What makes a successful Franchisee?
This is perhaps best summed up as saying "someone who is enjoying themselves". Ours is primarily a lifestyle industry with a strong link to recreation but also an important link to Government, fleet and industry/mining sectors. To be successful in a lifestyle business you need to enjoy it yourself. It is quite normal for our franchisees to develop solid friendships and long term business relationships with customers.
As with most businesses, an Opposite Lock franchise is not a license to print money and it is not a simple business to learn and operate. This means that to be successful, a franchisee must be prepared to work hard and to use the tools provided in the system to grow the business. A franchise business requires a slightly different person to that of a totally independent business. A franchise business owner must understand that growth and long term success come from using the system that is provided and not trying to go it alone, by supporting the products and suppliers in the system and working with fellow Opposite Lock franchises to share ideas and develop local market opportunities.
The fact that a 4WD accessory store is perhaps a harder business to learn than some other businesses does have an advantage in the fact that it is also a lot harder for competition to start up in your area - in fact it's almost impossible for an independent operator in the 4WD accessory business due to availability of products and the costs of marketing.
A successful Opposite Lock franchisee is typically an equal mix of good business manager and 4WD enthusiast. The 4WD industry can be a lot of fun for people who enjoy the outdoors lifestyle and mixing with like minded customers and 4WD owners. It also requires that business systems are followed and sales and growth opportunities are explored.
What is needed to Operate an Opposite Lock franchise?
- Premises located in a suitable commercial or retail precinct with access for customer vehicles into a workshop/fitting area and adequate parking in the immediate vicinity. Premises range in size from 250m2 to 500m2 depending on your plans and the area.
- A showroom occupying about a half the total area of the premises with a reasonable presentation and access. Office furniture and equipment, workshop tools and basic equipment (not a full mechanical workshop), showroom display fittings - available from OLA or can be sourced locally.
- Stock to a value sufficient to make a solid impression in the given location. This is typically a minimum of $100,000 and in large new stores could be up to double this.
More information on costs associated with a new store is contained in our Disclosure Document.
What area the advantages of being part of the Opposite Lock Group?
- Franchises buy direct and in many cases at prices that would not normally be available to a new business or a small independent business. Perhaps more importantly, franchises have a simple and easy access to these products and many of the products are either unique to Opposite Lock or have restricted distribution such that an Opposite Lock store can offer customers a wide choice of very well priced products and with a good level of "difference" to any other outlets.
- The national advertising campaign is administered by OLA utilising an advertising agency ensure the company name and products are constantly exposed to the public and in particular to 4WD owners. This includes advertising in most national 4WD magazines and other specialty magazines such as RM Williams Outback and similar journals.
- OLA produces from time to time brochures and marketing tools such as a large range of promotional items from pens to key rings to mud flaps etc. All such items being supplied on a cost basis but at bulk buy rates.
- Use of the Opposite Lock brands, including:- Opposite Lock, OL, Mean Green, Blue Tongue, Chargemaster, Rackmaster and OL Solutions.
All stores are featured in most national magazine advertising and on the web site.
The public web site directs sales and information enquiries direct to the closest OL store and its use by the public continues to grow significantly.
The web site has a secure extranet link for exclusive store use. This is the main source of communications and product information for stores.
Other support to franchises includes a regular system of memos and advice on new products, sales ideas, potential problems and other information to ensure all stores are well informed on industry trends and developments. Support is always available to assist stores encountering any difficulties with a product, supplier, customer or other local issues.
Finally, and most importantly, a franchisee is building a business for their future. The business is entirely the property of the franchisee and any goodwill that accumulates is retained by the franchisee.
If you think a franchise might be for you then you can fill in the application form in
the expression of interest section on the first page.
Once the application form is returned, it will be briefly assessed taking into account the desired
location and other factors. If these appear suitable then you will be sent our more formal Franchise
Disclosure Document which contains all the information required by the Franchise Code of Practice.
We look forward to hearing from you.