Exploring the Jim’s Mowing Franchise Opportunity in New Zealand
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur in New Zealand looking to start your own business, the Jim’s Mowing franchise could be an excellent opportunity to consider.
As one of the most well-known and successful franchise brands in the country, Jim’s Mowing offers a proven system, comprehensive training, and ongoing support to help franchisees build thriving lawn care and property maintenance businesses.
In this in-depth podcast interview with Joel Kleber, we’ll dive into the key details of the Jim’s Mowing franchise, from the initial inquiry process to the long-term success strategies.
We’ll hear directly from Emma, the New Zealand Franchise Sales Manager for Jim’s Mowing, as she walks us through the entire franchise journey.
The Initial Inquiry and Onboarding Process with Jim’s Mowing
The first step in the Jim’s Mowing franchise journey is the initial inquiry.
As Emma explains, this typically starts with a 15-minute phone call where she can provide an overview of the franchise information and the various stages of the process.
“First off, I’ll get through their inquiry, give them a call, and we have a chat,” says Emma.
“We just sort of go over things like all the information pack information and the stages of what it looks like for them to figure out if this is the right decision for them.”
After the initial call, Emma will send the prospective franchisee an information pack with more detailed information about the franchise opportunity.
This is followed by a crucial step – the free observation day.
The Power of the Observation Day
- The observation day allows prospective franchisees to spend around 5 hours shadowing an existing Jim’s Mowing franchisee.
- This hands-on experience gives them the opportunity to see the day-to-day operations, ask questions, and get a firsthand feel for what it’s like to run a Jim’s Mowing business.
- Emma emphasizes that the observation day is a “fantastic way for them to figure out firsthand if this is for them or not.”
- Prospective franchisees can ask questions about the franchisee’s experience, workload, and how they’ve built and grown their business.
After the observation day, Emma will follow up with the prospective franchisee to address any additional questions or concerns they may have.
This helps ensure they have a clear understanding of the franchise opportunity before moving forward.
Comprehensive Training and Ongoing Support at Jim’s Mowing
One of the key advantages of the Jim’s Mowing franchise is the comprehensive training program.
As Emma explains, the training consists of Five days of intensive instruction, covering both general business skills and division-specific mowing techniques.
The Jim’s Mowing Training Program
- The first two days focus on generic business training, covering topics like building and growing your business, using the franchise systems, and meeting other franchisees across the country.
- The third day is dedicated to mowing-specific training, ensuring franchisees feel confident and competent in all aspects of lawn care and property maintenance.
- After the initial training, franchisees also receive two days of on-the-road training, where they work alongside an experienced franchisee to further develop their practical skills.
- Emma emphasizes that the training is designed to leave franchisees feeling “very confident and ready to go” when they start their own business.
But the support doesn’t stop there. Each franchisee is assigned a dedicated “franchisor” – a seasoned professional who acts as a full-time business coach and mentor.
“Your franchisor is your main go-to person. That’s your support person. They’ve been a former franchisee, so they know what it’s like. They’re there to just train and pass it on and teach the new franchises.”
The franchisor provides weekly check-ins, troubleshooting assistance, and guidance to help franchisees navigate any challenges they may face.
This ongoing support is a crucial component of the Jim’s Mowing franchise system.
Understanding the Franchise Costs and Fees of Jim’s Mowing
When it comes to the financial side of the Jim’s Mowing franchise, Emma provides a comprehensive breakdown of the startup costs and ongoing fees.
Startup Costs
- The initial territory price is $8,000, which grants the franchisee exclusive rights to a designated area for up to 20 years.
- Additional startup costs include stationery, vehicle and trailer signage ($250 – $2,500), a uniform package, and the initial training ($2,654).
- Franchisees also need to factor in the cost of tools and equipment, which can range from around $5,000 for a basic setup.
- The total startup cost, excluding the vehicle, is approximately $16,000.
- Jim’s Mowing offers partial vendor financing, with $6,000 of the territory cost available on a 12-month, interest-free plan.
