frequently asked questions

Outlined below are a number of core key questions that you are likely to ask us.

Why are you only offering 50 Territories?

The answer to that is very simple, we passionately believe that we have come to the market with a franchise proposal that is UNIQUE, and offers our franchisees not just a REALISTIC earning opportunity, but the ability to expand their own network of centres within their territory. We STRONGLY believe that some franchises offer too many sites within small territories and therefore reduce the long term earning potential for their franchisees.

Is there any real need for our service?

Yes there is a huge demand for printed materials. The annual spend across the UK is estimated at £15 billion! It is the 6th biggest industry in the UK .

At the Ink Shop is that we arguably cater for the most profitable growing sector of this market. Our core work is providing full colour print solutions to the small and medium business market.

What sort of people are we looking for?

We are looking for highly motivated professionals who have business acumen and are sales driven - people who are organised, that can follow stringent procedures with attention to detail and have the drive and ambition to succeed - business people who understand account management and business to business relationship management.

What are the core skills and attributes you need to be successful?

You will have the following skills and attributes: -

And most importantly…

What is the competition like?

There are a number of strong competitors in the market place but we believe we have the following advantages over them: -

 

What support structures do you have in place?

We believe that the support structure of any Franchise organisation is one of the most important aspects of running a successful Franchise. You will have the Support of the Ink Shop Head Office , existing centres and your professional franchise consultant support team of Stuart Nicol and Simon Organ.

You have to know that you'll never be left alone 'to get on with it'. Of course our training is detailed so you won't need constant supervision, but you will need help from time to time.
That's why we have a structure in place that ensures your success.

How do your training & systems compare with other franchises?

At the Ink Shop we provide a proactive and practical approach.

All of our training is on a one to one personal basis with our business consultants, senior managers and directors delivering the full training programme.

We know our business inside out. Our training procedures and manuals put together by ourselves and professional consultants reflect the systematic but personal approach we take with all our franchisees. We believe we offer some of the most practical training available in our industry

How much is the franchise fee and what do I get for it?

Total investment including your franchise fee to set up your Ink Shop business will amount to about £80,000. For this investment you get a superb package which we will detail for you if you are seriously interested in our opportunity and wish to meet with us.

The investment figures, I don't have that kind of money?

Not everyone does, we have now proved that The Ink Shop model works, our Business Banking Partners are the Clydesdale Bank (National Australia), and they will lend around 70% of the £80,000 projected for start up costs. We'll discuss this with you, and introduce you to the bank if required. But it is up to you to make sure you can meet the costs of your new business throughout its life..

How long does it take to get my investment back?

Given a total investment of £80,000 your first three years trading can typically see the fee paid back in full.

Are your figures achievable?

Absolutely, the figures are based on one of our centres, and we didn't choose the highest performer either. Remember these figures (available to seriously interested parties after signing a non-disclosure agreement) are only estimates and they illustrate a company owned store, in a Territory almost HALF the size of the English ones now offered. And don't forget the
'Franchise Factor', we know a franchisee will work harder to develop a territory than a salaried centre manager will.

I've heard you have a strict application criteria, you're not a major player in the franchise market so why is this the case?

Yes, we do. Before we'll issue a territory licence to a new franchisee you will undergo three interviews and a psychometric profile test before proceeding. Obviously you want to check on us and we'll certainly accommodate you to do that. But we must also check on YOU, you absolutely MUST be the right person for an Ink Shop Franchise – there are only fifty. The process is thorough…and trust us, you'll actually enjoy it. This is simply one stage in a process that will change your life.

How long does it take from application to trading?

This very much depends on availability of territories etc. Our training is all one to one so that can be tailored to you. We won't rush you and we won't be rushed, realistically you should allow about 3 months.

How many hours a week do I have to work?

Your premises will be open core hours from 8.00am till 5.00pm Monday to Friday. We would envisage that you will work a minimum of 50 hours a week, the harder you work the quicker you will reap the rewards. This is really down to you and your commitment but we fully expect you will make a success of YOUR new business by working at least 50 hours a week. The bottom line is that the more you put in the more you will get out…..

What guarantees of success do you offer?

This is actually asked a lot, sadly in business life too many variables exist to offer a guarantee of success, and we think you should walk away from a franchise that does offer such a guarantee. What we can state quite clearly is that franchisees have a greater success rate than 'go it alone'
enterprises - and remember, whilst a new franchise concept, The Ink Shop has 15 years of getting this right and developing a network of profitable print centres doing EXACTLY what we propose for your franchise.

I'm Interested. What's The Next Step?

There are 5 quick and easy ways to contact us.

1. Phone: 0845 225 4444 Now

2. Fax: 0845 225 4422

3. Email: franchise@theinkshop.co.uk

4. Complete the on-line enquiry form by clicking here

5. Download our Mini Course by clicking here

We can then arrange a Free no obligation meeting.

Check out our customer website at www.theinkshop.biz