Cart'wheel of fortune

More than one in four franchises are run by husband-and-wife teams. Here two Cartridge World couples share their secrets to success

It might seem like an odd time to think about becoming your own boss, but not all businesses fare badly during a recession - in fact, some positively thrive. And one way of minimising risk whilst taking charge of your own destiny is to consider franchising; an established franchise can offer both a tried-and-tested model and a chance to become a business owner.
One franchise business that is thriving despite the recession is Cartridge World, the market-leading retailer of refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges and printing consumables. Cartridge World stores can refill all major-brand inkjet or laser cartridges using inks or toner formulated to match the original manufacturer's product. The end result is a high quality product, ensuring consistent quality of print.

Because of the substantial cost-savings for retail and business customers using refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges rather than brand new products, interest in Cartridge World and its products is actually growing now that we're in a recession. Additionally, the high quality of the inks used by Cartridge World, the money-back, product-satisfaction guarantee and free delivery and pick-up service for businesses keeps both retail and commercial customers coming back.

Launched in Australia in 1988, Cartridge World now operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. It was established in the UK in 2001 and has a network of more than 250 outlets with a support team based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The company has ambitious expansion plans in the UK.
With many franchises making an annual turnover of more than £250,000, with a gross profit in excess of 60 per cent, the figures speak for themselves regarding the potential success of a Cartridge World outlet.

Mark Holland, general manager of Cartridge World UK, says: "It might be a well-used expression at the moment, but Cartridge World is a genuinely ‘recession-proof' business. Demand for its products is only likely to increase.
"Refilling and remanufacturing printer cartridges is also environmentally-friendly - a consideration that is becoming ever more important for retail and business customers."

One way many franchisees achieve success is by working with a partner. In fact, the bfa/NatWest survey 2009 revealed that 26 per cent of franchisees are married couples. Cartridge World Pudsey franchisee Dave Caldwell explains: "Working with a family member works well for a small business such as a Cartridge World franchise. You know a family member will go above and beyond for the business, and also you know you can trust them. The trust element is incredibly important. My wife Sue is a very competent administrator and I have complete confidence in what she does. This allows me to pursue the sales."

However, working with a partner isn't without its challenges. Dave says: "Working together can be difficult at times because we are literally together 24/7 and we do work in different ways. Our roles have always been clearly defined so there is no cross-over, which is important as everything will run much more smoothly if you're not stepping on one another's toes. We find this way we can both play to our strengths."

Similarly, husband-and-wife team Alex and Hugh Pattison-Appleton, owners of Cartridge World Hereford, are also finding that working together has been key to their success, helping them to make ink and laser refill sales in excess of £20,000 a month. Alex says: "There was one main reason why we bought Cartridge World Hereford - the numbers worked. If you're looking to operate your own business, that has to be the best advertisement possible."
Hugh had previously spent 15 years in school management while Alex had been self-employed, so both brought relevant experience to their new venture - a venture they spent some time and effort researching. With increased talk at the time of a looming recession, Alex and Hugh felt Cartridge World seemed the most ‘recession-proof' and they were encouraged by the back-up and support Cartridge World provides for its franchisees.

As part of the package, franchisees receive a proven business model, continual investment in research and development, and national marketing, advertising and PR campaigns. The experienced franchise support management team based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, drives the continued development and success of the business.

All new franchisees receive training lasting five weeks covering all aspects of the business - from the technical nitty-gritty to business management and marketing. This is complemented by ongoing business support in the form of a Technical Support Helpline and detailed operations manual, as well as a dedicated business development manager who makes regular visits to the store.

The network of Cartridge World franchisees across the country also back each other up with support, advice and ideas.
So what actually makes a successful Cartridge World franchisee? Franchise Sales Manager Paul Muxlow explains: "Although there are great potential rewards to be gained from running a Cartridge World outlet, it must be considered as a serious, long-term commitment requiring enthusiasm, dedication and lots of hard work.

"We have franchisees from many walks of life, who often come to us with transferable skills, having reached the point where they are more than ready to take up the reins and run their own business. It's really important, though, that any franchisee genuinely enjoys working with people - both their own employees and customers - since excellent customer service is fundamental to the success of any Cartridge World outlet."

Despite operating within a franchise system, Cartridge World gives franchisees the flexibility to develop their own business as they see fit. Developments brought in by Hugh and Alex have been welcomed by the staff who are enthusiastic to watch the business grow further under its new owners.

Both Hugh and Alex would admit that getting an established business to operate as they wanted took longer than expected, but they had clearly identified the business-to-business potential for Cartridge World. In the short time since they bought the business, they have watched this side of the business grow steadily.

The pair are also genuinely enjoying working together - though they do admit they talk far too much about the business. Running their own business has lifestyle as well as working benefits. It means that they can manage their lives around their children more easily with one of them always at home. Also, with both partners working in the business they get twice the tax allowance.

Alex says: "The recession is an opportunity to begin conversations with people who wouldn't necessarily have gone looking for a cost-effective alternative such as Cartridge World - but virtually every customer who comes through our door is delighted at the money they are saving, and also delighted customers tell their friends and spread the word.

Speaking about the opportunities available for new franchisees with Cartridge World, Mark Holland, general manager of Cartridge World UK, said: "We are actively looking for business partners with the skill sets and enthusiasm to develop successful Cartridge World outlets across the UK.
"As the company has a 20-year history and more than 1,600 stores worldwide, potential franchisees can be confident that the Cartridge World model works, and that the opportunity is there to invest in a business, which is realising impressive returns."

For more information on becoming a Cartridge World franchisee, the franchise sales team can be contacted on 01423 878 520, or emailed at
franchise@cartridgeworld.co.uk.

Classification: Retail

Investment level: £29,950 plus VAT and working capital

Website: www.cartridgeword.co.uk

Email: franchise@cartridgeworld.co.uk

Phone: 01423 878 520