Ongoing Fees
- The monthly franchise fee structure includes a base fee, advertising fee, lead fee, and warranty fee, totaling around $150 per month.
- However, if franchisees remain compliant by using the Jim’s Jobs app, attending meetings, and maintaining their vehicle signage, they receive a $100 monthly discount, reducing the total to $50 per month.
- The lead fee is a key component, costing $12.45 per lead generated by the Jim’s Mowing call center. This fee is charged only once per lead, regardless of the job size or frequency.
Emma emphasizes the importance of the lead fee structure, as it encourages franchisees to value and follow up on every lead, rather than cherry-picking the most lucrative jobs.
This, in turn, leads to better customer service and a more successful business.
The Paid Work Guarantee and Franchise Flexibility
One of the unique features of the Jim’s Mowing franchise is the paid work guarantee.
If a franchisee’s income falls below $2,500 per week, they can perform free services in the community and be paid $65 per job by the Jim’s Group.
“It’s a really good opportunity to be able to get onto their property, do a great job, provide a good service, build that relationship and rapport. And then, you know, what generally comes out of that is that they may hire you down the track to do a garden cleanup or to be a regular lawn mower or they might refer you to someone.”
This guarantee not only provides a safety net for franchisees but also presents valuable opportunities to build relationships and generate new business leads.
Another key aspect of the Jim’s Mowing franchise is the flexibility it offers.
Franchisees have the option to work as a sole trader, building their business gradually, or they can choose to hire staff and expand their operations.
There are no additional fees or charges associated with bringing on employees.
Additionally, the franchise model allows for “splits,” where franchisees can sell off a portion of their customer base to another franchisee or a new starter.
This can be a lucrative way to generate additional income without the need to manage a larger team or take on more work.
Jim’s Mowing: Buying vs. Building a Customer Base
When it comes to building a customer base, Jim’s Mowing offers two main options: starting with a new territory or purchasing an existing franchise with an established customer base.
Buying an existing franchise can be appealing, as it provides an immediate customer base.
However, Emma cautions that it’s essential to ensure the customers are a good fit and that the pricing is appropriate.
She emphasizes that Jim’s Mowing doesn’t want franchisees to inherit underpriced or unsatisfactory jobs.
Alternatively, starting with a new territory allows franchisees to build their customer base from scratch, with the support and training provided by the Jim’s Mowing team.
While this may seem slower initially, it gives franchisees the opportunity to establish their own pricing and service standards, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and valuable business in the long run.
Regardless of the approach, Jim’s Mowing offers a 45-day customer retention guarantee, which protects franchisees from losing clients in the early stages of their business.
Jim’s Mowing Real-Life Franchisee Success Stories
Emma shares the story of a recent Jim’s Mowing franchisee who has found great success in a more remote area of New Zealand.
Despite only joining the franchise at the beginning of the year, this franchisee has already built a solid customer base of around 20 regular clients.
This example highlights the potential for Jim’s Mowing franchisees to thrive, even in less populated regions, by following the proven systems and taking advantage of the comprehensive support provided by the franchise.
For more inspiring franchisee stories, be sure to check out the Jim’s Podcast, where you can find interviews with Jim’s Mowing franchisees from across New Zealand and Australia, sharing their experiences and insights.
Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Potential with Jim’s Mowing
The Jim’s Mowing franchise in New Zealand offers a compelling opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own successful business.
With a well-established brand, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, the franchise provides a proven path to building a thriving lawn care and property maintenance operation.
Whether you’re considering a new startup territory or exploring the option of purchasing an existing franchise, the Jim’s Mowing team is dedicated to guiding you through the process and ensuring your long-term success.
To learn more about the franchise opportunity, be sure to request an information pack or subscribe to the Jim’s Group YouTube channel for additional insights and resources.
Take the first step towards your entrepreneurial dreams and explore the Jim’s Mowing franchise in New Zealand today.