Hear Two ChariSnack Franchisees Talk About Their Life Changing Experiences.

What do Franchisees really think about the ChariSnack franchise opportunity? We asked two franchisees to tell us about the experiences of owning a ChariSnack Franchise.

"I love the fact that you are in control of your own destiny. The Freedom, the flexibility and a passion to make it all work for you and your family." Ian Clark

Names: Ian Clark/Gemma Thorne
Areas: Newtown/Cardiff

Question: What motivated you to buy the ChariSnack franchise opportunity?

Ian Clark: I had been working in the I.T. industry for 27 years and became disillusioned. I was concerned about the stressful hours I had to work and felt my work life balance was not in a healthy state. Having researched many franchised opportunities the ChariSnack system appealed to me greatly for many reasons such as:

· Minimal paperwork.

· Ability to work from home inside normal office hours.

· No premises required.

· Professional support team providing ongoing assistance.

· Franchised businesses have a higher chance of succeeding.

· No bosses.

· No employees.

· No early starts and late finishes.

· Minimal stress.

Gemma Thorne: Having never run my own business before; having the support of a franchise was invaluable for me to achieve a successful business. Also, I was drawn to the ChariSnack franchise as through running my business I am able to raise money for the NBCS charity. The main motivation for me was the independence of working for myself; I feel that a greater sense of achievement is accomplished by being self employed.

Question: Are you pleased with the support you get from ChariSnack?

Ian Clark: Yes, the team are very helpful -- it feels like I have become part of an expanded family. The system from start to finish has been well thought out and covers all aspects of running your own Franchise.

Gemma Thorne: Yes, especially with regards to product development. When I took on the franchise over 3 and half years ago the product range was very limited compared to what products we have to offer our customers now. I think the extensive product range has increased sales and secured customers for me.

Question: Are you pleased with the product range/what are your favourites?

Ian Clark: Yes, and the beauty of it is that my customers are too! New products are being introduced periodically, which keeps the customers interested on an ongoing basis. I always feel as though I’m being listened to and appreciated.

Gemma Thorne: Yes the cakes, I like the chocolate chip crunchy cake in particular! The cakes have proved popular with my customers as well!

Question: What do you like most about the franchise and your business?

Ian Clark: The freedom it gives you and the fact the more I put in the more I get back!

Gemma Thorne: Meeting people, the variety of running all functions of the business, the flexibility that the business offers, and developing the business.

Question: What hours do you work?

Ian Clark: I usually work office hours, allowing extra time in the morning to ensure the van is prepared for the day/week ahead. Being your own Boss means that you can work smart and adjust your hours and routes accordingly.

Gemma Thorne: Monday - Fri office hours. This fits perfectly around my lifestyle.

Question: I understand that you don't need a business premises and that you don't need expensive advertising, does that mean your overheads are low?

Ian Clark: Absolutely, whilst premises might be a “nice to have” they really are not necessary; you can work out of a garage or a spare room easily. Planning your deliveries and stock rotation against demand means that you don’t need a large storage area. Most of my stock will always be on the van or in my 200 little shops on the customer’s premises. At the start, I did place an initial advertorial in my local press to create awareness, but since then it is so easy to find new customers further advertising has not been required.

Gemma Thorne: Yes they are; the main investment is the van you will get.

Question: I understand that ChariSnack has now donated over £350,000 to the National Blind Children's Society, how does make you feel?

Ian Clark: Everyone’s in a win/win situation. I’m running a successful business, the Franchisor is making money, the customers enjoy the snacks and are happy with the fact that they are contributing to a worthwhile cause. This makes you appreciate the franchise even more.

Gemma Thorne: Great, the fact that my business allows me to put something back into the community and help others is an excellent feeling!

Question: What happens when you go on holiday?

Ian Clark: BecauseI only started six months ago I deliberately planned not to take any significant time off during the first year in order to get the business off the ground. Next year I think it will be a case of taking either long weekends or making sure that I take holiday at quieter times of the year when most of my customers will be away like Christmas. In any case being you own boss and manager of your own time means that you can work flexible hours as and when required.

Gemma Thorne: I fill the boxes up more and let them know I will be back a week later to refill the boxes as I am off on holiday – this seems to work well.

Question: Do have plans to expand your business in any way?

Ian Clark: Yes, I still have plenty of areas within my area to grow through new locations, retail opportunities and where appropriate through vending. I have installed three vending systems already and plan to grow this in year two significantly. So far all is coming together!

Gemma Thorne: I have taken advantage of the vending machine opportunity, and currently have 5 placed. I aim to expand the business by installing more.

Question: Can you recall a specific experience about running a ChariSnack franchise where you were very pleased with your decision to join.

Ian Clark: In my previous role I had many tight deadlines to meet, such as writing twenty comprehensive Account Plans; the stress that this task created started to cause minor health issues, I am now fitter, leaner and happier in my work and look forward to each day with an enthusiasm for what it will bring.

Gemma Thorne: Taking advantage of the vending machine opportunity, although there is the cost of the machine, it increased profits almost immediately. It provides the customer with more choice and reduces operating costs, as I don’t have to revisit the machine as often because it

holds more stock. Vending is where people are spending!

Question: What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a ChariSnack franchise?

Ian Clark: Do your research, make sure you speak with other Franchisees and take the plunge; if you put the effort into it the rewards from a financial and personal point of view will be very rewarding indeed, and don’t forget the charity aspect. Everybody will be benefiting from your efforts.

Gemma Thorne: Make sure that the franchise area you buy has high-quality growth potential. Ideally having a large city where you can concentrate on first and having areas you can expand to in the future. Ensuring that there is a high population in your area and having a variety of business parks is important; as I find these are good customers and easy to service. Primary schools are excellent customers too! Make sure you re-site any boxes that come out. Finally make sure you keep on top of all elements of the business, even the areas that you do not find as interesting.

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Hear Two ChariSnack Franchisees Talk About Their Life Changing Experiences. 27-Oct-09

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