Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Steve Weatherley on May 08, 2013, 08:49:01 pm

Title: Franchising
Post by: Steve Weatherley on May 08, 2013, 08:49:01 pm
Interested to hear of anyone else who has tried the Jolisian franchising system (or the Ian Lancaster system)
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: PurefectWindowCleaning on May 08, 2013, 08:54:09 pm
Perfect window cleaning has.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on May 08, 2013, 09:10:25 pm
I believe (could be wrong) there are around 10 companies using the system and they are all finding the system too work very well.
I am currently preparing my business for going down the same route.
I will be purchasing Ian's system!
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: davids3511 on May 08, 2013, 09:37:57 pm
I've done it, got one full and starting to look for the next.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: johnwillan on May 08, 2013, 11:08:42 pm
Hi Steve

I've been using the system for just over fours years, have six operators, soon to be seven.

It's very well thought out, simple to run, provides all the information required but most importantly it's supported by Ian, a genuinely nice chap.

If you're considering a purchase I suggest you give Ian a call he'd be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Hope this helps

John
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 11, 2013, 02:15:04 pm
Thanks John ;)

Just picked this up as Lise and I have been on holiday for a week (thanks to my system, we can holiday one week in four ;D)

As John so kindly said, I am always happy to talk about my system - feel free to give me a call.

Ian
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Diamond standard ltd on May 11, 2013, 03:16:50 pm
Ian I've bin looking at your site and hearing a lot a out you I take my hat off to you!!!
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on May 11, 2013, 03:54:34 pm
I can't understand why anyone would want to give away 20% of their revenue every week instead of setting up their own round and getting 100% of the revenue, can anyone explain to me the benefits of buying a window cleaning franchise as there must be something i'm missing
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on May 11, 2013, 04:07:48 pm
There are plenty of people out there who require the security of been part of something rather than going it alone. Remember they never have to go out and find a customer!!
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on May 11, 2013, 04:11:54 pm
To me the only things I like about window cleaning are that I earn good money and i'm 100% my own boss, take these things away and I wouldn't want to do the job. Each to their own though, I guess franchise must work for some as they seem to be popular
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: dave0123 on May 11, 2013, 04:16:51 pm
It all depends i suppose... u say id just set up on my own and keep 100% myself but you'd probably spend about 20% on marketing your business anyway.. as new starter maybe under price your jobs?

People who dont find this forum go out and charge 4 quid then go away because theve under priced every job and realize there making about 40 quid a day.. they think they can go and under cut people charging 12 quid.. and then make no money.

YES its a very simple bussiness window cleaning but if u dont charge correctly its a waste of time. people ask me if is good money window cleaning? i always answer if you quote them properly yes... otherwise no its not  ;D
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: benny donnelly on May 11, 2013, 05:37:56 pm

so Ian do you have a team of canvassers out everyday getting work for a new franchisee or how do you work it? or do you share the work around your franchisees so they all pull in a certain level of income as I'd say you own the customers anyway?

 
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: H20cleaning on May 11, 2013, 06:08:44 pm
i think it depends alot on your age, i was offered to go into a partnership once and each year i would gain more percentage in the company (this was a family member) but im only 20 so i chose to go it alone and the truth be known its taken a hell of alot of time to get to were i am today but im glad i made the decision!!
God knows what i will do when i get so busy i need help, i wouldnt know were to start.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on May 11, 2013, 06:15:19 pm
i think it depends alot on your age, i was offered to go into a partnership once and each year i would gain more percentage in the company (this was a family member) but im only 20 so i chose to go it alone and the truth be known its taken a hell of alot of time to get to were i am today but im glad i made the decision!!
God knows what i will do when i get so busy i need help, i wouldnt know were to start.
It couldn't have taken that long to get where you are if you're still only 20 mate.
Well done on going it alone and starting your own business at your age though
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: H20cleaning on May 11, 2013, 06:19:33 pm
i think it depends alot on your age, i was offered to go into a partnership once and each year i would gain more percentage in the company (this was a family member) but im only 20 so i chose to go it alone and the truth be known its taken a hell of alot of time to get to were i am today but im glad i made the decision!!
God knows what i will do when i get so busy i need help, i wouldnt know were to start.
It couldn't have taken that long to get where you are if you're still only 20 mate.
Well done on going it alone and starting your own business at your age though
not going to lie i was 18 at the time and saved enough money to buy my first van ( x reg pug partner) with the system all ready in, i was quite lazy and enjoyed my nights out at first. But now i am so motivated and its building up a steady business, im onto my second van a nissan primastar 2003 plate 73,000 miles mint logo, new leaflets and not a penny of debt! best job in the world:D
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 11, 2013, 06:32:12 pm

so Ian do you have a team of canvassers out everyday getting work for a new franchisee or how do you work it? or do you share the work around your franchisees so they all pull in a certain level of income as I'd say you own the customers anyway?

 

No teams of canvassers :)

For the first six it was just me on my own.  I could generate enough work to keep one man happy - it took an average of 6 months to get each one to the level he wanted.  Bear in mind these people were novices, so couldn't manage very much at the start.  As they gained ability so I gained work to add to their rounds.  I retired after I'd got the sixth one up to speed, now my Master Franchisee is continuing building the business.

We own the jobs, of course, otherwise there would be no reason for them to stay with us once we had provided them with enough work.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 11, 2013, 06:33:07 pm
Ian I've bin looking at your site and hearing a lot a out you I take my hat off to you!!!

