April 02, 2009 // Franchising.com // Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that Martin Sweeney, its franchisee for the Wakefield and Stockport area, is following a trend set by several other franchisees and has purchased the additional Card Connection territory of Sheffield.
"Card Connection is very supportive as a franchisor and is continually looking at new ways to help franchisees grow their businesses," explains Sweeney. "The company has shown that franchisees that have been able to take advantage of the economies of scale gained from running a larger operation have significantly improved their profit margins and as a result, I was keen to take up the challenge!
"To manage the increased size of the franchise business, I now employ two part-time card packers as well as merchandiser," continues Sweeney, "and my partner Gill helps me with the paperwork. Long-term, I also expect to take on someone to help prospect for new retail clients."
Card Connection itself is one of the UK's largest card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. Using a proven system, franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a 'consignment' basis. The award winning merchandising service provided to retailers by local franchisees is second-to-none and has established the company's excellent reputation especially within the convenience sector. Card Connection franchisees also supply the company's national account network which includes the likes of Netto, Budgens, Londis, Spar and Shell.
"The great part about running the franchise is that the more effort I put in, the more I am rewarded both financially and through the satisfaction of running a highly successful business," Sweeney explains. "I also like the freedom of being my own boss. I get to use my management skills to the full, setting my own targets and making plans. Owning a business also means I am building an asset for the future. You simply don't get these benefits being an employee."
Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees who are keen to run an expanding business. Successful candidates would ideally have some management experience as, once established, they would be expected to employ a small team, operate a warehouse and have several liveried vans on the road.
Because the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are complete, the available opportunities now consist of acquiring an already-established territory from an existing franchisee. These vary in price according to their level of development, but start at £20,000 (+ stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50,000 per annum.
Notes to Editor
Card Connection is one of the UK's most successful card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards.
The company was established in 1992 and became a Full Member of the British Franchise Association in 1995. It now distributes greeting cards to around 15,000 outlets through its network of franchisees.
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