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The Questions We're Frequently Asked - And Some Answers
What's the start-up cost of a new Worldwide franchise?
Your initial investment to acquire a licence to operate a Worldwide franchise and get started in business, is around $160k plus GST and working capital. For this you will receive your initial training, support, development assistance and the operating manuals necessary to start up your words, design and print Centre. Your total investment will vary depending on location.
With the information we give you ,combined with the guidance from your own advisors and visits to current Franchise Owners, you will easily be able to prepare financial forecasts for your business.
Other than the franchise fees, what other costs and commitments should I watch out for?
You'll pay a set-up fee to cover your launch activity, and an ongoing royalty calculated as a % of your sales. This splits into two parts. One part is a royalty to cover the benefits of being part of a large, fast-growing network - and of having the backing of a recognised and respected brand. The second part is a contribution to the costs of running our national IT and Marketing programmes.
You'll also be required to buy your wholesale print supplies directly from our production hubs.
How is the ongoing royalty fee spent?
The royalty fee is calculated as a % of your gross sales. It provides you with the use of the Worldwide Online Printing brand and operating systems as well as ongoing support, training, research and development.
What is the length of term of the franchise agreement?
The initial agreement for a Greenfield site is 5 years, with 3 further 5 year options. If you choose to buy an existing Franchise, you take on the balance of the original term.
Do I need to be a printer, a writer or a designer?
You don't need print, writing or design experience to run a Worldwide Centre - we give you all the training you need and our unique hub and spoke model means all your heavy duty printing needs are handled by our vast production centres around the country. That said, any experience you've gained in any area of selling always helps. More than anything else, your sound business sense and your compatibility with Worldwide's high standards are what will make you an ideal candidate and successful franchisee.
How many staff members are employed in the average Centre?
In an average new Centre 3 jobs are created. You'll need a designer, a customer service person and someone to manage sales. In many Centres, the owner takes responsibility for sales.
How much could I earn?
In the 2005/2006 financial year, the owners of our top 20 stores earned between $150k and $500k per year before the cost of wages, drawings, their vehicle and other expenditure was calculated. You can find more details of our top 20 Centres operating profits within our Disclosure Document.
How long does it take to be approved and open a Worldwide Centre?
The application process from the date of your initial enquiry to opening your Centre usually takes between 3 and 6 months. Once your application has received approval, the time frame to opening day will depend on whether you're buying an existing Centre or starting from scratch with a Greenfield site. This can take from three to six months. Once we get a feel for your needs and the territorial opportunities available to you in your target area we can give you a fairly accurate idea of when you can hope to open your Centre.
What standards does Worldwide set?
You'll find that Worldwide has taken care of every aspect of the Worldwide experience for you, including: interior design of your Centre, national marketing deployment and local marketing support, systems and sales training, staff recruitment guidance, product specifications etc. Your adherence to these standards is what will make your Worldwide franchise a success. The consistency and quality of these standards not only creates and reinforces the Worldwide brand, but makes sure your customers enjoy the Worldwide experience at every Worldwide Centre, each and every time.
What professional associations does Worldwide belong to?
We are a proud member of both the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) and the Printing Industries Association of Australia (PIAA).
Do you comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct?
Yes, we adhere closely to the national regulations set out in the Franchising Code of Conduct, regulated by the ACCC. The regulations lay down guidelines regarding the franchise relationship, and establish minimum requirements on franchisors when dealing with prospective franchise owners. We take our obligations very seriously.
We believe that full and honest disclosure between franchisor and potential franchise owner is the only way to begin and continue a fruitful business relationship. Our disclosure document has all the required information and is available once we begin the franchise process.
Do you provide training?
Training for you and your key staff will be thorough. It will take place at one of our corporate locations or training centres, and guidance and assistance will be available for the ongoing development of your team. You can be sure that you'll open your Centre with the confidence and knowledge that you have received adequate training to do things the Worldwide way - and then be able to rely on a support system and people to help you along the way.
How long is the initial training?
As we've said earlier, Worldwide provides full training for all franchisees. Training is conducted over 5 weeks.
Can I choose the location of my new franchise?
