Freight and logistics is a multi billion dollar global industry. InXpress, a solutions provider for small and medium sized businesses, has an international footprint, with 450+ franchisees operating across 14 countries. 

Yet despite its reach it captures less than one per cent of the total market, says Ryan Bohm, franchise development manager, Asia Pacific.

That’s exciting news for franchisees because there is so much potential, he says. “If you want to be in the wholesale freight business, you’re really in an open-ended market. When we look at the metrics of our franchisees they do exceptionally well, with the market penetration still leaving so much opportunity out there.”

The enormous scope of the business potential is due to a great extent to the very distinct business model that sees franchisees act as consultants to business clients. 

Franchisees leverage InXpress’ global partnerships with the likes of DHL, TNT and UPS to achieve great delivery outcomes for their clients.

“Our franchisees take a consultative approach. We are value adding,” says Ryan. “One day a business customer wants to move a parcel within Australia so the franchisee recommends the appropriate carrier and service to use. The next day the client wants a document sent overseas and the franchisee easily finds another effective solution,” he explains.

Clients can also directly obtain a quote online once they are set up as an account and become familiar with the options.

InXpress follows logistics trends, maximising its potential by targeting new areas where its carrier partners are best represented.

The nature of the professional service means franchisees are able to operate from home, a cafe, a client’s office.

“We are not tied to a retail location and that gives us flexibility to be where the client needs us to be.”

Ryan says franchisees can scout for clients all over Australia, servicing both inbound and outbound freight requirements.

“This is a good business option if you want low overhead costs, the flexibility to work from a location that’s not fixed, a great return on investment, and a relatively low entry level – a $65,000 franchise fee.

“Others might have similar upfront fees but we have no further capital costs so franchisees are able to generate a much faster ROI. It’s really effort-based. You’ve got to work hard to cut through in the business,” Ryan points out.

Logistics is what Ryan describes as an “invisible industry”; people are familiar with distribution as consumers if they’ve all shopped online but they do not necessarily realise they can tap into the booming market themselves. 

Ryan advises potential franchisees to think about how big InXpress could be.

This is a business that has scooped up awards from Global Franchise and was named International Franchisor of the Year 2021 by the Franchise Council of Australia.

“It’s nice to know your system is recognised by industry authorities as a sophisticated franchise choice,” says Ryan.

He readily admits it isn’t what is traditionally expected of a franchise – there is nothing tangible like a bricks and mortar location that marks franchise ownership. What franchisees do own is a database of their clients and that drives revenue and margin.

“And that’s the beauty of it. If you follow the model and the framework, this stacks up as an industry worth getting into.

“Park the idea of what you own and don’t own,” he suggests. “Break with traditional thinking and ask yourself, how do I play a part in an entire industry?”