NEWBIE BRANDS TO SNAP UP
Everyone loves a new and exciting brand with plenty of potential and lots of energy. Check these three fledglings in franchising…
Everyone loves a new concept packed with potential.
New business concepts invigorate the franchising marketplace. Fledgling franchises also attract buyers keen to get in at an early stage of a brand’s development.
HAPPYPICS
Cute kids captured on camera – what could be more inspiring? That’s the daily reality for a HappyPics franchisee.
The photography business works through childcare centres to create engaging lifestyle images with a difference.
A HappyPics image shows individual kids engaged in an activity or with a fun accessory in a pop-up studio.
Founder and franchise manager Clayton Walker says “We gain the kids’ trust and give them space and time to shine.”
Photographic experience is not required. Instead franchisees need to be good at relationship building.
“I can teach photography but I can’t teach you to engage with a two year old,” says Walker, who launched the franchise at the Sydney Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo.
The business is about creating good relationships with the childcare centres and families.
“Success is when everyone is happy and buying photos,” Walker says.
Families can view photos on an online viewing platform. There is an exclusive gallery for each child, maintaining privacy and making access easy.
The business owners have built and maintain all the systems.
Behind the scenes the business is a production and printing lab for franchisees.
Once customers are registered, there’s the opportunity for centralised marketing to add to the photo opportunities for special events like Mothers’ Day.
HappyPics offers a range of products from prints to fridge magnets.
Walker has been running the photography business for 15 years, four of these under the HappyPics banner.
The business works with 240 childcare centres already so franchisees could purchase territories with existing customers. There are 60 territories available across the country. In metro Sydney where the company is headquartered, 12 territories are available. A franchise costs $49,500.
ADVANCE FITNESS
Specialist, niche fitness studios have been all the rage. Now with the Advance Fitness launch, there’s a new focus on a full facility fitness space.
Advance Fitness co-founder Clayton Sinclair is excited about the brand’s plans.
“We are firm believers that there is a growing future for full-facility gyms, but
main growth will continue to be ‘groups’ or franchises. Current growth trends would suggest that consumers value known brands more than ever.
“It is our observation that franchise gyms are more attractive to new buyers as new operators feel more confident with the support. Therefore, we have taken the next step and established Advance Fitness as a full-facility 24/7 gym franchise system.”
Sinclair says “The goal is to offer a full range of fitness services under one roof with options to suit all budgets and fitness levels. We want to provide a place where the whole family can work on their fitness goals.
“With more to choose from, members can try new things and keep their training fresh. By maintaining the ‘fun’, members keep training, keep getting results and keep returning.”
The founders brought extensive fitness business marketing expertise to their gym project, turning their passion and brand into the 24/7 full-facility fitness concept.
Gym users will find strength and cardio training equipment, a range of group fitness classes, and premium training services such as boot camp.
The business began in 2011. The growth strategy has focused on converting existing gyms to the Advance Fitness brand.
Right now there are six gyms in the business, four in Australia and two in New Zealand.
Sinclair says the business is now ready for expansion with owner/operators heading up the outlets and taking a hands-on role in their business.
FRANK & BEANZ
What’s better than a Mexican food brand? How about a TexMex takeaway that gives you the best of the US, burger-style, alongside the spicy central American cuisine?
That’s the approach that the owners behind newbie franchise Frank & Beanz have taken. Not that they are novices in the field. Far from it. These two have been operating two stores in the nation’s capital for nearly three years and are confident now is the right time to expand.
The restaurant picks up on the booming healthy and fresh fast food trend and adds its own twist: think a Mexican style schnitzel and chips, chilli cheese fries, the Aussie dog.
Of course there is a coffee and muffin deal too.
Based in Canberra DFO centres, the business has an ambitious target - it is looking to bring on 10 new outlets this year.
The turnkey business can be bought for between $120,000 and $200,000 and there’s the offer of a month’s free stock for the first few franchisees.