Worldwide Online Printing interview

Source:	Franchising
Date:	1 August 2008

Worldwide Online Printing

Take a look at how an established, and a new, franchisee view their business.

Established

Stephanie Walls, Worldwide Online Printing Hamilton, QLD. Started July 2003.

Why did you choose this franchise?

I chose Worldwide because of the hub and spoke production model, its youthful feel and the impressive print quality.

What were your expectations when you first started?

I expected hard work and a big learning curve initially, building up to lots of sales and then to sit back and enjoy my spoils!

How has the business developed?

It has followed along our growth plan set up when purchasing the business, and we have achieved a very good work/home life balance due to our great staff and the Worldwide business model.

What would you do differently now?

Get more business knowledge on the nuts and bolts of owning your own business in the initial stage of ownership.

What advice would you offer a new franchisee?

Be motivated to succeed, enthusiastic and energetic; these I believe are the key ingredients to success which naturally flow through to your staff and clients.

New Franchisee

Neil Zaltsman, Worldwide West Perth, WA. Started March 2007

Why did you choose this franchise?

More than anything it was the business model. The hub and spoke model allows business owners to focus on customer service and solutions without having the frustration and worry of production. I was also attracted to the benefits associated to the economies of scale centralised production would unlock.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Without a doubt the complexity around colours, colour management and the effect various finishing options have on colour reproduction. The world of printing is not black and white. Setting client expectations with regards to colour consistency is very difficult.

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

To grow the business organically by increasing the number of transactions our existing clients have with us over the year when compared to last year. I would also like to find four new large accounts that I would personally manage.

What has surprised you about the franchise?

Two things really, one being that many store owners do not see the same benefit in the hub and spoke model as I do. The other is how approachable the franchisor is: their collaborative approach to running the franchise is refreshing.

Image text: Stephanie Walls (established Franchisee)

Neli Zaltsman (new Franchisee)