Posted:13-January-2021
Enthusiastic about Go Kart Party franchise
Name Stephen Frazer
Location Portsmouth
Franchise Go Kart Party
Why I chose franchising
I liked the idea of working for myself. Taking the enthusiasm that I had for the franchise and conveying it to other people provided me with a good work life balance but kept me in touch with people and was a recognisible product not just a small cog in a big machine.
What I did before taking up a franchise
Prior to this I was in the Royal Navy. I completed 22 years service, having travelled around a majority of the world. Achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer Weapon Engineer. I was settled in the Portsmouth area with 3 young children of 6yrs, 4yrs and 1yr. Prior to leaving the Navy I researched all avenues as I treated this as an opportunity to start something new, unlike a lot of people who leave the armed forces one day, only to return in a similar role if not the same role the next.
How I raised the finance
I initial toyed with the idea of fully financing the venture myself, but after thinking it through and discussing it with my wife I financed 50% of the franchise fee with a business loan from the bank. I chose the same bank that my franchisor used as this meant that they already had an understanding of the business and it’s potential. Also getting the bank involved financially means that they are more interested in me and how the business is going. It is very much a 2 way street. The bank where surprisingly keen to lend even given that I had approached them at a time when the banks supposedly like to hold on to their cash.
The training and support I receive from my franchisor
Was/is fantastic. I stumbled across the franchise whilst researching an activity for one of my children. The concept immediately grabbed my attention and wanted to know more. I met with the franchisor at the bfa exhibition at London Olympia and was hooked, who couldn’t be. After spending time talking to both Sandra and Clive I decided I could do this. The company again where great, after allowing me a cooldown period we arranged to meet so we could look at each other and see if the venture was right for both of us. I came away from that even more determined that this was for me. More discussions followed and then contracts were signed late May 2010. A full training day left me comfortable with the product and I just wanted to get out there and shout about the Karts. Support from that day has been very useful, lots of guidance where needed and ideas flow freely which is so different from my previous employment
The challenges I have faced getting to know a new business
Mainly it is the day to day stuff. Promoting, travelling, keeping my enthusiasm down so as not to overface people. Thinking constantly of new ideas to complement what I am doing. Realising that this is my business but I do have the Franchisee team and franchise network around me to rely on for support. Generally all the normal things that anyone new to business experiences I suppose.
My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise
Research the product. Is it totally new to the area or are you a variant on a theme. Be prepared for knockbacks, not everyone is enthusiastic as you. Keep the faith and work hard, everyday you need to be out there letting people that you are there, and what they are missing out on by not using you or your service. Be cheerful, it isn’t all doom and gloom, this is what you want to do so enjoy it. Listen to the sceptics but don’t let them totally influence your decision. Get your family onside and get them to see the potential in what you are doing.
My plans for the future
To make Go Kart Party the most talked about children’s entertainment activity in the south. To be the number one name on peoples lips when they are looking for a fun challenging activity for their children to undertake in a safe and controlled environment. To expand up to at least 3 mobile units within my area within the next few years. To wake up every single day enjoying going to work, though I do this already
