FINDING THEIR FEET
Sports-loving franchisors are helping young Aussies stay fit.
A brilliant set of sports-loving franchisors is ensuring young Aussies are staying fit and having fun.
What unites a former rugby league player, a soccer professional and a former corporate executive? Quite simply a love of sport, and seeing young kids develop all-round skills in a relaxed, active environment. Whether it’s former Melbourne Storm star Billy Slater, international soccer player Peter Nikolakopoulos, or ex-marketing guru Kim O’Donnell, passion is paramount for these franchisors.
Here, Inside Franchise Business chats with five franchise owners about what makes them tick, why they love the industry, and what’s next for their brands.
Check out these Q&As to gain insight into the basics of their franchise offer and what these business opportunities could deliver for you.
Q&A WITH GECKOSPORTS
TOTAL UPFRONT INVESTMENT COST:
$22,000 + GST
LENGTH OF TERM
5 years
ONGOING FRANCHISE/MARKETING FEES:
from $350/month ($150/month marketing levy)
DO FRANCHISEES BUY AN EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY OR MARKETING TERRITORY?
Yes they are granted an exclusive zone which includes between 20 and 30 schools.
WHERE ARE YOU EXPANDING?
Nationally and regionally.
DO YOU HAVE AN INCOME GUARANTEE?
We do not offer any guarantees as this is business. However, we support our franchisees through their term with us and book the first two school programs
on their behalf to get them started.
WHAT MARKETING IS AVAILABLE TO NEW FRANCHISEES?
We support the local launch of each franchise, offering artwork for all programs, making website referrals, 1300 number customer service, national kids business and school directory listings and social media. We like to think local with all national marketing to ensure it impacts and supports all franchisees.
HOW DO FRANCHISEES GET NEW BUSINESS?
Facebook is great for franchisees to promote and network with their local community, as are schools we work in.
WHAT MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE ARE REQUIRED?
As we are a family-friendly business we believe in supporting each franchisee individually based on their situation. Ideally the minimum income is $2000 per month – most franchisees consistently
achieve well beyond this year-round.
HOW DO YOU MONITOR FRANCHISEES’ PROGRESS AND PROVIDE BUSINESS SUPPORT?
We have a streamlined national booking system that is fully integrated for head office to monitor and track each franchisee’s sales where we check in monthly. Social media is constantly reviewed with annual professional development in coaching and all forms of marketing.
WHAT SKILLS DO FRANCHISEES NEED?
There are no specific qualifications required to become a GeckoSports franchisee, we cover all courses and training during our franchise training. Having a passion for sports, fitness and kids is a must. We help you set up and operate your business with our streamlined robust and proven systems for our franchisees to focus on what they do best and love: coaching.
Q&A WITH SOCCAJOEYS GROUP
TOTAL UPFRONT INVESTMENT COST:
$27,000 + GST
LENGTH OF TERM:
5 years + 5 years
ONGOING FRANCHISE/MARKETING FEES:
11.5 per cent (8.5 per cent royalty, 3 per cent marketing)
DO FRANCHISEES BUY AN EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY OR MARKETING TERRITORY?
An exclusive territory.
WHERE ARE YOU EXPANDING?
Victoria, WA, South Australia, Queensland.
WHAT MARKETING IS AVAILABLE TO NEW FRANCHISEES?
We have a full-time marketing director available five days a week to franchisees. We also have a wide variety of marketing collateral and material accessible to franchisees from the get-go.
HOW DO FRANCHISEES GET NEW BUSINESS?
Our full-time operations manager and marketing director work closely with new franchisees to guide them during their launch campaign.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE?
We prefer to work alongside our franchisees and together set achievable targets. Our priority is to equip franchisees with the necessary resources, tools and knowledge to operate successful territories.
HOW DO YOU MONITOR FRANCHISEES’ PROGRESS AND PROVIDE BUSINESS SUPPORT?
Our full-time operations manager is in constant communication with the network. He organises regular workshops, coach education seminars, field visits, and we maintain an open, constructive relationship to ensure franchisees are supported.
WHAT SKILLS DO FRANCHISEES NEED?
To be motivated, enthusiastic, maintain a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and be community oriented. Good administrative and time management skills, attention to detail, and a strong focus on customer service put franchisees in an excellent position to manage a successful franchise.
