PROFILE: B& S MOBILE SHARPENING
Sharp business opportunity
gives you the edge
B&S Mobile Sharpening offers flexibility, variety and an outstanding return on investment.
T
he B&S team are looking forward to the end of financial year get-together, where awards for best franchisee of the year will be given. This is just another fantastic initiative created by two of the best franchisors in Australia, who really go that extra mile looking after their franchisees. Bill Wendt and his partner Sue Scott started their sharpening business in Melbourne in 1994, taking their mobile knife, scissor and equipment sharpening business direct to their customers’ doors. They started franchising 2008, and there are now areas sold in most states and territories throughout Australia, and growing rapidly. A distinctive mobile business, B&S Mobile Sharpening Pty Ltd. supports both suburban households and a vast range of commercial businesses that require a sharpening service for knives, scissors, garden equipment, and trade tools – in fact, anything that requires a razor sharp edge. There are unlimited opportunities to expand this business. All homes, and most businesses and trades have items that need constant regular sharpening. Any commercial business, whether it is in a shopping centre, or a factory with a canteen, or even a school, requires this service on a regular basis. There are many types of businesses where B&S franchisees are taught to obtain work. Bill and Sue say that the earning potential for franchisees is unlimited, providing they are committed to working a five day week, follow the company system, not be afraid to ‘cold call’, and be actively involved with the other franchisees in the growth of ideas within the company. New franchisees are expected to attain an income of $70,000 plus, within the first year, and achieve a steady increase from then on. Regular meetings with the franchise group, together with on-going training will help franchisees reach their goals. B&S have also introduced, for the first time, a scheme where an existing franchisee is involved in the training of a new franchisee, and acts as a
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‘buddy’ in the initial stages of operation. This is proving to be a learning opportunity for both parties. Each B&S franchisee is unique. They all come from different backgrounds, with different ways of operating. “Our latest franchisee Victoria (yes a woman) is based on the North Shore of Sydney NSW, and was an army truck driver among other things,” said Bill. “We listen to the ideas of our franchisees, and have instigated many changes in the short time of franchising. These ideas have not only assisted in obtaining more business for our franchisees, but have also enabled the parent company to grow. We can all learn if we are prepared to listen,” he added. Many franchisees have built their areas from a ‘nil’ base to over 300 regular customers in less than 12 months. This is great motivation for an even bigger growth down the track. The majority of new franchisees have had no accounting or business experience.
B&S are there to assist them in advising the best system that will suit their operation. They must also have adequate funds on hand to tide them over for advertising, and other costs during the ‘ramp up’ stage of their new business. Economic conditions play little if no influence on the business. When things get tough, most people will maintain equipment, rather than replace it. Equipment goes blunt regardless. There are no ‘royalty’ fees. The up front low purchase fee covers just about everything, car signage, equipment, uniform, stationery, dedicated area and web-site, and of course all the training and support needed to make your new business a success. There is, of course, a renewal fee payable at the end of your four-year term, when you hopefully renew your franchise. Where else can you start a new business with this minimum amount of outlay and maximum amount of support? We are looking for applicants who possess the following:
• Self-motivation • Great communication skills • Desire to succeed • Ability to work with likeminded franchise team and share ideas
• Ability to ‘cold call’ • Adequate funds set aside for costs such as advertising, and
• A sense of humour! Contact us for more information. B&S Mobile Sharpening Franchise, and join our growing team, visit www.bssharp.com.au or contact I-Franchise-You on 03 9703 1135.