Theepan Sinnathurai purchased the Romford Card Connection territory back in November 2018.
“Before I bought the Card Connection franchise, I ran an MRH forecourt site for 2 years. This was my first time involved in running a business as a licensee commission operator. It was a great introduction in managing a small retail shop and the experience has given me more confidence in business generally,” he explains.
“I have always wanted to run and own my own business. The main reason was to have the flexibility and to be a master of managing my own time. I decided to go down the franchise route, as it gave me the opportunity to buy an established franchise area that was supported by the head office, which has been involved with franchising for over 25 years and is very well regarded in the card industry.”
“I did not really look at other types of industries, as I knew from my time as a retailer that the greeting card market is still very strong and will continue to provide good growth in the UK market.”
“I received excellent training and support from head office – they help bring in new business from national accounts and all the processes and systems are established and work very well. When I took over the franchise the outgoing franchisee carried out a site by site handover, where I got to meet every single one of my new customers and learn all the details of every single shop and the requirements of their card displays. There is continued support from Head Office, and I have one-on-one support on the road in my area from my designated Regional Sales Manager.”
Theepan liked the fact that the area was very well established; “With many existing long-standing customers I was able to start earning income from day one of the handover process from the outgoing franchisee. The risk factors and potential cash flow issues of starting a new business were extremely low,” he explains.
“This business is perfect for my family creating a great work life balance. My wife is involved in the day to day activities of running the business and she is responsible for all the card stock and the stock room. She picks and packs all the cards that is needed to merchandise our outlets. She also deals with receiving stock deliveries and the putting away of the new stock”.
“My role is the general management of the business and I am the sole merchandiser which I do daily. I also plan our existing call cycles and delivery routes, as well as stock management and ordering 1-2 times per week.”
“Running the business has changed how I can manage my time in a very positive way as this is not a 9-5 job. It gives me the flexibility of managing my own time, and for my wife to manage hers too. It’s especially beneficial as we have a 1-year old baby, and we have the ability to balance family, work and business. Best reason to do it is to get control of your life and its profitable and can give you the opportunity to be financially successful.”
“If you’re considering franchising, I would also recommend that you look for an established successful franchisor with a long history of success. It’s also very important to speak to existing franchisees of the business, other than the one selling their franchise, so they can tell you all the pros and cons. Are they happy in what they do and with the support they receive, and finally would they recommend buying the franchise?”
Theepan is very happy with the way his franchise is progressing and has these final thoughts; “You are working for yourself and therefore all the hard work and time is for you to make more profit and be more successful.”