Franchising Jim's mowing franchise

Discussion in 'Starting & Running a Business' started by Gaz, 28th Apr, 2018.

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  1. Gaz

    Gaz New Member

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    Hi all first time posting... We are considering buying a Jim's mowing... Anyone have pros and cons who have or are working for Jim's?
     
  2. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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  3. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    If you wanted to do mowing, why couldn't you do that with your own name rather than Jim's?
     
  4. DaveM

    DaveM Well-Known Member

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    The barriers to entry for a mowing business are so low (mower, edger, trailer, hedge trimmer) why would you pay a franchise fee for something as basic as this.

    Put ads on gumtree, hipages etc, be reliable and reasonably priced and do a good job, and you will be run off your feet
     
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  5. Gaz

    Gaz New Member

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    Hi.. we have a mortgage and 3 kids and my wife is on maternity leave so I need something that's already got a brand and to help with customer base... Do you have any experience?
     
  6. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    As a property management company we obviously use some mowers from time to time. I'd rather someone who was prompt and reliable over what brand they were.

    Being Jims or VIP or one of those others has a cost involved and i doubt gets you any more customers than you would get anyways.

    Jump on hipages and similar sites, and write to property management companies. Maybe do an introductory offer or something.
     
  7. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    Find out how much buying a franchise would cost you.

    Then find out how much you will pay for a trailer, painting with your mobile number, mower(s), edger and blower.

    Deduct cost of start-up equipment from the franchise price. Figure out how long that money will support you while you get clients. Should be st least a couple of months.

    Don’t forget the franchise will have ongoing fees.
    You may have to adhere to their scale of charges.
    On your own you can offer loyalty discounts or “every 10th mow free” or whatever you want to increase your business.
    A franchise may also restrict what other services you can offer - tree/shrub trimming, rubbish removal, basic handyman, etc.

    We know two people who started up on their own. Both have more requests now than they can handle.
    Marg
     
  8. geoffw

    geoffw Moderator Staff Member

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    My understanding was that Jim's charges you for every call they pass to you, regardless of whether it converts to a job or not.

    A system such as this can be very good in getting you started, and in giving you jobs right from the word go. It can be very good if you don't have a lot of business self confidence.

    The downside is that you are paying fees all the way. If you were on your own, it would be slow to start, but as other people have said, you are can do well down the track when you have an established business.

    You may or may not have a good territory, but that doesn't change with a franchisor or not.

    If you did well, I suspect that the franchise agreement would not permit you to break away and start a business by yourself.
     
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  9. Gockie

    Gockie Life is good ☺️ Premium Member

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    People also post requests for lawn maintenance on Airtasker too. If the hirer is happy, they'll often continue to use the person's services without listing it on Airtasker.
     
  10. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Have you considered a business which is already going? @datto Rumour had it he could be retiring and would consider selling the business of cutting his neighbour's grass.
     
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  11. Stoffo

    Stoffo Well-Known Member

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    Too bad you're in Melb
    I need a competent mature person to take on a chunk of my business.
    (Anyone in the Shire know of someone with Cert 2/3 in Horticulture wanting a job?)
     
  12. datto

    datto Well-Known Member

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    Heck no, I'm not retiring. My neighbour is retiring so he'll have more time on his hands.
    I might do a letter box drop around the 'hood to see if I can pick up a cut or two.
     
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  13. gach2

    gach2 Well-Known Member

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    @Gaz
    Are you already employed and if so how much does that take your time?
     
  14. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    That just makes cutting the grass a high risk occupation.
     
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  15. MorganHB

    MorganHB Well-Known Member

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    Hi @Gaz, there are lots of good posts in here already. I've personally found that I'd rather pick someone who is passionate about their own business who I know will do a good job...I'd pick them any day of the week over a brand.
    As others have said, figure out the costs of starting your own thing...then hit the pavement, knock on doors...sell yourself, show people your enthusiasm. Maybe make a huge list of everyone you know. Start with friends/family, then ask them for referrals to other friends/family...then work your way into businesses (like real estate agents).
     
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  16. Ross Forrester

    Ross Forrester Well-Known Member

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    Buy a business - pay once.

    Buy a franchise - pay forever.

    Dealerships are different.
     
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  17. TMNT

    TMNT Well-Known Member

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    Buy a franchise - pay forever

    Add to that, have kids, get married - pay forever
     
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  18. RPI

    RPI SDA Provider, Town Planner, Former Property Lawyer

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    I have dealt a bit with the Express Franchise group on the franchisee side. Their franchisees always seem to be very happy with their purchase. Lower fees both in and ongoing from Jims is my understanding. I also have a client who is very long term Jims Mowing and is very happy. There are some disgruntled former Jim's people around if you google it, but not sure if that is just small percentage expected because of their size or if there is a genuine basis for it.

    Express sites -
    Express Business Australia | Franchise Opportunities
    Lawn Mowing | Express Lawn Mowing
     
  19. Ross Forrester

    Ross Forrester Well-Known Member

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    Nah - my wife is awesome. A very short payback equation there.

    And I reckon my son will fund my retirement once I have depleted my parents inheritance. I call it a top down bottom up retirement strategy - with me in the middle.
     
  20. TMNT

    TMNT Well-Known Member

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    Wanna swap sons??? ?? :D
     

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