What exactly is a franchise?
A franchise is a business relationship between the owner of a trademark and system (the Franchisor) and an individual wishing to use that identification in operating a business (the Franchisee). The franchisee invests in the business model and uses its developed brand, operating systems, training, and support. The franchisor and franchisee share a vested interest in success and work together for business growth.
What are the benefits of being a Crock A Doodle franchisee?
As a Crock A Doodle franchisee you have the freedom of having your own business without the fear and stress associated with going it alone. You can rely on the backing of a strong brand, proven operating system and dedicated support structure. You can be in business for yourself but not by yourself. You will be part of a team of franchisees all committed to building the brand. You’ll have guidance and encouragement at every stage of your business development, helping you grow year after year.
What training will I get?
You will be trained in all aspects of our Franchise Operation. This will include Product Knowledge, Pottery Painting Techniques, Kiln Production, Staff Training and Development, Local Marketing and Community Outreach. You will receive in-depth training in Store Operations, Point of Sale, Daily tasks, How to Manage Busy, both during initial and on-site training sessions. Our Performance system will help you understand and measure the metrics that matter, with a monthly performance benchmark system so know where you stand vs your goals and vs system average. Our Doodle U online learning management system will be a valuable resource in training you and your staff to deliver our brand promise.
Do I need to be creative?
Crock A Doodle is ‘fun art’ not ‘fine art’. You don’t need to be an artist – you just need to enjoy the creative process and have the enthusiasm to help others enjoy it as well! You’ll receive hands-on training with pottery-painting techniques, sample creation and on-going tips, techniques, and videos to help you keep your customers doodling away. We want your focus to be on building the business and nurturing long term customer relationships…so you won’t really have much time for painting!
How do I find the right location?
Finding the right site location for a new Crock A Doodle studio is perhaps the single biggest factor in determining the success of your business. We recommend that you work with our Commercial Broker and Lease Consultant who will search, assess and negotiate the lease on your behalf. Your knowledge of your local community is key and will be an asset throughout this process. Site search and negotiations can take several months to narrow down the search, finalize the offer to lease, review formal lease documents, and design/build out the store.
The goal of the process is not to find the cheapest location, or the first available, but to find the best possible site resulting from a comprehensive search and then negotiate the best possible terms to maximize studio sales and keep rent and operating expenses in line.
What hours will I need to work?
As a franchisee you must be prepared to work retail hours. Our studio hours are family friendly…no late nights or early mornings, with busier evenings and weekends. We have learned that the best results come from franchisees who commit full-time to their business and are actively present during the busy hours, at least in the beginning. Over time you will build a robust staff team, which may include a manager and/or assistant manager, allowing you to work “on the business” vs “in it.” Like every business – the more time and effort you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. So be prepared to work hard!
Is a kiln safe? Will I be able to operate it?
A kiln is an extremely safe unit and is surprisingly simple to operate. The kiln production process is where our customers’ pottery-painting efforts transform into functional and forever art pieces. You will be fully trained in the kiln operation and quickly learn to appreciate its stringent safety characteristics. We don’t expect any franchisees to come to us with previous pottery or kiln production skills.
How do I market the business in my community?
Crock A Doodle has developed a powerful strategy to guide franchisees marketing efforts and build equity in the Crock A Doodle brand. You will get support in launch activities, CRM, local promotion, web marketing and SEO, event marketing, studio and community programming. We will work with you to generate awareness in your community, drive ongoing customer acquisition, including birthday party and group bookings. We will help you execute our studio programming and social media strategy to create event success for baby/toddler, kids, families, young adults, seniors, community groups and more!
Where do I order product and supplies?
Your initial product and supply inventory is included in your start up package. You will order additional pottery products and supplies through Crock A Doodle Head Office as needed. We will train you in inventory management and order best practices to ensure you maintain the right level and mix of inventory to support your profitability and cash flow. The franchisee’s ongoing use of Crock A Doodle brand, systems and support are all funded by this product pricing strategy vs a royalty charge. As such, franchisees must purchase product exclusively through Crock A Doodle Head Office.
What skills have contributed the most to the success of a franchise?
A strong customer service orientation is most important to help you build and nurture lasting customer relationships. Effective self-management and a proven work ethic are necessary to ensure that you stay focused and in command of your business. Good financial discipline is key to managing the business and cash flow demands. A love of creativity and passion for the Crock A Doodle concept will generate natural excitement around your business. Most importantly…a mindset for success and the tenacity to keep working it and focusing on ongoing performance opportunities to keep growing year over year.
How much money will I make?
In many ways that’s up to you! While we cannot legally make earning projections, we can help you understand the income and expenses associated with a studio operation. Strong financial performance comes from effective business development, using the many tools and resource to grow your business across multiple customer segments. In addition to drawing an income from your business, you also want to consider the value you are building. The aim of your investment is to build a business you can one day sell. Your efforts, along with growing value in the Crock A Doodle brand, will help create a business you can potentially re-sell with a solid return on your investment.
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