On the road
- Article 1 of 3
- Business Franchise, October 2011
One of the biggest concerns for anyone thinking about buying a franchise is money: how much it costs to acquire, as well as the initial outlayon stock and equipment, plus the ongoing costs. If only there was a way to keep all of those to a minimum... Well, potentially there is: the mobile franchise, as Rob Buckley discovers
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What do you like most about the job?
How flexible you can be with work hours. I can be with the kids for every single after-school activity.
Do you enjoy the driving side of the job?
The driving I can take or leave, but I love using my hands and I'm a sociable person. I get to meet new people every day and I'm amazed how many friends I have from work.
How about not having a home base?
I like not having a home base. When you finish the last job, I can go home or pick up the kids.
What do you need to succeed?
You've got to have enough drive to push the business. When it's raining or minus 10 degrees Celsius, like it was last Christmas, you've still got to do the job, even if you can't feel your feet.
Riverford Organic
After a career in the printing industry, Paul Jardine took over Riverford's Camden & Islington territory five years ago. He's gone from being 'a man with a van' to having three vans and five drivers - but only gave up driving six weeks ago.
Why Riverford?
I studied environmental ethics at university. I was going to go back to an academic field but as soon as I found Riverford, I thought it was ideal.
What do you enjoy about running a mobile franchise?
The driving. Being involved in retailing. Dealing with customers. Being out and about, and seeing different parts of London.
Do rising fuel costs affect you?
They do, but it's not a significant cost. Being in London, insurance is the greatest expense. I have a lot of customers but I can make one tank of fuel last two weeks.
How long was it before you broke even?
I probably started feeling like I was making money after two years.
What do you enjoy most?
Getting to know customers: people are pleased when they get good quality food. There are also other things we do in the business, such as cooking classes.
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