Name: Helen Rabaiotti
Location: Newport/South Wales
Franchise: Card Connection

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Card Connection franchise business?

I ran a post office before becoming a Card Connection franchisee with my husband David five years ago. We supply 230 retailers in South Wales with Card Connection’s extensive range of quality greetings cards and accessories from our Abergavenny base.

What attracted you to franchising versus started starting up on your own or finding employment?

Myself and my husband were used to being self-employed and were experienced in working in customer facing roles. We were familiar with Card Connection as a franchisee used to deliver them to the post office. We knew the greetings cards were always particularly popular and sold well, so when the franchise became available, we jumped at the chance to branch out.

The franchise concept is also quite simple. The franchisee places Card Connection’s quality range of greetings cards and accessories in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis. This is beyond sale or return as the retailer only pays for what they sell and the franchisee supplies display equipment on free loan as well as visiting regularly to merchandise displays.

"The award winning concept has proved popular over two decades and Card Connection has many national account customers."

Why did you choose Card Connection? What research did you undertake?

We initially bought the Bath franchise which is a compact area and I helped David run it for five years. However, last year, the Newport/South Wales region became available and we were keen to take on the larger franchise! We moved last summer and now I have become much more involved in the business.

How did you raise the finance for funding your franchise? Did you use any financial support (grants etc) specific to business startup?

We bought our original franchise from savings, then NatWest helped us financially when it came to buying the larger franchise last year.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing from Card Connection?

We were provided with full training at head office and also ‘on the road’. In addition, ongoing support comes from our franchise manager who is always on the end of the phone if we need any help.

"Card Connection is set up to enable its franchisees to succeed and they pro-actively supply all the help necessary. Regular regional meetings and the annual conference are always good opportunities for further input."

What is a typical day for you as a Card Connection franchisee?

The day starts with sorting out the family! We have two children, one at University and our youngest is about to start GCSEs so early mornings are always hectic! Next it’s onto our storage unit where either David has already loaded the van ready for deliveries or I go down to pick up the stock.

Once I’m out on the road, I usually visit about five retailers to supply fresh stock. I merchandise the displays of greetings cards to make them look fresh and appealing in each store. I take out all the old stock and replace it with new and seasonal ranges. After this, then it’s home to complete the paperwork. Household things then tend to take over in the evenings!

What challenges have you faced?

Running a franchised business and balancing family life will always have its challenges. We have recently moved from Bath to Abergavenny too, so this did add a further complication! With the new South Wales franchise we now supply 230 retail stores compared with 100 so there has been an increase in workload as we still currently manage Bath while it is up for sale.

We inherited two staff members from the old South Wales franchisee, who are great and really know their jobs. However, we also want to make improvements to the way we work and introducing change always has to be done gradually and tactfully.

Has becoming a Card Connection franchisee changed your life, if so how?

I’ve always been used to working in a full time role. The franchise however, offers a more flexible set-up than a traditional 9-5 job. I don’t mind working outside ‘normal’ business hours. Card Connection is also much more varied than working in the post office so I like that.

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?

I think a good franchisee needs to be organised, yet flexible. In our job, being adaptable and able to ‘think on your feet’ when a retailer asks for your advice because they are suddenly having a big store re-fit can also be an advantage! This is where experience comes in too. Being polite and accommodating with retail customers is also a must in our business.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give other women looking to start their own business through franchising?

It is important to ‘do your homework’. When we took on the larger franchise NatWest helped us financially.

"The banks are all familiar with Card Connection, so if you are looking for a franchise opportunity, choose an established company with a good reputation as then it will be more straight forward to get the funding support you need, when you need it."

What are your plans for the future?

Our recent move to the Newport/South Wales territory does mean that the established Bath area is for sale. It is a great business for someone looking for a full time franchise in this interesting sector. The territory covers the city, surrounding towns/villages and parts of Dorset.

Over the years we have been able to improve the franchise and sales were up 4% in the past year and yet there are always further opportunities to develop the business for the right enthusiastic person! For our part, we are now looking at focusing on developing the Newport/South Wales Card Connection territory.

Would you do it again?

Buying the Card Connection franchise was the best way forward for us. We have no regrets!

Click here to find out more about the Card Connection franchise opportunity