Aussie Pet Mobile

[LenderFTW]

Afool:

I'm not sure what post you read, where did you read that I haven't spoken with franchisee's? I have not spoken to former franchisee's because I could care less about what they have to say. The ones that left for personal reasons are just that...personal. The ones that failed did so because they surely didn't have the right expectations, were terrible business owners or didn't understand what it takes to succeed in this model.

I currently own my own business! Read that last statement again...

There is a major difference owning vs. managing a business. I can see a big opportunity in starting something on my own. Unfortunately, I DO NOT have the time to start something from scratch. I think there is a huge demand for mobile grooming, For those of us that would like to keep our day job, a franchise is a good fit. Find another mobile grooming franchise worth a crap and I'll gladly take a look at the company.

The pet industry is a $34 billion dollar industry...I don't know what kind of franchising experience you have and don't want to guess. But, I'm not afraid to say they are in a great position to tap into a small piece of that pie. I would suggest taking a "swig" of the kool aid for yourself.

If you find something else that would help someone like myself, in my situation, capitalize on this growing market...then I'm all ears.

[busmagroomer]

LenderFTW

Hopefully we have provided you with fair and balanced input on APM in an attempt to answer your original post.  I suggest ending this topic at this point as it seems to have gotten a bit personal.  That is always a sign that the topic has run it's course.  I for one need to leave it as there is nothing more I can add.

Good Luck with your search and decision.

[afool]

Afool:

I'm not sure what post you read, where did you read that I haven't spoken with franchisee's? I have not spoken to former franchisee's because I could care less about what they have to say. The ones that left for personal reasons are just that...personal. The ones that failed did so because they surely didn't have the right expectations, were terrible business owners or didn't understand what it takes to succeed in this model.

my point exactly - why do you assume that everyone who left the system did so because they were terrible business owners, left for personal reasons, or had improper expectations?  ....and yet you have no inclination to speak with any of them to validate that point?  If you are going by the franchisor's word that all ex-franchisees fall into these buckets, that's quite an assumption and probably isn't a wise decision given the amount of cash at play here.  But hey it's your money and you can do what you want with it -- just trying to offer some sober advice that skipping your 'due diligence' in this process can be hazardous for any franchisee for any system.     

[LenderFTW]

Well, thanks for all the useful information. I appreciate all the comments and help along the past few weeks. I'm not going to make a decision at this time. Although I didn't see eye to eye with all the posters, I really do appreciate the challenge presented by some of the questions.

I think I'm going to keep searching for something in the pet arena. I'll possibly come back to APM business model. Please post any ideas in the pet industry that people have heard, ideas that might work for part-time owners.

Thanks!

[crystal]

Wonderful idea for the individual at the top of the pyramid---why didn't I think of it?  Majority of employees/groomers have little experience in grooming and next  to nil in the understanding and use
of tools &  equipment.  Don't expect much styling to be done!  How come they get all the "Gravy" dogs?Most owners of the franchaises have little if no grooming knowledge.  Your employees don't show up--what then?  Most customers (as per my experience) would like to talk to the groomer (1 on 1) and do not like leaving a message on a machine in another state.  There is no information on the website as to
information geared towards specific groomers and their background or experience.  As an employee, my
life & days change constantly.  I don't understand how someone can book my appointments in another state and can forsee the time traveled and time invested in the animal without really seeing the condition, size & styling needed?  I think I can see grey hairs forming already---I'll avoid this idea!

[Upset Former Franchisee]

I would encourage anyone who is thinking about purchasing a franchise to read a book entitled FRANCHISE FRAUD.  It is hard to get but is well worth the effort.  In my case, I did very thorough due diligence prior to purchasing a franchise.  It just never occurred to me that current franchisees would be so afraid of the franchisor that they would lie about how well they were doing (and most everything else.)  Also, most franchise contacts are what are referred to as "contracts of adhesion", meaning the bargaining power between the two parties is grossly unequal.  An example would be if you took your son or daughter to the hospital and they were bleeding to death.  They could ask you to sign anything to receive treatment and you probably would under the circumstances.  Granted, it is not quite the same thing but you get the idea.  Basically, the underrepresented party has no remedy under law for egregious behavior on the part of the other party.

[michael webster]

Franchise Fraud has recently been republished is available from Amazon.com