James Battersby is a former contract worker turned property developer, who chose a vending franchise for its flexibility, and a steady ongoing income.
Tubz: Before you decided to invest in a Tubz business what was it you were looking for and why?
James: At the time, it was to supplement an income from another business I had, a contracting business, and this one was fairly flexible around my other work and it was a regular cash income so that’s what drew me to it.
But, it was mainly the flexibility. You could make it as big or as small as you wanted to, so you could tailor it to your own personal circumstances.
Tubz: What other options did you look at and why did you choose Tubz over them?
James: I think the whole set up [of Tubz] appealed to what I was looking for to be honest. I don’t remember looking into any other business options in great detail.
I remember looking into Tubz a couple of years prior to when I actually did it. I had conversations with them about it then, so I knew what it was about. I didn’t really look around at anything else, I was quite confident at what was on offer, what I could do with it and what I could get out of it really.
Compared to a lot of other franchise-type businesses, it was quite a low investment, so it all stacked up for me personally.
Tubz: Who was involved in the decision-making process for the franchise?
James: It was actually a business I set up with my step-mum. Back at that time I was working more hours than I am now. We kind of joined in on making the decision with it, we went down to Kent where they’re based and went from there really; we were happy.
Tubz: What was the most important thing when evaluating your options?
James: For us it was a cash business, so it was regular income. I had a business where it’s contracted, so you have peaks and troughs with that, whereas this was generating income the whole time.
Whilst you’re out on site, or in bed, someone could be using it. So it was a regular, monthly income which appealed the most and it happened very quickly as well. It wasn’t like if you started your own business you pay loads before you earn a penny from it. With this once they’re on site you’re earning money. That was the real appeal I guess, along with the flexibility.
Tubz: What other job did you have, or still do have, before buying a Tubz bundle?
James: I’ve since sold the contracting business actually and I’m now doing property development so it continues to tie in with what I do. I’ve got no intentions of stopping doing it to be honest.
It’s still flexible with what I need it for . Again with property development it’s not a guaranteed monthly income. You’ll get bits here and there when projects are completed, whereas this continually gives a monthly income.
Tubz: What challenges were you expecting?
James: I think it was finding the right sites for the machines. But I wouldn’t say there were any great challenges to be honest. It was really just finding the right locations.
But those guys [Tubz] sort all that out for you; they find the sites, then we go and install them.
Tubz: How long did it take to get up and running?
James: We originally bought 35 machines from them and I’d say they were out within 2 and a half months. We knew it wasn’t going to happen instantly, but it did happen relatively quickly to be honest. I don’t remember any kind of concerns I had to raise with them to say ‘why are we not getting these sites?’
At the time I was pleased with how quickly and efficiently it happened.
Tubz: Did that process meet your expectations?
James: It did yes, if you work with Tubz and speak to them, then they’ll do their best to help you.
They’re quite flexible with your needs as well. I was perfectly happy with how it happened for me, I don’t know if that’s the case for everyone but it certainly worked for me.
Tubz: Have you invested in more machines?
James: Yes, I started with 35, I’ve since bought another 15 off them and then I bought another round off an existing vendor who had some up for sale, so I’m up to about 60 now.
Tubz: Do they bring in quite a good income for you?
James: They do, it’s about £750 profit a month. If you sell £1500 worth of sweets a month, roughly half of it is covering the stock and other little expenses, and half of it is profit. So it’s always about that level.
Tubz: How has your Tubz franchise affected your life?
James: It’s a bit more comfortable than other jobs because it’s more money for what isn’t a massive amount of time to go round and restock the machines. I’d have to say its affected my life for the better, to put it simply.
Tubz: What are your business plans for the future with it? Would you want to buy some more?
James: If I feel like I can put another few machines out there and I’ve got the time to do it, then I would do it. It just tailors to my own personal circumstances. So I wouldn’t have any problems with increasing my numbers.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, there’s no overlooking just how powerful a resource the world wide web is when it comes to expanding your knowledge base, growing your skill set, getting the latest industry updates and identifying big opportunities. Social media plays a huge part in this phenomenon and Twitter in particular can put truly crucial and inspirational information right at your fingertips.
You may already be following the top 20 accounts belonging to franchising experts which we recommended back in July 2015. If so, we’re sure your feed is already full of essential insights into franchising, the latest think pieces from the industry and plenty of helpful tips for newcomers, but we want to make your feed even more inspiring and informative…
Tubz Australia is an expansion of the UK company Tubz Brands, which offers vending machine franchises. These business opportunities have recently been made available in Australia.
Tubz Australia Pty Ltd is a new business offering Tubz Brands vending machines throughout Australia for the first time.
Once the franchise is purchased there are no ongoing payments to the franchisor. The business is essentially purchased and the only costs are restocking and repairing machines. Operators have access to support from the franchisor on an ongoing basis.
Tubz Brands vending machines are coin operated and mechanical rather than electrical, so require no power to run. They are installed free of charge into sites throughout Australia and, there are no contracts and no liability.
The vending machines stock savoury snacks, toys and confectionery, including brands such as Rolo, Skittles and Pringles.
Franchisees can choose from ‘business bundles’ which currently start at $24900 including GST. More information can be found at http://www.tubzaustralia.com/.
Tubz Brands has been operating since 1990.
Hello readers, welcome to Springtime here at Franchise Focus, Tubz Vending’s monthly round up of the best blogs of the month all about franchising.
With seasonal change in the air, it’s a great time to start thinking about trying something new. If a professional change is on your horizon, our regular round up will give you tonnes of great inspiration and insight into the world of franchises, franchisers and franchisees! Every month, we scour the web for the best blogs from our favourite sources and share them with you right here. (more…)
Tubz: Before you decided to invest in Tubz, what were you looking for?
Lesley: We were moving and wanted something that was a not-too-difficult business model. Something my husband could take on as his job, really.
T: Is it the two of you running the business?
L: Yes. It’s mainly my husband Chris who does the majority of it now. (more…)
If you’re interested in getting into franchising you might be wondering where to start.
If you’ve never been self-employed before or worked within a franchise model, one of the best places to start is, well, “small”. (more…)
