Maid2Clean

Why We Chose Franchising? – Having both worked in fast paced and demanding sales roles (Travel and Food Industry) we knew we wanted to do something working for ourselves and start our own business. The idea of growing a business we could call our own and being in control of our destiny appealed. Not really knowing where to start, ideas were bantered and on speaking to family and friends Franchising came up. Franchise opportunities were researched and a conversation had with an acquaintance whom we knew already had a Maid2Clean Franchise.

Was Maid2Clean The Right Franchise For Us? – Absolutely, research done and conversations had, Maid2Clean really appealed as it fitted in with both our skill sets. We liked the concept and felt the business model was brilliant, would suit us perfectly and our aspirations to build a business of our own. A meeting with Mike, the Franchisor, took place which just reaffirmed our belief and a Franchise area available on our home patch. The purchase went smoothly and training day arranged where given all the information and tools needed to get started.

Getting Started? – A lot of work was done initially to get the business launched. Stationery and marketing, Google Adwords and directories, cleaner adverts etc etc. Mike was great and always available for any questions and advice. We also set up and use a Maid2Clean computer based system to manage all cleaners and clients so know where we are at every step of the journey with cleaner recruitment and client enquiries.

The Challenges Faced? – The first few months were definitely the most challenging…….it was a case of what came first cleaners or clients! After some valuable early lessons learnt we were finally off to a good start and steadily growing our cleaners and thus clients. Finding the right ladies (cleaners) is an on-going challenge and matching the right cleaner to client can also be a challenge sometimes. Being from a sales and customer focused background definitely helps in this industry along with lots of tact, diplomacy and patience. Our Franchise has steadily grown over the last four years and we haven’t looked back since. We are both very hands on and manage all the day to day running of the business ourselves.

The Future With Maid2Clean – The plan is to continue to grow our Franchise and build on our current business by adding a further Franchise area. Mike has been brilliant. Always available if needed and very supportive. A yearly conference is arranged where you can meet and chat to other Franchisee’s and hear about all the latest developments within the Company and we have a great forum where you can read up on the latest news, ask questions and chat to other Franchisee’s. Maid2Clean has definitely got it right and it is a great Franchise to be a part of.

What I did before taking up a franchise – 30 years within Nat West / Royal Bank of Scotland.

Why I chose franchising – I wanted to work for myself, but I didn’t want to go it alone. Franchising offered the flexibility and control, but with the addition of a tried and trusted business plus lots of support. There was a much greater chance of success.

How I decided that this was the right franchise for me – When I first read about Maid2Clean on the internet, I instinctively felt it was perfect for me. I then spent 10 months looking into the business and franchising in more detail, considering the options, visiting Mike in person and making sure I felt able to take on the challenges.

How I raised the finance – I had redundancy funds, which in the main I invested in the business.

The training and support I receive from my franchisor – I visited Mike once for the initial business meeting, then again for one day of training. I also spent a day with the Operations Manager learning more about the business and the mechanics behind it. Both were invaluable and continue to be so. There is also lots of support and information both in the manual and on the forum. Basically, there is all the support you need, right up to paying the Admin Centre to run the office side of your business, however it is totally up to you how you manage your business and there are many permutations around all the franchisees.

The challenges I have faced – Finding and retaining good cleaners is always a problem and is key to the business. I soon realised the importance of showing good cleaners that you value them, for a lot of cleaners this can be just as important as the money. It is also hard to stop cleaners poaching clients and vice-versa, equally though this is always going to be a problem with the simple M2C business model but I equally love the business for being this way!

My plans for the future – I am about to launch my second territory in the New Year and hope to double my client base in the following 12-18 months.

My comments about my franchisor – Mike’s values and ethos struck a chord with me from the start and was one of the main reasons that hooked me – keep it simple and continue repeating the business model/method over and over again, your business will then be sure to grow and provide you with that magical residual income. As I was told in the early days – it’s not rocket science.

Why I would encourage others to do what I did – If you want to manage and control your own business, whist having support where and when you need it then look no further. I would not have managed to grow my business alone and on part time hours without employing the M2C Admin Centre to manage my client and cleaner’s day to day issues and work allocation. It gives me the exact balance in business that I was looking for – I had 30 years of hands-on daily office work, dealing with customers, other business partners and line-managing staff and that was not what I wanted from M2C.

What I did before taking up a franchise – Sales and Marketing Manager in the electronics industry.

Why I chose franchising – A complete change from previous career and to have my own business.

How I decided that this was the right franchise for me – Personal recommendation, Low start up cost, Successful and simple/proven business model.

How I raised the finance – My own savings.

The training and support I receive from my franchisor – Vey good. Everyone in the organization is approachable and willing to help. Good lines of communication between all Franchisees and Franchisor. (Forum)

The challenges I have faced – Letting go of the business I had build up and letting someone else (Admin Centre) do all the day to day administration (and doing it very well). This has given me the time to focus my efforts into expanding my business.

My plans for the future – I plan to grow the business up to the VAT threshold and minimize the time I spend working by employing others.

My comments about my franchisor – Mike is a very clear communicator who is open about his wants/views for Maid2clean. He has developed a strong Maid2Clean brand which continues to grow for all our benefit.

Why I would encourage others to do what I did – Being a Maid2Clean franchisee is a satisfying and rewarding franchise to become part of as long as you are prepared to put in some hard work. The strong brand and solid business model should continue to ensure a healthy future for anyone considering to join.