How much is the franchise fee?
There is a standard franchise fee for all the systems and work we have developed. The Franchise Fee for operating a Base with either only sailboats or only powerboats( to be launched 2011) is Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000). If you choose to operate a base with both sailboats and powerboats, the Franchise Fee is Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000).
What does the license fee include?
This fee includes samples of all the marketing materials you’ll need to launch your business, 5 days intensive training, comprehensive 200+ page Operations Manual the SailTime base owners exclusive software.
All this plus ongoing support from SailTime Australia including access to all the Intellectual Property to date and in the future, exclusive use of the SailTime name, branding, logo, website, marketing materials and access to our unique proprietary technology (E-ttendant, scheduling engine, etc.)
Add to this our established relationships with boat manufacturers, clothing suppliers, finance providers and other suppliers’, web development for your local area, business model knowledge, legal documents, insurance policies,
Plus continued support and education to help you grow your business, brand equity and goodwill are just a few things you get when you join our winning team.
What type of agreement do I have?
Buying a franchise is a serious undertaking. Our FAQ includes relevant information about your Contract (Franchise Agreement), but please don't rely on it alone to understand every detail. Take your time to decide and read the Franchise Agreement thoroughly. You are also required to have the Agreement explained to you by a solicitor and should seek professional accountancy and financial advice.
SailTime Australia’s Franchise Agreement and Disclosure Document comply fully with the Australian Franchise Code of Conduct as administered by the ACCC.
How do you estimate the monthly profit?
Once you are accepted as a potential base owner we provide you with specific pro forma spreadsheets that allow you to build your financial model, with our assistance, to illustrate profit potential.
Is it possible for local bases to vary the member’s fee structure in their business model to increase profitability?
You may adjust the fees, of course that is your business decision. We help you calculate pricing based on research in each base’s marketplace and give you our recommendations as to the recommended price point we think your market will accept.
Do you provide the web hosting services or do I contract locally?
We will maintain and provide all the web services. We will provide all the software technology and we will assist you and show you how to customise your local area web information for marketing and informational purposes.
What type of candidate do you accept to be a Base Owner?
We accept applicants with an extensive business, sales and marketing background along with an expressed level of passion and commitment to developing a successful and thriving business. Several years of sailing experience are also helpful.
How can I secure the area I live in for a SailTime franchise?
Once we have approved you as a prospective base owner we commence our Base Zero-360 review and approval process for your nominated location which takes on average around 120-180 days from initial discussion to opening your base
As part of that process you will be required, should you elect to go forward , to enter into a Franchise agreement . Once you have approved the Franchise Agreement and are in a position to proceed, you will be asked to pay an initial deposit to demonstrate your commitment. The balance of your investment comes when we sign the agreement
You will then need to nominate a training week to commence your initial 5 day induction training .
It is important before any commitment is made that potential Franchise owners understand that there are no guarantees given concerning their investment. Franchise owners join Sailtime on the understanding that they are not buying a job. They are starting their own business within a proven Franchise system, the success of which is largely determined by their own efforts.
Who owns the business I operate?
You do, you are in business for yourself – but – not by yourself. You will simply purchase the exclusive right to use our franchise systems in your specified territory. We provide ongoing support and skills but the business is yours to run. The operational guidelines that we require you to follow are spelled out clearly in the Franchisee Operating Manual
Can I start out part time and grow this on the side?
Our experience shows that to be successful, candidates need to dedicate their time, energy and resources to effectively building a serious and successful business. Although we will still consider your application if you have other business interests that are complimentary to SailTime, you will need to show that you are able to commit sufficient time and resources to your business to make it a success.
Why can’t I just duplicate what you’re doing?
You can! Keep in mind that the opportunity cost for doing so will be significant as we have paved the way with our relationships with manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, etc and we provide all of this to you as a part of the process. We have invested heavily in technology development and have incorporated years of knowledge gained from operations, processes and infrastructure. You may be able to develop this business on your own but you will need to invest years of your own time and substantial capital whilst also possibly making the mistakes that we have already encountered. With SailTime you can focus on growing your business locally and keep in mind that while small it will be difficult to leverage the volume power that SailTime can provide with its network of 60+ bases.
Can I get more information?
Of course. Please fill out the Information Request Form and we will contact you to set up an initial discussion. We have formulated a very specific process, the 0-360 programme that assists all candidates in understanding the steps required to start a SailTime base. SailTime spent many years developing the business model and continuously testing it to ensure it works. You should do as much due diligence as you are comfortable with before you are ready to begin. However, keep in mind that we are actively selling franchises to those who do their due diligence in a timely manner.
If I became a franchisee today, when could I be in business?
We have developed an entire business system set up sequence to allow you to start your business in a professional manner - the SailTime 0-360 programme. All candidates are encouraged to take whatever time is required to make themselves feel comfortable that this is the right opportunity for them. We do not hurry the process along, but we do make candidates aware when we have several competing candidates for a location and coordinate business plan reviews to facilitate the decision making process. We can help you make informed decisions. We’ll help you with financing arrangements for purchasing your first boat, insuring the boat, commissioning, delivery and equipping her and marketing planning to get your business started. After you’ve filled out the Information Request Form we will contact you to schedule a suitable time for an initial conversation.
