Australian Franchise News – 29-01-10
At JAXQuickfit, you often hear the words “we love our independence” which has a welcome and telling resonance.
In what is widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s most competitive industries, one that has long been dominated by multi-national ownership, JAXQuickfit Tyres is a major Australian success story for its 80-plus franchisees.
In 2009 JAXQuickfit Tyres celebrated its 60th Anniversary and the entered the year off the back of its third straight year of double-digit growth.
JAXQuickfit Tyres is now an A$100 million business, with a geographic spread of stores across the eastern seaboard reaching 80 percent of Australia’s population.
Monthly, they serve more than 42,000 tyre, wheel, brake and suspension customers!
Its Franchisees are reaping the rewards of solid returns on investment as a result of a visionary two-year investment program as part of its ‘research, refresh, revitalize and relaunch’ strategy.
“Our business model was developed for lean times, so our current success is certainly heartening.
“And we see great opportunities ahead, not only to continue our organic growth but also to put a little fertilizer on it and spread wider,” dynamic CEO Jeff Board says.
“I think our brand and our business are well placed to expand.”
JAX is a particularly well known tyre retailing brand in New South Wales, having started as a single store way back in 1949 before expanding to multiple outlets across the state.
In 2005 JAX joined forces with Quick Fit Tyres, which had been established in Queensland in 1995 and later expanded to Victoria; together JAXQuickfit Tyres formed a major power in Australian tyre retailing.
Importantly, JAXQuickfit Tyres is a major independent player where most of the big names are owned or aligned with the big tyre brands.
“Uniquely in Australia, JAXQuickfit represents the six global manufacturing giants of the tyre industry,” Mr Board explained.
“It enables us to offer customers the choice of BF Goodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli, a mix of tyre brands that span the premium, major and budget market sectors.”
The recent closure of local tyre manufacturing facilities has vindicated JAXQuickfit’s decision, taken five years ago, to move to global brands and the business now sources its products from Europe, Asia and America.
Mr Board said being independent also meant JAXQuickfit could offer customers a wide choice to suit their circumstances.
Central to JAXQuickfit’s operations is a small dozen-strong management team that utilises the latest in communications and information technology to fully support franchisee’s businesses.
A key, too, is its consultative approach … JAXQuickfit actively seeks the opinion and input of its Franchisees in assessing the merits of things like marketing programs and business support services.
It’s an environment that’s conducive to the more pro-active Franchisees, keen to build their businesses and maximize their returns.
Among the centralized functions provided are an integrated point-of-sale system, providing electronic billing, human resources requirements, stock visibility, as well as all general ledger, back office, tax and accounting needs.
There’s also well-developed promotional guidelines and activities, and a store/region/state/national KPI system that measures campaign and event influences.
As well, JAXQuickfit Tyres’ retail systems include dynamic business modeling tools, 24-7 accessibility to latest product and price data, secure intranet, wheel and tyre selector for both public and internal use, and a market pricing system to guide the retail store and monitor opposition activity.
“Every aspect of our business has been reviewed, renewed and revitalized over the past two years, and we have created what is now considered an industry benchmark in tyre retailing,” Jeff Board explains.
“While continuing to strengthening our base, our attention is now on growth – looking further afield at opportunities in new markets.”
JAXQuickfit is currently undergoing a rapid expansion program, with new stores opened recently in Moorabbin, Caulfield South, Tweed Heads, Pymble, Brookvale, Rockhampton.
“Yet to be announced we have some exciting new locations earmarked for our expansion program and we’d be happy to talk to potential franchisees,” Jeff Board says.
While considering the company’s next growth phase, Mr Board also had time to consider what been achieved in JAXQuickfit Tyres’ first 60 years.
“We are justifiably proud of the business’ growth and a market share that continues to increase year-on-year, well ahead of industry and market trends.
“To not only survive but prosper in this most competitive of industries, and stay on top of the ever changing product requirements and customer service expectations, says a lot about the strength of the JAXQuickfit brand and what it stands for.”
For learn more about JAXQuickfit and franchisee opportunities please contact (02) 8801 3000