Yes. We currently have opportunities available across Australia. To find out more, fill out our Expression of Interest form and we will contact you to conduct a demographic study to see if the area is suitable. We'll provide you with all the help you need to find the best site possible. Although we must give final approval to the site, you'll be involved in the site selection process every step of the way.
What support will you give me?
Our franchise model is designed to provide you with the tools and support you need to make your Centre the first choice for people seeking high quality words, design and print. The support begins before you open your Centre with a development team who will help you to create the right environment based on what we've learned over the last 10 years in business. We'll also help you to find and train your team on how to provide your customers with the Worldwide experience. Once your Centre is open, follow up support will be provided to make sure the Worldwide systems and support infrastructure is in place. Ongoing support will be provided with respect to marketing, IT and HR.
How many hours a day will I need to work?
The amount of time you put in will determine the level of reward you're looking for. Initially, as with any small business, more time is needed to set up and become familiar with the operation. But remember, we're a B2B franchise, so unlike the retail or food sectors, there'll be no need to open your centre on evenings and weekends.
What happens with marketing?
Your contribution to the national Marketing fund is spent by our marketing and communications specialists at head office to promote Worldwide's products, services and national brand. They use a full range of disciplines including national, regional and local direct mail, advertising, marketing and PR. They also provide our Franchise Owners with local marketing materials like brochures, product samples, reminder cards, posters, product guides and business guides.
Can I choose my own staff?
Yes - having a top-notch team is such an important part of running a successful Worldwide franchise. We provide recruitment assistance, but in the end, you choose the people who are going to make your business great.
What are you doing for the environment?
Like any conscientious printer, we are concerned about our impact on the environment and work hard to highlight concerns and initiate ways to address them.
Most recently, this tireless endeavour was formally recognised when we became the first franchise group in Australia to be awarded Green Stamp Level 2 (beyond compliance) accreditation.
Green Stamp is a joint venture between the Printing Industries Association and the Western Australian Department of Environment. It recognises companies which meet tough new standards governing waste management and disposal, pollution prevention and energy conservation, but is currently only available in WA..
Although the Green Stamp accreditation applies to all 21 of our WA Centres and our WA print manufacturing hub, on the back of the award, we have announced plans for a national roll-out as part of our crusade to reduce the impact of print production processes on the environment.
Am I suitable for franchising?
Good question - and one which it's wise to ask yourself early in the game! Why not start by asking yourself some simple questions. Go to 'But is it for you?" to find out more.
Do I qualify?
You have drive and determination to succeed in business or have already successfully run a business - and your skills can be adapted through the Worldwide training programs. You have sufficient unencumbered start-up capital and access to working capital. You've convinced us that you have a desire to be a part of a successful franchise group. Yep, you're ready to move to the next stage.
Can I have a business partner?
Yes, you can have a financial partner who may or may not also be an operating partner, if you choose.
How soon can I open more Centres?
Normally, we're not keen for a new franchisee to open a second Centre until 12 months after the opening of the first one. This is so that we can ensure that every franchisee develops the experience needed to achieve high operational standards in multiple stores. Needless to say, if you're already experienced as a multiple franchise owner, we'll take your track record into account.
Can I sell my Centre during the course of the franchise agreement?
Yes, you can sell your Worldwide business whenever you want. We have first right of refusal to purchase it, and should we waive our right to do so, we'll guide you through the sale process. The only stipulation is that we must approve the purchaser.
If I choose to sell, will I receive fair market value for my business?
The way in which you as the franchisee manage your business prior to any sale will determine the selling price. Operating your business in an efficient and profitable manner will increase its value when you come to sell.
Will I be given any territorial protection?
Yes. We will establish a territory for your franchise in relation to the number of businesses surrounding your Centre. Within this area no other Worldwide franchise will be developed.
What if there is already a Worldwide Centre in the area I have in mind?
Working closely with our State Support Office teams, we have mapped out a range of site opportunities around the country. Click here to express your interest and to discuss available opportunities.
I'm very interested. What should I do now?
If you want to seriously investigate the Worldwide opportunity, please complete the Expression of Interest form. We'll call you to answer any initial questions you may have and following this, we'll arrange to provide you with further information. Once your initial application has been assessed and progressed, the franchise application process starts. You will receive the information you need to make a fully informed business decision.
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