SA Franchise Brands welcomes ON TAP Franchise Holdings (PTY) Ltd.
What has been paramount to On Tap’s success?
ON TAP franchises are run in accordance to an established blueprint business system based on well tried and tested business principles, and with owner managed franchises, servicing clients with knowledge in both Wholesale and Retail sector.
ON TAP has been operating successfully for 24 years, and long-term success depends largely on the quality of the franchisees, their skills and commitment.
What challenges do you face at present?
The ON TAP franchise model is not a guarantee of success for franchisees but it is a “blue print” for a business which will greatly increase the franchisees’ chances of success. It is a distillation of the key elements of the franchisor’s business and comprises a matrix of operational and marketing know-how together with access to the franchisors’ brand. The model must be kept simple and straight forward so that it can be replicated easily, removing as many barriers as possible to be successful.
Demands placed on the Franchisor are often difficult and require forward thinking and planning. As franchisor, it is important to ensure new and current franchisees have sufficient cash in their business as it can be challenging and in the current challenging economic climate in South Africa, many businesses fail due to under capitalization.
With a network of franchises nationwide, how has your franchise model worked in favour of the group?
Having a national footprint together with being the recognised market leader in the plumbing and sanitary ware industry for both Retail and Trade customers, giving clients the confidence that we are well established and a trusted brand.
What are some of the attributes required from franchisees?
High degree of self-motivation and ambition.
Desire to excel in whatever you do.
A strong discipline to follow systems.
The ability to keep a cool head even when things around you go wrong.
A sense of urgency.
A high level of business ethics.
A high level of marketing know-how.
Outstanding management skills, particularly in dealing with people
A highly developed ability to solve problems.
A talent for organizing and keeping control.
Must be prepared to be involved in the business full time.
Industry knowledge and understanding hugely advantageous.
How would you describe the overall relationship between the group and its franchisees?
ON TAP Franchise Holdings’ principles are based on trust, integrity and long term relationships. Support to the Franchisees are pivotal and keeping a close relationship with all franchisees are key. In a recent survey done, the feedback in terms of relationship was described as “Great team and happy to be part of it!!!!” and “I very much value my relationship with the franchisor”. When an entrepreneur becomes an ON TAP Franchisee, they join the ON TAP Family.
What kind of training and support can franchisees expect?
The initial support given by ON TAP to a new franchisee includes:
- On-site support by field operators.
- Support for month end procedures.
- Support for the first initial stock take.
- Support with the first year end procedure.
- Support with initial sales & marketing strategy.
- Assistance and operational advice on staff recruitment.
- Credit Management support.
- Inventory Management support.
The ongoing support from ON TAP includes:
- Frontline Software support.
- Technical support (inventory products).
- Sales & Marketing.
- Arbitration.
- Financial Guidance (all areas of accounting, financial & tax matters).
- Trends & new products.
- All aspects on business management.
Which factors are paramount for sustained future growth within the group with specific reference to its present and future franchisees?
Following the ON TAP value proposition supported by the ON TAP Marketing plan. Furthermore ON TAP Franchise Holdings guides the franchisees with a benchmarking product that monitors and measures their business, allowing space to grow, expand and branch out.
Where to from here and into the future?
ON TAP Franchise Holdings are constantly focusing on growing not just our business but also our franchisees and staff by ongoing training together with back up and support where needed.
Growing our current national footprint in South Africa, with growth into neighboring countries to follow.