Posted:21-February-2025
Harsh Upadhyay's Journey to Franchise Success
Harsh Upadhyay, a dedicated professional with years of experience in the convenience sector, has successfully launched his own franchise in Southampton. His journey began in 2008 when he started working as a merchandiser for his mentor, Hanish Patel our NW London Franchisee. This role provided him with invaluable insights and knowledge about the industry, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
In 2022 Harsh decided it was time to venture out on his own. The decision to take on a Card Connection franchise was a natural choice, given his familiarity with the business model and the requirements for success.
Harsh's extensive experience in the industry made it an ideal choice for his franchise. Although he initially hoped for a territory near London, the opportunity in Southampton proved to be a perfect fit. The area not only met his family's needs but also presented significant growth potential.
One of the standout features of Harsh's franchise is the flexibility it offers. He can manage a successful business while maintaining quality family time, a balance that few roles provide.
Harsh emphasizes the importance of ongoing support for new franchisees. While the initial handover is crucial, the real learning begins when one is out on their own. Having a Regional Sales Manager (RSM) available for discussions and advice is invaluable. Additionally, effective communication from head office regarding business changes and national accounts is essential to avoid costly mistakes.
Purchasing a resale franchise comes with the advantage of an established customer base, allowing new owners to start earning from day one. Access to customer information and previous sales data also enables efficient route planning and call cycles from the outset.
Harsh's typical day starts at 6:30 AM, helping his wife Urvi get their children ready for school. By 9:00 AM, he is on the road, having planned his calls in efficient loops to minimize driving time. His lunch breaks vary, sometimes taken between calls or at specific locations known for better lunch options. Harsh aims to be home by 5:30-6:00 PM, especially during the summer months when seasonal ranges are spread further apart.
From October to May, his focus is on merchandising, switching seasonal ranges, and stocking up. The period from May to September allows him more time to address customer issues and assess store performance, making necessary adjustments to his customer base.
Running his own franchise has allowed Harsh to balance work and family life effectively. Urvi has also joined the business, handling picking, packing, and administrative tasks. This integration of home and work has been financially and logistically beneficial, eliminating the need for a separate storage facility.
Building strong relationships with customers has been a source of great job satisfaction for Harsh, knowing that he is contributing to their business growth as well as his own.
Harsh's advice for those considering their first franchise is to be organized and make detailed notes from the beginning. Effective planning of routes and call cycles can save time and money. Observing changes in customer behavior and reacting accordingly can present new opportunities or mitigate risks.
According to Harsh, successful franchisees are organized, consistent, and observant. Keeping promises to customers builds trust and strengthens relationships, ultimately saving time and money in the long run. Being attentive to changes in customer sales and attitudes is also crucial for sustained success.
Harsh Upadhyay's journey from a merchandiser to a successful franchise owner is a testament to the power of experience, planning, and dedication. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring franchisees looking to make their mark in the industry.
Interested and want to know more about Card Connection?
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