Posted:07-October-2014
etyres explain why Franchise Owners and franchisors accomplish more when they work together
When legendary business genius Henry Ford commented: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success,” he could have been talking directly about franchising.
His words sum up perfectly the ethos shared by etyres, the online mobile tyre fitting retailer, which has acted as a springboard to success for its nationwide network of branches for more than two decades.
This is also why it is vitally important to do your homework before joining a franchise to ensure that you are going to enjoy continued support once you launch your branch.
Tony Bowman, etyres Managing Director, explained: “Being a good franchisor is about more than just selling a great business formula, it is about developing a strong working partnership with every Franchise Owner.
“etyres operates a nationwide network of branches, but it is important to us that all of our Franchise Owners feel part of a team. Our business model is based around a comprehensive programme of activities and procedures aimed at making our franchise very inclusive.”
To make sure you are joining a company that has this inclusive approach you need to start by ascertaining what level of training and initial support you will receive when you start your business and then look to the long-term back-up and involvement you will receive from your franchisor. Don’t accept sweeping statements like “We are totally committed to supporting you…” ask for specific examples, such as “How do I get in touch if I have a problem?” and “Will you be able to help if I have a problem with my accounts?”
A good illustration of the level of involvement you are looking for comes from the etyres finance team. Our Franchise Owners submit their VAT turns to Head Office to be reconciled against the sales information and it was through this process we discovered one of our branches had unwittingly overpaid. This has resulted in a reduction of £500 on their next VAT return!
These are some of the examples of how etyres Franchise Owners and Head Office are working together to build successful branches across the UK:
1. etyres has appointed a dedicated Franchise Network Sales Manager. He is based on-the-road and is out-and-about every week visiting branches and helping Franchise Owners to maximise their sales and expand their business to its full potential
2. Bi-annual regional and marketing meetings are held to forge strong working relationships between Franchise Owners and Head Office, as well as encouraging neighbouring branches to share experiences and build links together. The meetings encourage involvement from all parties in developing the etyres brand and generating new business across the nationwide network
3. Department heads visit individual Franchise Owners at their branch to give advice about all aspects of running the business, including accounting, marketing, training on new products, equipment and practices, and sales. These visits are offered to keep Franchise Owners on track and help you meet and exceed your targets
4. Network Link, a quarterly newsletter, is published to keep Franchise Owners informed of new initiatives and developments within the business. It also features league tables allowing Franchise Owners to compare their sales with other territories based on number of vans and staff employed
5. Social media communications are managed by Head Office, however, news and contributions is supplied by Franchise Owners
6. While etyres is a full member of the British Franchise Association (bfa) it also encourages its Franchise Owners to become individual members to reap the benefits on offer
7. Incentive award schemes are organised for Franchise Owners to help boost local sales, with great prizes on offer, including a family day pass to Alton Towers, luxury spa visits and track day experiences
For many, the appeal of investing in a franchise is that you can start your own business for yourself, but not by yourself. So take advantage of the benefits this relationship has to offer and make sure you chose a franchise that is as committed to your success as you are.
Interested and want to know more about etyres?
The etyres profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