Q&A WITH BILLY’S BUDDIES
TOTAL UPFRONT INVESTMENT COST:
$25,000 + GST
LENGTH OF TERM:
5 years + 5 years
ONGOING FRANCHISE/MARKETING FEES:
9 per cent + GST (currently no marketing levy)
DO FRANCHISEES BUY AN EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY OR MARKETING TERRITORY?
Each franchisee is given a territory, usually based on local government areas.
WHERE ARE YOU EXPANDING:?
Queensland, NSW, Victoria.
WHAT MARKETING IS AVAILABLE TO NEW FRANCHISEES?
With access to a highly skilled head office team, there are several marketing opportunities and initiatives available, not to mention our great online presence.
HOW DO FRANCHISEES GET NEW BUSINESS?
Leveraging contacts and local relationships in a franchisee’s area is critical to how quickly the franchise succeeds. Contacting locations and attending local events (relative to the target market) are just two ways of attracting new business.
WHAT MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE ARE REQUIRED?
Each franchisee is given minimum KPIs to meet throughout the term. These vary from region to region.
HOW DO YOU MONITOR FRANCHISEES’ PROGRESS AND PROVIDE BUSINESS SUPPORT?
Head office is provided with automatic reports to ensure KPIs and Billy’s Buddies standards are met and upheld. Ongoing, regular support ranges from technical to soft skills, delivered via email, phone, skype and in person.
WHAT SKILLS DO FRANCHISEES NEED?
Billy’s Buddies is seeking passionate, driven, highly ambitious people who wish to make a positive difference both in the community and within their own lives, financially.
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Q&A WITH LITTLE KICKERS
TOTAL UPFRONT INVESTMENT COST:
$27,000 + GST.
LENGTH OF TERM:
5 years + 5 years
ONGOING FRANCHISE/MARKETING FEES:
10 per cent management fee, 1 per cent marketing fee, 0.5 per cent IT system levy
DO FRANCHISEES BUY AN EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY OR MARKETING TERRITORY?
Franchisees operate in an exclusive territory.
WHERE ARE YOU EXPANDING?
Queensland, Adelaide, Darwin.
WHAT MARKETING IS AVAILABLE TO NEW FRANCHISEES?
We have a full-time graphics and marketing team providing content for the network. We also work with a digital agency who provides content, insights and reporting for our online presence.
HOW DO FRANCHISEES GET NEW BUSINESS?
The most successful franchisees are
TOTAL UPFRONT INVESTMENT COST:
$65,000 +GST.
LENGTH OF TERM:
5 years + 5 years
ONGOING FRANCHISE/MARKETING FEES:
2 per cent those who best engage their local communities, embrace the brand ethos and are innovative in their marketing efforts.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE?
Franchisees need to spend a minimum of 25 hours a week working on their franchise.
HOW DO YOU MONITOR FRANCHISEES’ PROGRESS AND PROVIDE BUSINESS SUPPORT?
We have a sophisticated and innovative business system that allows for very accurate reporting and helps us identify trends across the system.
DO FRANCHISEES BUY AN EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY OR MARKETING TERRITORY?
An exclusive territory for one brand.
WHERE ARE YOU EXPANDING?
Australia-wide.
Over the past 12 months we’ve moved to a monthly subscription model across the network which has also helped with predicting growth and future income.
We provide full-time support, covering everything from ongoing development of the Little Kickers activity program via our directors of coaching and network of senior coaches, through to marketing, business systems support, online coach training portal, best practices and general day-to-day support.
WHAT SKILLS DO FRANCHISEES NEED?
A passion for getting young children involved in sport and a desire to run their own business!
Q&A WITH SPORT STAR ACADEMY HOW DO FRANCHISEES GET NEW BUSINESS?
Mostly through running school incursion programs, after-school sessions and weekend sport programs.
WHAT MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE ARE REQUIRED?
Franchisees need to run 20 sessions a week.
HOW DO YOU MONITOR FRANCHISEES’ PROGRESS AND PROVIDE BUSINESS SUPPORT?
We track franchisee performance and provide support through a centralised payment system, reports and face-to-face contact.
WHAT SKILLS DO FRANCHISEES NEED?
They need to be passionate about working with children, have a strong ability to build relationships, persistence and be a strong communicator.