SIGN OF THE FUTURE

[stevesxp]

Ah got you here!!!!!!!

My name is Steve Wilson, i am currently owner of Signs Express Grantham, Lincs.

We as you can probably tell produce all types of signage, from post box to industrial estates, internal and external and ow we produce full color and exhibtion graphics and displays.

DONT SIGN ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO ME!!!!

Look forward to hearing from you all soon

rgds


Steve

[kyber]

Hello Steve,

I see you introduced yourself in the Introductions forum as well. I hope you find this forum a useful addition to your Grantham Round Table and the Grantham Business Club connections. I wonder if any other Signexpress franchise owners are on here.

I think buying a franchise is a pretty brave step. Any advice for anyone else considering such a move?

Regards,

Stuart

[stevesxp]

Hi

i think in the trade i am in francishee is a whole lot better, my 'HQ' do all the advertising and alot of the market research and direct sales for me.

I believe the backup is second to none, it helps you build your business and in your first year when your learning so much, for the backup we recieve it helps you get the work out, produce and make money.

I have never run a business in my life and did not really know what i was getting myself into, if i had done it alone (ie not francishee) i think i would not be where i am today one year on and a quarter of a million pounds worth of sales done later, and looking to expand already.

The team i have are amazing set of lads all commited to one cause. to build this business up and onward.

We have given our team a 2% share in the business ea, does not sound alot but will probably get them £600 / £700 bonus each which to be fair is a holiday somewhere.

So yes i do think as you can probably tell well up for francishees, if its the first time you have ever owned a business do it, you will never be prepared to do it alone, i dont care what people say there is always something that crops up, being a franchise owner you can pick up the phone and get all the help you need free.

[Alpha]

Steve

looks like you have got your business on the right footing and giving employees a share in the company is an excellent idea because it builds good team spirit and commitment.

Regarding franchises they can vary considerably in the support that they give to franchisees but as with everything else, the individual has to look at what he can give to the business and whether he can get the other support services neccessary to grow a successful business. That cost in time as well as money needs to be set off against the 'ready made' infrastructure provided by the franchisor.

And of course the one thing people seem to miss out on is that it still requires a lot of commitment and enthusiam from the franchisee otherwise just like any other business it will fail.

[10 Yetis]

Personally, as a marketing saddo, I am a huge admirer of the strap line "don't sign anything until you have spoken to me"... a classic.