July 13, 2009 // Franchising.com // Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection has appointed a new franchisee for the Buckinghamshire and Aylesbury region.
Ex forecourt manager, Geoff Holland, who joined the company at the end of last year, just before the major uplift in Card Connection Christmas greeting card sales has: "really stepped up to the challenge," explains Andrew Cutler, franchise and sales director for Card Connection. "This timing would have proved a steep learning curve for any franchisee but Geoff was earning an income within the first few days of setting up his franchise. Just six months later, he is already talking about expanding his business."
"Having managed a petrol station forecourt for 15 years, I am very conscious of the importance of excellent customer service," confirms Geoff Holland, Card Connection franchisee. "I was a Card Connection retail customer for a long time so I already knew the business model delivered the kind of customer focus that builds a successful enterprise. When the franchise came up for sale I jumped at the opportunity to run my own Card Connection business.
Using a proven system, Card Connection franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a 'consignment' basis. This means the stock and display equipment is installed on free loan to the retailer. This is one step beyond 'sale or return' as Card Connection customers never have to buy the stock in the first place, only paying for what they sell. 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.
"I found Card Connection's infrastructure was designed to help its franchisees maximise the profit of their businesses, so after my initial, two weeks' intensive training, I was on the road, bringing home a profit, almost from day one," continues Holland. "It's required a lot of hard work to get the franchise up and running and because you are taking over an existing business, customers need attention right from the outset. However, the advantage of being self employed is that you reap the rewards of all the effort you put in. The business is doing well and I am looking at taking on a part time helper in the near future, and longer-term, perhaps even look at expanding my territory."
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.
###
