Friendly, flexible recruitment done right

 “If you do a blooming good job, they appreciate it,” says long-standing V.I.P. cleaning franchisee Yvonne Tremayne. “My hubby Robert and I have learned a great deal since we emigrated here from England, and through cleaning with V.I.P. I feel I’ve learned much more about the Kiwi way of life.”

Yvonne, Robert and their three children moved to New Zealand in January 2008. They arrived in a heatwave. “It was a bit different from England,” Yvonne laughs. “I’d been a team leader with the bespoke cleaning company Supermaids. I’d also worked with Marks and Spencer, so I had a good idea of quality expectations. 

“After buying a block of land on the Āwhitu Peninsula, we became growers for a short time – chillies, courgettes, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. This was so good that we even got on the national news for producing the best lemongrass in the country, which we sold to many restaurants and other outlets. However, it was actually flipping hard work! In 2012, I saw the advertisement for V.I.P. Home Services.”

Tempting proposition

With her background in cleaning, and with Robert’s encouragement, Yvonne scoped the V.I.P. opportunity out. “I just thought I’d really like to have my own business,” she recalls. “It seemed V.I.P. had a really good system and, from my first meeting with John and Estelle, I had the right feelings about the company. They were both very relaxed over coffee, and excellent at answering all the questions I’d forgotten to ask! I quickly realised they like to run the business as a family. My only regret, 12 years on, is that I don’t get to spend more time with them.”

Yvonne found her bank amenable to a small loan and, after checking with legal and accounting firms, she decided to go ahead. One of those advisors even became a long-standing client of hers. “I started the business with my daughter, Ruby,” explains Yvonne. “She worked with me for five years before becoming an accountant.” 

People, people

“John and Estelle gave both of us invaluable extra training at their own home,” raves Yvonne. “I can’t imagine many other franchisors doing that! I knew I’d picked the right franchise and the right people from that moment. They went out of their way to be helpful to us, as they have been ever since.”

Estelle and John Logan are V.I.P. Home Service’s national franchisors for New Zealand. “We are always keen to welcome people from any background into our V.I.P. family. Yvonne had a head start with her cleaning experience in the UK, which was at the same kind of high standards that we and our franchisees aspire to. 

“Yvonne exudes the qualities of honesty and hard work that we maintain in our business. These qualities are vital for our franchisees, who are being trusted to go into people’s homes. We are quite fussy about who we appoint but those we select soon discover they’ll never be short of work or flexibility.”

Unusually for someone starting a small business, Yvonne says she didn’t find the experience daunting. She says, “I just found Estelle and John so friendly, and I’ve always worked hard in life, so this was no different in the beginning,” she says. 

Learnings and earnings

“Stick with the plan,” is her main advice. “You can’t go wrong with V.I.P. There has always been support whenever I’ve needed it. John and Estelle have always been there for me – even when someone crashed into my car! I then had to get a new one sign written.”

And the biggest challenge? “The biggest challenge I had was getting to know my customers and proving myself to them,” Yvonne says. “You can’t always please everybody, all the time. Some people expect miracles. However, the customer is always right! So, I’ve always just done my best. V.I.P. has given me a wonderful customer base and so many great leads over the years.”

What has been the key to running her business? “Reliability, consistency – doing the job the client wants,” she says. “Some are fussier than others! But above all, choosing the right franchise. V.I.P. have been brilliant all along. 

“John and Estelle deserve a bit of praise for all they have done for hundreds of franchisees over the years. Estelle mentioned the flexibility of the franchise, and that is a real bonus. As I’m getting a bit older, I wanted to cut back a bit. So now I’m able to do just three days a week. This gives me a bit more time at home with my husband, but also means I’ve been able to keep my favourite customers.”

V.I.P. Home Services offers two different kinds of franchise: indoor (all types of cleaning) and outdoor (lawnmowing, gardening and other work.) “V.I.P. offers a very flexible system that can be tailored to your needs,” says Estelle. “Whether full or part-time, a V.I.P. franchise is a solid long-term investment that can give a great lifestyle and above-average income. We are currently seeking new franchisees throughout the country, so why not give me a call to learn more?”

See this advertorial on page 51 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 33 Issue 4

Contact details for V.I.P. Home Services

For more information and advice on buying a franchise get your FREE copy of Franchise New Zealand magazine.

We welcome links from other websites to this article. Please note that this article is copyright © Eden Exchange NZ Holdings Limited, Franchise New Zealand magazine and Franchise New Zealand On Line. While it may be downloaded for personal use, no part may be reproduced on any other website, in electronic or printed form or in any other form whatsoever.