Sandra Green says she has loved every minute of being a franchisee. “Of course I could have bought my own store, but the benefits of franchising far outweigh the downsides,” she says. “It’s a no brainer.”

Green joined a bedding company straight from school and worked there for 10 years. Then she bought a franchise and ran that for a few years before finding what she wanted in a business at Bedshed. Within three days of visiting the franchisor, she was committed.

“I checked out the business ethics, how they ran the company, and looked at stores in Western Australia. I opened the first two stores in Victoria.”

She says the business gave her brand recognition and the chance to get in on ground level in a new region. The franchisor’s support, in particular initial training and buying power, was crucial, she says. Franchisees get to see new products, and to contribute to purchasing decisions on a 14-day buying trip overseas.

“I couldn’t do this if I was on my own. I believe we have the best business template. The model is very strong – we can get immediate delivery on 80 per cent of goods from our main factory.”

The franchisor takes a hands-on role, she says, and franchisees connect with each other through an intranet. Retailing is tough, but believing in your system makes a difference. Optimism is important, backed up by sheer hard work. If daily figures disappoint, then Green takes a longer, weekly view; if the turnover doesn’t meet expectations, then she adopts a monthly, and then a quarterly view.

“It’s about going back to the basics – checking the stock and pricing. It’s part of being a good business person,” she says.

Green has a business partner who runs a second outlet at Hoppers Crossing. Both stores are doing well, thanks to good locations and staff. She puts her faith in her staff, and so does not need to be there for the seven days of trading.

“I can work from home now regularly. If I have an admin day, I’m at home and power through the work. It’s a good balance for me. I have a daughter at high school. I like the flexibility, the choices. I’ve been overseas a couple of times a year.”

Green’s original goal was to run the most successful bedding store, to prove she could get into a hotspot like Highpoint and achieve the sales.

“I’m really passionate about the industry. I might have another 10 years here – my kids are learning the business now.”

A third store may be added to her business portfolio.

“I love to work, I love to do what I do.”