Paul Salmon - AutoValetDirect franchisee - Birmingham

Why I chose franchising

Franchising really appealed to me as I wanted to be my own boss, but with the guidance, backup and ‘know how’ of a successful company behind me. I also knew the chances of success in a new franchise business would be much higher.

What I did before taking up a franchise

Before I launched my own franchise business, I worked as retail store manager.

How I raised the finance

I was able to get a loan for most of it from Lloyds TSB

The training and support I receive from my franchisor

The training itself has been thorough. You also receive constant feedback so as to know how you are progressing. You are never made to feel that you are on your own, because the franchiser is always available for advice, and you also have the comfort of knowing you have the back up of more experienced franchisees to call on for help and advice.

The challenges I have faced

The main challenge was to feel totally out of my comfort zone as I was going in for something that I had no real experience in, but it still excited me to find out.

Knowing that there isn’t the safety net of having a set wage at the end of each month is also a challenge, but knowing that through hard work and smart thinking, with an objective to aim for, I can achieve much more financially

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise

My advice to someone considering franchising is that research is very important; there are a lot of unethical franchises out there. Also, check if there is a demand out there for the service or product being offered.

My plans for the future

My plan is to be a successful franchisee with Autovaletdirect, building a large customer base, by offering exceptional service that customers will want to keep coming back to.

Shaun Kinsell Autovaletdirect Stourbridge, West Midlands

Why I chose franchising
I liked the concept of franchising and realised its potential as a route into business start-up for me. The main elements I identified as being beneficial were - proven sales, tried & tested work ethics, and the support & back up.

What I did before taking up a franchise
Before buying my franchise I was a HGV Lorry Driver / Shunter Tug Driver.

How I raised the finance
I raised the finance from an investment I had made when I was younger, with the remaining balance coming from a business loan.

The training and support I receive from my franchisor
I have received excellent training and support. This has included:
One week field training with an established franchisee
Meeting of suppliers face to face
Full explanation of operations manual
4 days personal support within area of franchise
Data base from Autovaletdirect & suppliers
24 hour contact numbers & 24 hour manned call centre
Day-to-day contact
Good achievable business plan

The challenges I have faced
The biggest challenge for me was breaking away from the mundane Friday afternoon payslip, and the learning process required to start my own franchise. Paper chain delays from the Bank (they honoured all agreements) were also challenging.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise
Do thorough research
Get full backing from family
Make sure it’s what you want to do
Get reports on contract from a franchise solicitor
Check they are bfa members
Can you fund the project & how
Go into the venture with a clear head
Good achievable business plans

My plans for the future
I plan to expand my territory to become a multi-franchise operator for Autovaletdirect.

Autovaletdirect Andrew Griffiths (Cardiff Wales)
Cleaning Up the Streets of Cardiff

Why I chose franchising
I had been looking for a complete change in regards to my previous occupation and the demands it was placing on my home life. My wife is also a franchisee and so I had direct experience of what can be achieved with hard work and commitment.

What I did before taking up a franchise
Before franchising I was a Police Officer

How I raised the finance
I raised the finance through personal savings and a bank loan from Nat West.
The training and support I receive from my franchisor.
So far the support has been excellent. I am able to contact him at any time for advice. My initial training was very good and ended with a team building exercise with all the other franchisees.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise
My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise is to be 100% sure that the business is something you have a passion for. Be sure you have the support of your family 100%. When you have that then research the franchise thoroughly and ask as many questions as you can think of.

My plans for the future
My plans for the future are to build a successful business with a large customer base which is varied between corporate and private customers. I eventually want to employ other valetors.

Autovaletdirect Richard Rowe Cheltenham

Confidence in the Franchise Method 30-Jun-08

Why I chose franchising
I chose franchising as it allowed me the luxury of being self-employed with the backup of an experienced company behind me. Statistically, more franchise start-ups succeed than stand alone businesses. Furthermore, as I was going in to a different trade, I felt that having the support of a franchise would be an advantage to me.

What I did before taking up a franchise
Before investing in my franchise, I researched franchise business opportunities through the bfa, as well as researching other similar businesses to gain a comparison of cost, training and support etc.

How I raised the finance
I raised the finance through a loan from my Bank. In order to apply, I would recommend preparing a business plan, cash-flow forecasts etc.

The training and support I receive from my franchisor
The training was excellent; covering all aspects of the business, on-site / field training with established franchisees. Thorough training was given by the franchisor in respect of all the relevant equipment and chemicals used. I came away from my training feeling confident that I could do the job well, confident in the equipment I was using, and knowing that when a problem arises that I have several experienced people I can ring at any time.

The challenges I have faced
Personally I have been self employed before, so that part was not such a challenge, but I was going into a different trade unknown to me, learning new skills, sales techniques and new equipment.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise
I would advise potential franchisees to research the market and competition. It is essential to be self motivated. Finally it is really important to make sure you know the franchisor is upfront and ethical in their business approach.
My plans for the future

My plans for the future are to grow my franchise into a successful business, and a long term view at employing staff to grow the franchise further.

Stewart at Autovaletdirect (Maidstone)
“The induction training and follow up support really helped me get my franchise off to a flying start and I’m ahead of my sales forecast for the first year. It has given me a lot of confidence for the future of my franchise”

Matthew at Autovaletdirect (Medway)
“ The ongoing support has been very good and produced equally good results for me in my territory. Since I started 18 months ago the franchise has performed very well for me and I am very happy with my decision to join Autovaletdirect”