Posted:13-January-2021
Exclusive Interview: "Franchising allows a work/life balance that suits me!"
Name: Rachel Knight
Location: Northampton and Market Harborough
Franchise: Oscar Pet Foods
Date launched the franchise: 01 February 2016
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying an Oscar Pet Foods franchise business?
I am married with no dependents, aged in my mid-forties andh have always been in employment. I worked for a UK bank for 25 years, which provided me with a rewarding career and financial security. Subsequently, I decided to take voluntary redundancy due to number of different factors and then joined a local farm insurance broker business for next couple of years. Moving from a large corporate business to a small business was challenging and not for me in the end.
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose your industry? And why your franchise?
Oscar Pet Food was a known brand to me having fed their produce to my own dogs for many years. I have always had a love of dogs, and all animals in fact, and knew that I wanted to be involved in some way with them on a day-to-day basis.
"Franchising was a ‘half way house’ for me, allowing me the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed, but with the backing of a tried-and-tested brand, systems and support."
How did you raise the finance?
I was able to invest in my franchise thanks to the redundancy pay-out I received from my years in banking
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
I received support from the franchise team and the franchisee network when I was initially deciding whether Oscars was the right thing for me. I met with the Franchise Director, who provided challenges on aspects of my business plan and cash flow forecast, to ensure it was realistic and that I understood the pros and cons of what I was entering into.
After which, there was a two-week group training session prior to launching; this covered all aspects of running a franchise including product knowledge and sales and marketing. I was then assigned an existing franchisee to spend time with me in the first few weeks to provide help, support and guidance.
I also receive ongoing support from the franchise network and Oscar head office.
What is a typical day for you as a Oscar Pet Foods franchisee?
Usually I contact existing customers to arrange deliveries, answer queries etc, and I deliver food, treats and accessories to customer base, asking for referrals for new customers. I market my business by way of networking, door knocking, public shows/fairs etc to increase customer base. I will also undertake stock monitoring and order new products when needed.
What challenges have you faced?
There is the ongoing challenge of expanding my customer base and retaining existing customers. Plus, there is the challenge of knowing what stock is needed and when I should order more.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
"I spend a lot more time now with my family and, given my new work/life balance, I now have the ability to manage the franchise alongside personal life, as well as travelling to our house in France which was restricted in my last job due to lack of holiday allowance"
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
I would say that you should make sure it is the right thing for them personally and that, financially, there is no additional pressure of having to earn a certain amount of money in the early years
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
I believe that depends on the franchise. However, you also need to have sales and customer management ability, as well as drive, courage, ability to work without supervision, and a passion for the industry you are operating in
What are your plans for the future with Oscar?
I am planning to grow my business to a level that is manageable and will provide me with a comfortable standard of living whilst still providing the flexibility I desire. Long term, I aim to have a business that can either be passed on to family to run or sold as a going concern
Would you do it again?
Most definitely!
To find out more about Oscar's franchise opportunity, why not request our FREE and non-obligatory franchise prospectus here.
Interested and want to know more about OSCAR Pet Foods ?
The OSCAR Pet Foods profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
