Card Connection
Description:
Card Connection is the UK's No 1 greeting card franchise, servicing over 15,000 outlets in Britain and Ireland.
Opportunities:
Re-sale franchises now available in the UK. Master franchise opportunities in France and Spain.
Business Type:
Franchise.
Minimum Investment:
£40,000.
Home-based:
Yes.
About Us
If you are looking for a franchise with that golden combination of a ‘good money making opportunity’ and ‘lifestyle’ look no further than Card Connection. Added to this, Card Connection is viewed as one of the UK’s best run franchise operations, and has been a full BFA Member since 1994.
There are over 100 Card Connection franchisees servicing around 15,000 retail outlets in the UK and Ireland. Franchisees act very much as local wholesalers, and place the greeting cards on consignment (i.e. on ‘free loan’ to the retailer). They call back monthly, merchandise the display, and collect payment.
This is a well proven system, and national account customers include Budgens, Londis, Nisa, Spar, Palmer & Harvey, Bestway, Bargain Booze, Somerfield, Shell, Texaco, Total… and many, many more.
Good Income from Well Established Businesses
Card Connection has had national distribution for over a decade. All territories are therefore resales, which have the added advantage of a sales history and an income ‘Day 1’. All franchises for sale have been inspected by Card Connection and are offered at goodwill prices which should ensure a good income and return on capital.
Some territories are providing income in excess of £50,000 p.a.
Flexible Lifestyle
Whilst your retail customers are trading throughout the day, and often into the night, you can merchandise them at hours convenient to you.
Most franchisees operate from home, so no expensive premises are required. You will need storage for your stock such as a room on the ground floor of your home, a vehicle, an estate or van is suitable, a telephone and a computer.
Outstanding Product Ranges
There are around 800 cards in the Everyday card range, which cover virtually every style and taste in the card market. This means that a franchisee is able to tailor their displays to their customer’s requirements.
In addition there are Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas ranges, plus Giftwrap and Gift Bags.
New ‘Gift Connection’ Opportunity
As well as the Card Connection ranges, there are also ranges of gift products. These offer an entirely new distribution opportunity which can be added to the Card Connection franchise. Products include Flashing Badges, Key Rings & Magnets, Bears etc.
Training and Support
The training programme last 18 days, spread over several weeks. This covers every aspect of the business and takes place both in the classroom and in the field.
On an ongoing basis, every franchisee is supported by a Franchise Manager. This person provides support and encouragement, as well as genuine business development within their territories.
Franchisees are encouraged to meet regularly, either through formal meetings/conferences or socially.
Who’s Ideal for Us
No previous experience of the greeting card industry is required. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated and well organised.
Also ideal for husband and wife or other family teams.
"We knew that buying the Card Connection in Cornwall was the right decision because the franchise had all the benefits of being self-employed, yet with the support of a professional, national and reputable organisation right behind us. This means ongoing training and support is always available including access to Card Connection’s network of national retail accounts: Costcutter, Budgens, Spar, Shell and of course Londis. We started full-time in December 2007 – the busiest month of the year for greeting cards – and that was a challenge! However, the Card Connection head office support staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful to ensure our business got off to a flying start." - David Clements, Card Connection Franchisee
"When we met Card Connection franchisees and the staff at Card Connection’s head office we were immediately impressed with the professionalism. This gave us confidence to know that we would have the back up of a professional organisation behind us. The business is now doing brilliantly and we are very confident we can continue to grow and make a sound living out of not only something that we enjoy but an enterprise that has a bright future ahead. I would also happily recommend the franchise to others. A Card Connection franchise will offer all the flexibility of running your own business yet it takes advantage of what is essentially a recession-proof industry." - Di Tudor, Card Connection Franchisee
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