21
£13,490 VAT
1998
Petpals promise that the total fee includes an investment payment that covers almost everything, with no “hidden extras”. Set up costs are estimated to be around £3,500.
Seven to nine franchises are launched a year, in areas across the UK. Petpals is looking to recruit in and around London and special packages for this are available. Lead time for new franchise enquiries, if successful through a two-way selection process, is 4-7 weeks.
Petpals was founded in 1998 and started its franchise operation three years later, expanding from initial trials in Guernsey and Winchester to cover most regions of the UK. They are the UK's first, original and leading nationally approved mobile professional pet care services company.
With 21 franchises now established across the UK, Petpals boasts a 100 per cent growth record for franchisees after two years of operation.
Petpals offers owners a wide range of services, such as at home pet visits, dog walking and “pet sitting”. Franchisees are also occasionally expected to take pets to the vet or for grooming appointments.
Depending on factors such as franchise location and size, turnover can grow between £18,000 to £35,000 in the first year, with an increase in turnover of over £50,000 anticipated by the third year of trading.
The company expects to expand its operations to most corners of the country this year, with franchises due to be launched in various locations, including Manchester, Watford and Bournemouth. Petpals also plans to expand its range of services to owners, including the selling of pet food and accessories.
Petpals aims to take advantage of the huge UK pet industry, which is worth over £3.3 billion a year, with just £480 million of that total being pet food sales. With a growing pet population (there are now 18 million domesticated animals in the UK), Petpals is set to benefit from the increasing demand for pet services for owners that are on holiday or who work long hours.
The company was recently featured on BBC Crufts and Channel 4 as well as the Times, Daily Mail, Observer and Telegraph. They are working with the Times Vet of the Year, Kennel Club and National Pet Care to try and help raise the awareness of pet care in the UK.
Petpals insists that potential franchisees must have a love of pets, be enthusiastic, energetic and have an ability to network well and interact effectively with the public.
The company also looks for a strong entrepreneurial spirit in applicants, as well as the desire to work outdoors. Petpals collects references and runs police checks on all potential franchisees.
If you meet the Petpals criteria, provide the franchise fee and can come up with some working capital until your business becomes established, the company insists that you simply meet standards by which it works by, including:
- The highest possible standards of excellence regarding the care of clients, pets and homes.
- Confidentiality of clients must be respected at all times.
- Honesty and integrity are vital.
Petpals promises to provide franchisees with all the training and support to launch and develop their business. The company provides:
- A dedicated area of single licenses based on a population of 50,000.
- Local and national marketing and advertising for the pre launch and launch period.
- Quality stationary, clothing and pet equipment.
- Interactive pet software, business templates and accounts programmes.
- Consumer literature.
- An effective pre launch and launch programme.
- Operational and pet care manuals.
- A five-year renewable license.
- A proactive internet site that promises to drive customers towards the business.
- Low business overheads.
Petpals breaks down the costs as:
- £9,990 VAT - investment payment to Petpals which is inclusive of everything you need to launch
- £3,500 VAT - direct expenses payment, using the Petpals discounts, inclusive of fully fitted vehicle deposit and expenses.
Total: £13,490 VAT - Plus allow enough working capital to last for 5-8 months whilst you are getting established in you first year.
Of this amount, £2,000 is set aside for the pre-launch and launch marketing blitz to generate public awareness of the franchise.
The company promises to not collect any royalty payments in the first three months of trading, and offers discounts on a wide range of equipment. Petpals has also reached an agreement with several high street banks in order for franchisees to raise finance for their businesses.
Initial training takes place at the main Petpals offices in Ascot. Lasting four days, the training promises to equip applicants with all the operational and pet care skills required for the franchise.
Following an exam, successful applicants are provided with equipment and manuals and are sent on a “hands-on” work experience session, which lasts two to three days. During the launch of the franchise, various local research tasks are assigned to franchisees.
Petpals promises to offer on-going training and support, and will cover any areas which franchisees are unsure of.
The company will be heavily involved in co-ordinating the franchise’s launch, and promises to provide hands-on help to ensure the business grows in the first 9-18 months of trading.
For more information on becoming a Petpals franchisee, visit www.petpals.com or email ukoffice@petpals.com
