FR.JANFEB13.PG062.pdf
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Opportunities|Automotive services
“The hard thing has been visibility of information. We’ve just introduced Point of Sale so we can see the turnover. We can spot potential problems. With that information we can pick up if franchisees need help with new business or upselling, for instance.” As the business announces further overseas expansion, this time into the neighbouring countries of Czech Republic and Slovakia, there is confirmation of three master franchisees signed up in the Russian market. Three years ago Cornish set a target of 2012 to complete the rebranding of Ecowash Mobile to Nanotek. “It’s a sign we’re serious. Ecowash was a happy brand, but Nanotek shows we are taking the business to another level. “We’ve increased our operations too, and gone from one corporate car on the road to six. This sets a benchmark for franchisees and we’ve learned a lot. “Australia is the big focus for us. We’ve got a good recruitment strategy and we’re looking to increase our presence in all the metro areas.”
SNAp ON
Snap On Tools Australia has been quietly going about its business of retailing tools for the auto and aviation industries for more than 20 years; now its success as the smallest, and yet most profitable subsidiary of the US based global company is coming to light.
62| FRANCHISING jAN/Feb 2013
www.FRANCHISe.Net.Au
Nick Hudson, national franchise manager, believes some of the success can be attributed to removing the barrier to finance with an in-house finance offer to help fund franchisees’ entry into the business, and the web-based discovery tool which helps prospective franchisees understand the business. “The process can be as quick or as slow as people want. If we have territory and a truck available, it can be speedy,” says Hudson. The most recent franchisee, who will be based in Auckland, had just left for two weeks of training at the US headquarters, and had taken only 35 days from initial inquiry to reach this point.
We’re about relationship building with our customers, going back to the same customers the same time each week. It also suits guys who like to play around with tools, but they don’t need an auto or mechanic background