EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

“We’ve never really considered our V.I.P. business to be anything other than a long-term investment,” says Kay Wilson. “We saw it as a solid business when we bought it, and frankly it’s paid for itself ten-fold.”

When Kay and her husband Wayne Gribble were looking for a business 16 years ago, “V.I.P. simply stood out,” says Kay. “We had looked at others and considered dog-grooming or car valeting, but the franchisors were absolutely great – straight up, no selling, and they told it how it was. The decision was a no-brainer, for us.”

Eleven years ago, Kay and husband Wayne Gribble featured in Franchise New Zealand magazine as examples of just how transferable the V.I.P. franchise business is. By then the couple had owned a very successful V.I.P. cleaning business in Papakura for over four years. “We had friends and family in Whangārei,” Kay explains, “so after four years we decided we should move up there. It was an entirely green-fields area – there was at the time no V.I.P. presence, but we knew the system well enough to know it would work, and we had the backing and support of a great franchise. We didn’t hesitate.”

Despite starting from scratch, the V.I.P. system proved itself yet again – eleven years on Kay and Wayne have built their own mortgage-free home on a life-style block. “The franchise has given us everything we needed and wanted,” Kay explains. “We have a great lifestyle, financial freedom and plenty of time for hobbies and gardening. I probably work only 35 hours a week, but neither of us can imagine not being with V.I.P. I asked myself the other day if I’d rather be back in an office working for someone else, and the answer was a flat-out NO! We’ve recently renewed our term with the franchise because we can see ourselves doing this until we retire – or beyond. If we are asked for advice by people considering the franchise we say, ‘just do it’. It’s more than a great system and you can’t really fail if you put the time and effort in.”

In it for the long haul

Mike Vickers has been a V.I.P. lawnmowing franchisee so long he has appeared in this magazine twice before. “When I started,” he chuckles, “our two girls were still pre-school. Today they are in their twenties.”

In common with Kay and Wayne, V.I.P. “just stood out” from the rest when Mike decided to buy his own business, back in 2003. “I’m still waiting for the other company to get back to me,” he jokes. “I’d spent too much time inside during my previous job, and I saw how well a relative in the Waikato was doing with his V.I.P. business. I’ve always loved the outdoors,” he continues. “Weather doesn’t bother me, so when I decided to purchase the franchise, I felt I was pretty much guaranteed to be in it for the long-haul. I don’t know if I ever imagined I’d be renewing my V.I.P. contract for another ten years at this stage in life, but the business has suited my wife Janette and I very well.”

In common with many franchisees Mike bought a small business with a turnover of around $600 per week. “The franchise is very flexible – you can start small without investing huge capital and build it as you want and need, he says. “Starting up without the V.I.P. system and customer base would have been very difficult,” he continues. “Building it to around four times the value was quite quick and easy, and of course it is extremely well-run by Estelle and John Logan. I can’t compare them because I’ve never known other franchisors, but I think they are terrific people in their role!”

Long tenure recognition

“We are spoilt for choice when it comes to length of service with V.I.P. franchisees today,” says Estelle Logan, who with husband John has been the company’s national franchisor in New Zealand for a remarkable 30 years. “No fewer than 15 of our loyal franchisees qualified for recognition at this year’s Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards for their long tenure with V.I.P. Home Services. Mike, Janette, Kay and Wayne stand out for their exceptional service and desire to continue. They are the kind of people who have made V.I.P. a household name for quality and reliability and demonstrated that a V.I.P. franchise is a solid long-term investment which can give you a great lifestyle and excellent income.”

V.I.P. offers two kinds of franchise: outdoor, lawns and gardening, and indoor, domestic and commercial cleaning. “There are no limits to where a V.I.P. franchise can take you, or for how long,” says Estelle. “We have a very flexible system that allows people to start small, or part-time, and grow as suits their requirements. Some employ teams of staff and have built quite substantial businesses. Others prefer to keep to a size they feel they can manage easily. Whatever your desire there is no shortage of work, and we offer 12-year contracts.

“Many of our franchisees are currently renewing for a second period, which is a testament to the universal quality V.I.P. Home Services offers. Call today to find out what opportunities for a long-term career change are available for you.”   

See this advertorial on page 51 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 34 Issue 04

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