Read about a day in the life of one of our franchisees
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Oscar Franchisees BFA nomination Video
A day in the life of a Oscar Pet Foods franchisee
An OSCAR life is about having the freedom to work for yourself and grow a profitable business that you can enjoy...
This morning is all about planning and preparation for Chris, so after a hearty breakfast it's an early start.
Chris’s mobile showroom is just as organised as the garage. It is racked to display other products from the OSCAR range, as well as having room to stack bulk food orders for delivery.
Ready for the off!
Chris’s first appointment, booked last week when out canvassing, is a free lunch for Murphy. This is where the nutritional training comes into its own - Murphy, a German Shepherd, has a skin problem. Conditions such as these need regular checks and Chris makes a note to call back next week.
Murphy loved the food and needed a new feeding bowl, as well as a herbal shampoo to treat his coat. A good sale and Murphy’s owner is delighted with the service!
With twenty drops scheduled, Chris plans the day's route carefully and efficiently into delivery areas. The schedule is ranked, printed from the OSCAR system on-line and, with the van stocked up, it’s time to go!
Customers like Sheila Harrison, who are not at home in the day, expect their orders to be left somewhere convenient. She asks that Poppy's food is left in the garden shed. Having paid by credit card in advance, Sheila helps to ensure a positive cash flow for Chris.
The day starts to hot up when Steve, with the Great Dane, refers another friend for microchipping - free treats for him!
Mrs Jones says that her Buster is chewing everything in sight! Chris will call upon the expertise of the OSCAR behaviourist. He knows that expert behavioural, nutritional and veterinary advice is immediately available from the OSCAR support team.
By midday Chris is feeling peckish. The local park nearby is an ideal stopping point to eat lunch and take Pebbles (canine co-pilot) for a quick walk. The park has proved a perfect place to mingle with potential new customers in the past, and today is no exception. Having parked the van in a prominent spot, Chris tucks in. Never missing an opportunity, Chris engages pet owners in conversation, while handing out free OSCAR poop-scoop bags, encouraging them to clean up after their dogs.
Now it’s off to the local rescue centre; this week there are five new residents. Poor little things look like they haven't had a good meal in months. Luckily for them, the volunteers here really do appreciate high quality food as they're looking out for the pet's long term health. Working with OSCAR over the last six months, helpers Doug and June like to offer their rescues a five star service - they buy OSCAR at an agreed rate and re-home with an OSCAR pack that Chris then follows up.
Chris also makes time for tea and a chat with Gill from 'Perfect Pooch Grooming'. They share stories and contacts including a pet sitting company that’s new in the area - another good contact.
Before the day’s out, Chris calls on Mrs Giles who lives alone with her two cats. At her age it’s difficult to get out to the shops and she looks forward to Chris visiting. Her daughter has just got a new puppy and Chris is delighted to help, knowing that referrals are always the best introduction.
Rounding up!
Remembering to supply flea treatment for a neighbour's cat, it's time for Chris to head off home to pick up messages and register today's sales on the computer.
Some office time is spent calling customers with this month's special offer and to confirm deliveries. Checking the diary for the next regional meeting, Chris notes that plans for the local county show, with the six other franchisees in the area, is on the agenda.
*Not all in a day’s work but we hope you feel like you’ve had a fly-on-the-wall account of Oscar.
In association with:
Company Facts
Business Description:
Oscar - Pet food home delivery franchise
BFA Membership:
Full Member
Industry Sector:
Pet Services
Franchise Type:
Single Operator Manual
Minimum Total Investment:
£ 20,000
Minimum Personal Investment:
£ 10,000
Contact Details
Janet Walmsley
Bannister Hall Mill
Higher Walton
Preston
PR5 4DB
Tel:01772 - 647 909
Fax:01772 - 647 939
Web:
www.oscars.co.uk
Oscar Pet Foods Case Study
Paul Reilly
Paul Reilly joined Oscar determined to make it work. He knew it was not going to be a piece of cake starting a new business in a new area but he was prepared to work hard.
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