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Posted:23-July-2014

TOPC's guide: Investigating franchising with confidence

Franchising enables small businesses, to get a share of big business by allowing franchisees to enter a national network.

In this way, franchising is also able to provide national coverage while retaining local service as franchisees normally hail from their local area which means they bring local contacts and knowledge to the national network.

When choosing a franchise, it is important to carry out extensive research on the reputation of the franchisor, the market they operate in as well as the product or services that they provide.

Beware of businesses whose products may be fads or crazes, as well as products that may become victim of changing legislation. It is also worthwhile to research the franchisor’s stance on subjects such as the environment and technology.

A key question to be answered when considering a franchise is whether the franchisor is a member of the British Franchise Association (BFA). The BFA promotes ethical franchising in the UK, and if a franchisor does not subscribe to this code, the question has to be asked, why not?

The Original Poster Company (OPC) is a full BFA member and has been in operation for the past 23 years. We have full national coverage in the UK and Ireland as well as operations in Western Europe, the Americas and Australia.

OPC franchisees sell greeting cards to convenience retailers on a consignment basis, which means that the retailer only pays for what is sold.

The greeting card industry in the UK is huge, with a turnover of over £1.4 billion per annum, (more than tea and coffee combined) and is responsible for around 100,000 jobs.

What do we look for in a franchisee?
Energy, our franchisees are constantly on the move, servicing existing customers and looking for new outlets to add to their list, this means that days can be long and tiring.

Enthusiasm, franchisees need to have a passion for our products and for high standards of customer service. We want our franchisees to enjoy their business and not lose interest over time.

Relationship building, our franchisees must be able to communicate well at all levels as they will have to deal with store owners, store managers as well as the area and regional managers employed by national account customers.

Manage a team, OPC franchisees are expected to develop their business to the point where they are able to employ a merchandiser to service current customers while they focus on developing their customer base.

Follow the system, our operating system has been developed and proven over time, to ensure the success of individual franchisees as well as the network as a whole, franchisees must be prepared to follow the system and uphold our standards.

What to Expect in an Interview
Our interview is a two way process, where we will be looking for information about the prospective franchisee as well as providing information about our business.

We will:

The Original

  • Provide information on our product as well as showing you physical examples of our displays
  • Provide details of the training and support you will receive
  • Answer your questions and discuss the territory performance and potential
  • Provide you with a draft franchise agreement (for perusal by a solicitor)
  • Provide a territory map showing the location of current and potential customers
  • Check that you are the right person with suitable business acumen, sufficient finance and are able to meet the operational requirements of the business.
  • Discuss the next steps and take you on a tour of the building to meet the team
  • Set up a meeting with our business development manager who will discuss the local area, as well as the suitability of your chosen vehicle and storage facility

You must

  • Check that it is the right type of business for you – product, method of operation and income
  • Check the reputation of the franchisor - (speak to existing franchisees)
  • Check the price and possible return on investment
  • Check that you can work within the franchise agreement (generally they are non – negotiable)
  • Conduct careful due diligence

Should you proceed we will provide

  • Training: Initial and on the job when you start, business development training once you are up and running and renewal training – when you enter into a new franchise agreement
  • Communication: News- letters, Regional Meetings, Annual Conferences
  • On-going assistance: with prospecting for new customers, staff training, operational issues and IT Systems

If you would like to find out more about an OPC resale territory, please click through to our profile below and check out the available territories under the 'Resale' tab at the top:

Interested and want to know more about The Original Poster Company ?

The The Original Poster Company profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.

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