Thank you - I guess that makes you a Diamond geezer ;D
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 11, 2013, 06:43:35 pm
I can't understand why anyone would want to give away 20% of their revenue every week instead of setting up their own round and getting 100% of the revenue, can anyone explain to me the benefits of buying a window cleaning franchise as there must be something i'm missing

It depends who you are.  There are people like you: innovative and entrepreneurial with the drive and self confidence to do what you have done.  There are other people who would never consider setting up on their own but find the 'buffer' of being a part of an established successful organisation enough to encourage them to join.

These people are perfectly happy to relinquish their 20% in exchange for the guarantee of always having as  much work as they want without the worry of having to find it for themselves plus the constant backup from us with supplies of equipment, source of new jobs, negotiations with awkward or non-paying customers, trouble shooting and problem solving etc.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on May 11, 2013, 07:05:03 pm
Thanks for explaining it Ian, I guess someone brand new to the window cleaning game would definitely benefit from all the help and ongoing expertise that you provide
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: GB Window Cleaning on May 11, 2013, 07:20:26 pm
it sounds good actually now ian's explained it like that! i'm tempted myself. No canvassing no worries really!?
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: DG Cleaning on May 11, 2013, 07:32:24 pm
Ian,
How do you ensure the franchisee records all the work honestly?
Say they get a walk up or conny roof clean what's to stop them keeping for themselves?
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: GB Window Cleaning on May 11, 2013, 07:36:34 pm
Ian,
How do you ensure the franchisee records all the work honestly?
Say they get a walk up or conny roof clean what's to stop them keeping for themselves?

Good point. or whats to stop the fanchisee canvassing there own work and just using you to get going?
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on May 11, 2013, 08:53:12 pm
the answer too the last two questions is= A very good franchise agreement.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: GB Window Cleaning on May 11, 2013, 09:07:52 pm
the answer too the last two questions is= A very good franchise agreement.

Yeah i see. thanks
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: DG Cleaning on May 11, 2013, 09:51:57 pm
the answer too the last two questions is= A very good franchise agreement.

That doesn't answer it.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: ben M on May 11, 2013, 10:18:54 pm
What do you get from the business package? if you get a second van with this franchise,who canvass for you? who get 20% in return? you or Ian?
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: roundbuilder on May 11, 2013, 10:51:36 pm
I tell my cleaners to keep any extras they get. 1 offs or con roofs etc as long as they get the days work done i have set out im happy. Truth is every emoyee out there will not tell you the extras they do. I accepted that a long time ago.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: GB Window Cleaning on May 11, 2013, 11:03:49 pm
I tell my cleaners to keep any extras they get. 1 offs or con roofs etc as long as they get the days work done i have set out im happy. Truth is every emoyee out there will not tell you the extras they do. I accepted that a long time ago.

Oh okay. that makes sense i suppose! cheers mick
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 11, 2013, 11:45:32 pm
Ian,
How do you ensure the franchisee records all the work honestly?
Say they get a walk up or conny roof clean what's to stop them keeping for themselves?

As Mick says.

I make a point of telling my franchisees that if an existing customer requests a 'one off' like soffit/fascia or conservatory roof they can give the customer the price and do the extra job.  In these cases provided I don't have to quote for them I don't charge a royalty.

This is only provided the extra work doesn't interfere with them completing the regular work on schedule and that the 'extra' doesn't turn into a repeat job.

They can't do 'stand alone' extras or 'foreigner' jobs - it is very difficult to hide these from us as they wear our uniform and have our signwriting on their van so the customer knows who the company is.  If the customer wants to contact us for any reason they would phone our business number so we would find out.

This is strictly forbidden in the Agreement and could lead to the franchisee losing his franchise.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 11, 2013, 11:48:52 pm
What do you get from the business package? if you get a second van with this franchise,who canvass for you? who get 20% in return? you or Ian?

I don't follow this - are you referring to my Jolisian package or are you asking what if one of my franchisees wanted to put a second van on the road?
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: ben M on May 11, 2013, 11:51:17 pm
What do you get from the business package? if you get a second van with this franchise,who canvass for you? who get 20% in return? you or Ian?

I don't follow this - are you referring to my Jolisian package or are you asking what if one of my franchisees wanted to put a second van on the road?
Jolisian package
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 11, 2013, 11:59:53 pm
What do you get from the business package? if you get a second van with this franchise,who canvass for you? who get 20% in return? you or Ian?

I don't follow this - are you referring to my Jolisian package or are you asking what if one of my franchisees wanted to put a second van on the road?
Jolisian package


The Jolisian package shows you how to set up a business just like mine - you can appoint as many franchisees as you like, all I get out of it is the cost of the package (£1,500) there are no other charges to pay to me.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: ben M on May 12, 2013, 12:02:52 am
What do you get from the business package? if you get a second van with this franchise,who canvass for you? who get 20% in return? you or Ian?

I don't follow this - are you referring to my Jolisian package or are you asking what if one of my franchisees wanted to put a second van on the road?
Jolisian package

ok thanks Ian

The Jolisian package shows you how to set up a business just like mine - you can appoint as many franchisees as you like, all I get out of it is the cost of the package (£1,500) there are no other charges to pay to me.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: MNWC on May 12, 2013, 08:49:36 pm
With the package do you get the contract for the franchisee to sign ?
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: 8weekly on May 12, 2013, 09:01:25 pm
With the package do you get the contract for the franchisee to sign ?
I am guessing that this is the most important component.
Title: Re: Franchising
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 13, 2013, 01:13:15 pm
With the package do you get the contract for the franchisee to sign ?

Of course.

It's a complete 'turnkey' package.  Everything you need to set up and run is included and in the unlikely event that there is something I've missed I offer ongoing help and advice for as long as you need it - no time limit.