Oscar Franchise Case Studies
Ian Elliott, Durham / Tyne & Wear / Alnwick, Northumberland, July 2009
From the days on the drawing board to the computer, I’ve worked from home since gaining my degree in graphic design. Although qualified in my skill, technology over the years has changed the industry casting aside the need for personal creativity in my particular field of design. So I decided to give it up. I still needed to work and also to continue working from home but this time with the support of a proven business system and company backing.
I started with a complete blank sheet of paper taking it to the internet and franchising. Looking for a business that suited my personal requirements and existing facilities that also included my two Cocker Spaniels, Charlie and Bertie – I found OSCAR. To work with animals and people inspired my next move. I had to be sure that this was the right franchise for me and that I was comfortable with my commitment. I researched the business and the opportunities in my local area, followed by a visit to OSCAR. To spend a day with an existing franchisee gave me an excellent introduction to the service and the product.
Pippa Crow, Bideford, North Devon, October 2009
From London to Devon to OSCAR – and to my ideal way of life. I was a legal secretary for over twenty years spending the majority of this time in London. In search of a better quality of life a move to Devon, by the sea, was a dream come true. For a time I pursued the politics of the legal profession and at the first opportunity I found work at the Royal Horticultural Society - only to be made redundant. Redundancy forced me to rethink my future; to have a fulfilling and flexible job that allowed me more time to spend with my husband and two children meant working for myself.
Moving to Devon introduced my three Greyhounds and four cats to OSCAR - changing their food made all the difference both in looks and fitness - I was delighted. And when it came to my notice that an OSCAR resale franchise was available in my area I did not hesitate in making contact. Buying an existing business was a good start because certain elements were already in place but before making a final decision I researched the business opportunity fully, via the internet and locally.
John Allen, Buxton, 25th May 2010
After graduating in business economics and finance from Loughborough University I spent six years with the British Army. Serving in Iraq and Afghanistan couldn’t be further from running my own business in the pet food industry but it certainly provided challenges that required motivation and self-discipline – one thing that my work experiences had taught me.
It was my choice to leave the Army. I was away from home too often and with Katie, my partner, we were ready to find a better lifestyle. Franchising was our best opportunity and we researched a variation of companies but our love of animals led us to OSCAR. We found passion, quality and genuine belief in a product that offered an all-encompassing service to pet owners at a hugely competitive price – nothing less than what pets deserve.
Sally Callaghan, Biggleswade Bedforshire, 23rd November 2009
“In spite of my varied working career I feel sure that after thirty years I’ve at long last found my vocation - from security analyst, network telephone analyst, business manager and the delights of purser on a Miami cruise ship to my dream of working for myself and with animals. After taking voluntary redundancy I was drawn to the Business for Sale website where I found OSCAR and a support team that gave me the confidence to make a decision! I took my time to learn and after several telephone conversations, a discovery meeting and a day with a franchisee I very soon realised that I was safe in their hands. My message to anyone considering an OSCAR franchise would be to go for it – it gives you freedom with continued support and training to run your own business and never feel that you are working from home alone.”
Sue Watkins, Baltonsborough, Glastonbury, February 2005
My voluntary work for Greyhound rescue set the scene for my future, although working on the front desk at the local police station taught me all I needed to know about dealing with people. I wanted to bring a better balance to my life, and having five dogs, all in need of love and attention, led me to Oscar and the idea of working for myself. Searching the web site strengthened my desire to become self-employed and by learning from other people’s experiences confirmed that it was now time to be my own boss. Oscar’s quality products helped make up my mind and I intend to involve my family of pets to promote the business, especially when it comes to displaying prime examples of a good diet.
Tim Ives, Horsham, West Sussex, July 2004
Coming from a family devoted to animal welfare, I was drawn back to my roots on deciding that the stresses and strains of 20 years in the education sector had taken their toll. I yearned to build a successful business for myself with a healthier lifestyle and more time to enjoy family, friends and the great outdoors. I was drawn to Oscar because of its ethos and proven track record. From day one, I was impressed with their honesty and support and, having dismissed several less attractive options, it was such ‘humanfactors that finally convinced me to purchase an Oscar franchise.
Brian Hulme, Stockport, Greater Manchester May 2003
I spent twenty-seven years chasing my tail in search of a product that was worth promoting, and a job that would be totally rewarding. Getting out of the rat race gave me time to consider a number of options, all of which led me back to Oscar. Hence, I fitted into the job with a realistic approach. This helped me to exceed proposed targets in my first year, taking advantage of making sure that I was noticed in all the right places. I have found something I really believe in, while offering a guaranteed personal service to my very deserving customers.
Lesley Lavin, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, March 2001
As a qualified Midwifery Sister I worked two nights a week in the Neonatal Unit. In longing to end the night work I needed an escape route and the only way out was to have my very own small business. The Internet was a very good avenue to explore and very quickly I found Oscar, I guess because I am an animal lover - I have two dogs and two rabbits. It appealed immediately for a number of reasons but certainly the outlay suited my budget. My husband, Barry, is a Consultant Catering Advisor and he kept his workload to a minimum in order to help set up the business. We have worked hard towards our current situation, where he has now gone back to work full-time and I take responsibility for juggling home life, family, pets and the business.
Neil and Lorraine Stapleton, Honiton, Devon, February 1998
We started our franchise in anticipation that its eventual success would provide a good income, enabling us to enjoy a better standard of living and have more quality time to spend with our young family. My job working as a multi-drop delivery driver involved long, unsociable hours. Lorraine was also working from home as a typesetter, juggling work between managing the home and family. We made a point of reading franchise magazines and features detailed in the Daily Express before attending the main British Franchise Exhibition. Our decision to go with Oscar was based on the affordable entry level, a range of well-priced products and the potential for repeat business. Our success is due to determination, hard work and ability to work as a team. I currently deal with the active selling, canvassing, taste-trials and deliveries, while Lorraine keeps the accounts and paperwork up-to-date. We have found our Oscar franchise very easy to tailor around our changing lifestyle and being self-employed allows us to choose the hours we wish to work.
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