FiltaFry Plus Franchise

Dane Sampson, FiltaFry Plus Franchisee tells his experience of his franchise 1 year on.

12th November 2010

Name: Dane Sampson
Location: Bristol
Franchise: FiltaFry Plus

Q: Why did you choose franchising?

A: I initially chose the franchise route as I knew I would not be on my own. Also if I needed a question answered then I could always pick up the phone and speak to someone.

Q: What did you do before taking up a franchise?

A: I worked in a 9-5 job in an estate agency, although I enjoyed my job there was something missing. The missing link was of course being my own boss. I now work more hours than in my previous job but the rewards are a lot greater.

Q: How did you raise the finance?

A: Savings helped to get me on the business ladder with a deposit of around £7k. The Filta Group then arranged all the financing with The NatWest Bank Franchising Team who were very helpful and due to the great record that FiltaFry has with them they were able to lend me the balance plus working capital.

Q: What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

A: The training at The Filta Group is very good indeed. It consisted of 4 days in house training in Rugby to cover H&S, Fryer Management, Business Management and Invoicing etc.

It was then followed by a full week’s infield training with an experienced Franchisee. This was to get familiar with the operation of the machine, prospecting and dealing with customers generally on a daily basis.

The 3rd part of training and launching the business was to have a Business Development Manager from head office coming into my territory with me and showing me how to approach independent and National account clients and giving me the skills to develop my business in the future. They also followed my initial progress for the next 8 weeks to ensure that I reached my goals and targets.

Currently my round is split by 40% independent clients and 60% national account clients. FiltaFry has major links with the big catering companies and these ties are crucial to getting a foot in the door.

Q: What challenges have you faced?

A: As with any business the initial stepping stone of establishing yourself in your local area is the hardest. I enjoy getting on with people and this has become an asset especially in this sort of business. Building a valuable report with your clients is key and meeting new people all the time is one of the best things.

Q: Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

A: Is has given me a lot of confidence to go out and get what I want in life .It has been hard and it has taken graft and determination but it has also given me a will to succeed and a drive to become the best at what I do. I am also now very proud of my achievements.

Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?

A: Most franchises are offering you an opportunity, a business model that is proven and can work, where the Franchisor has invested large sums of money and time developing the concept and model. This does not mean that you are automatically going to succeed doing the same business just because you invest money into a franchise. It is really up to the person or individual who takes on the franchise to make it work for them.

This will mean hard work and determination and being strict with themselves to get up early in the mornings and come home later than when you worked for someone else. You must put the hours in. It also comes down to the type of person you are and your character. A lot of the time the customers are investing in you, not just the service that you can provide.

You should also research the franchise carefully to ensure that the franchise you are going into is something that you want to do, can see yourself doing and you can also see the customers willing to pay for. FiltaFry appealed to me as it was very unique and had no direct competitors. It is also a weekly repeat business and needs only 35 – 40 customers to make a decent living.

Having been established for such a long time FiltaFry has the market share for this type of service and this again is what appealed to me. Taking on a franchise is by no means a ‘’licence to print money’’ but it will give you the ability to become your own boss and work your own hours. The amount of money you wish to earn is completely at your control.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: A year on and my reputation within my local area has grown and I have taken on a considerable amount of repeat weekly customers that I service. In the New Year I am thinking of expanding the business and employing someone to take over my existing round whilst I build up another round within my current area.

Q: Would you do it again?

A: The FiltaFry franchise has given me a lot of confidence when dealing with the public and trying to win over business. This business is very customer orientated but I have had no problems, as I do get along with all that I meet. This business is certainly about interpersonal skills and generally getting along with people. Meeting new faces each and every day means that there is never a dull moment and always a conversation to be had not to mention bacon rolls and tea and coffee.

So I have no complaints or regrets and yes I would do it all over again, but I am glad that I chose FiltaFry Plus and The Filta Group. They have provided everything that was promised and are always available to speak to for advice when needed, however they are not constantly on the phone or dropping in on me when I could be working or generating new business. 

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Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status
Award Winner

UK Years Established
14 years

Current UK Coverage
75%

Franchisee Support Staff
7

Personal Investment Req.
£6,000

Total Startup Cost
£15,000 approx

Home-based business location

Business to business services

Franchisee operates individually

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