniuta as well as former Jim’s Group COO Richard Reid have been assisting Lindsay and Micalizzi to perfect their franchise model.

The new model offers franchisee support in the areas of professional development, local area marketing and staff recruitment. A website that is equipped with back end e-marketing capabilities and delivers education to customers and leads to franchisees has also been developed.

Salts of the Earth is looking to expand its franchise network in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and New Zealand.

  • Look out for details of support businesses exhibiting at the Brisbane expo who can help you build your franchise businessMake the dream a reality: Brisbane expo part 2
  • Ready to book your tickets? Visit www.franchisingexpo.com.au.

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