An Australian Franchisee Case Study
Name: Jason Cotton
Location: Western Australia, Perth
Franchise: Building Inspections
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your franchise?
The franchise route offered the ability to run my own business. It enabled me to set up and execute my own schedules and calendar appointment’s in all areas of the business.
What did you do before taking up a franchise?
I held the position of state manager for 5 years, sales and service, medical equipment industry.
How did you raise the finance?
I used my personal savings.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
The training was given for onsite inspections and report reviews by a licensed property inspector. Ongoing support was provided through the “backpack” information system and licensed property inspectors.
What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
- Start off the day checking and replying emails. Log inspection requests received by email. Set up date and time for an inspection. Confirm the inspection in the job portal and send a request to the agent for access.
- Travel to and carry out inspections.
- Complete reports and send to client.
- Call clients and agents to brief them on the inspection.
- Receive task notifications for potential inspections. Call prospective clients to discuss their inspection needs.
- Constantly throughout the day checking and replying emails.
- Checking marketing plan and completing actions.
What challenges have you faced?
The initial set up was financially challenging. I operated for approximately 2-3 months without an income and this was a time where I had some anxious moments as to whether or not this had been the right decision to pursue a franchise. Other challenges faced were industry related. Adjusting my style, the way in which I dealt with people. The business is a people business and changing my approach to both clients and agents took some time. The other important challenge is understanding the nature of the business product, delivering the building inspection report and conveying this to clients and agents. Understanding building terminology is important. Delivering a report to a client and an agent is easy. Explaining the findings and answering clients’ questions can be somewhat difficult if the inspector has a limited knowledge (or no knowledge) of both the principles of building structures and terminology.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes indeed it has. It has allowed me to realise the potential to live life and work with a greater balance between the two. It has given me the opportunity to spend more time with my young family. I can choose to occupy a day with franchise activities or blank out a day to spend with my partner and kids. And I do not feel the sense of guilt doing this which was like carrying a ball and chain within the corporate culture. I have left a corporate life behind where a 12-hour day, 5 to 6 days a week was the norm. I am able to generate an income from this franchise which is suitable to my needs. I can generate a greater income by applying some basic marketing principles taught to me through Resicert and by creating a good rapport with both clients and real estate agents. I feel like I am in control of my life and career.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Be certain about what it is that you want to achieve and the level of income you would be happy to strive for. Fully understand what the business entails, all facets from the product, executing the delivery of the product, administration expectations and what is your business plan and direction for the business.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to grow the business to a level where with little hands on involvement I can deliver a product (or many products) to a large customer base. I would like to move away from the physical execution of the building inspection process and more involve myself with the delivery of many products through a team of inspectors.
Would you do it again?
Yes I would.
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Resicert Property Inspections franchise