Record Sales challenge the credit crunch

In times of doom and gloom it is refreshing to hear of businesses that are growing and succeeding where others struggle.  Recently, Trevor and Anne Conduit of Dream Doors Nottingham turned over in excess of £80,000, Justin Dunn from Kingston turned over £90,000 and Dream Doors Lincoln shattered the network record with over £135,000 of sales in one month!

No kitchen industry experience necessary

Initially trading from home, Helen & Philip Mahon from Dream Doors Norfolk, have come a long way in their first year: "Never having done anything like this before, in terms of running a business, sales or working in the kitchen industry, we had quite a large learning curve, but it has been an exciting challenge. I have never felt so excited, enthusiastic or inspired by work as I have in the last 6 months." Helen adds: "The training and support has been fantastic and has really reinforced the fact that we made the right decision. The initial training was really helpful and there have been plenty of visits from the Franchise Support Manager to keep us on the right path. We've also had courses on sales, finance and building regulations, which have been very useful."

Training & Support

Training is critical to all Dream Doors franchise owners, both new and experienced, which is why all franchisees have access to quarterly business coaching courses that encompass sales, marketing, finance, human resources, CAD planning and other areas pertinent to the kitchen industry.  This is in addition to the unlimited in-territory support provided by experienced Regional Managers and Head Office that follows the 2 week induction training programme.  Gary Highton, Dream Doors Lancashire comments: "The training was really comprehensive with a good mix of theory, conceptual, and hands-on, and delivered by an experienced trainer."

The kitchen facelift concept

The Dream Doors concept involves swapping existing kitchen doors and drawers with made to measure replacements, transforming a kitchen in as little as one day.  New cabinets, worktops, appliances or sinks can also be incorporated and it is this total flexibility that makes a Dream Doors facelift compelling when watching the pennies.  In a stagnant property market we are finding people don't move - but improve, and with the Dream Doors concept customers can save £1000's.

Franchisees do not need any kitchen experience as Dream Doors will assist in recruiting an installation team and, in a technical industry with a sales and retail focus, Dream Doors have a lot of knowledge to impart.

The Package

The franchise fee is £23,825 + vat and includes a 2 week induction training programme, ongoing field support, quarterly business coaching courses, marketing launch and materials, sample doors, stationery, uniforms and a comprehensive operations manual.  Working capital and funds for showroom opening will also be required with bank finance available dependent on individual circumstances.

Advertising

Dream Doors are committed to raising brand awareness across the country and have invested widely in marketing their business.  From ITV1 and the Women's Institute to SAGA, The Mail on Sunday and celebrity endorsed DVD's, Dream Doors are striving to raise the company profile and attract a wider customer base for its network of franchise owners. 

Turnover

Performance

A record year in 2008 saw turnover exceed previous years with some exceptional individual performances from a number of Dream Doors franchise owners.  Rachel and Stephen Vorster from Dream Doors Warrington sold a staggering £92,500 of kitchens and facelifts in one month.

Dream Doors Managing Director, Troy Tappenden, puts this success down to a number of key factors: "I'm very proud of what we have achieved this year and by spending heavily on training, business coaching, franchisee support and national advertising we are re-investing revenue toward future growth and development of the Dream Doors brand."

Our franchise owners

Running a business does present challenges and Dream Doors are looking for people who are ambitious, driven, resilient and focused to join them in an arena that is both varied and rewarding, as Chris Hann of Dream Doors Lincoln endorses: "One of the most enjoyable aspects of the business is that you are driven by your customers and not by a boss. This is a dynamic environment to work in and no two days are ever the same."

Many Dream Doors franchise owners are husband and wife teams, such as Sam and Dave Clemitson of Dream Doors Bournemouth: "Not everyone can work with their partner, but we are fortunate that we work very well together. We have different skills so share the workload. Also we are ultimately working towards a common goal together and are better able to manage our family life."