Bedshed franchisee Diya Javiya is poised to celebrate her first anniversary in business. “I can’t believe it’s been a year already; it’s been exciting and nerve-wracking at times!” says the former accountant who was knee-deep in balloons as she prepared her Jindalee, Queensland store for its first birthday.
“We are doing a bit of a celebration, we have some special offers, and I’ve invited our sales reps to come along so I can say thank you,” says Diya. “For a business to run well you need a good team and suppliers, and it is good to acknowledge them,” she adds.
Thanks to Bedshed’s support, Diya has never felt alone in running her business. From the start the Bedshed team has been there to provide information, advice and guidance to help her achieve success in her first year.
Support for new business
Bedshed Jindalee is in a busy shopping centre with 13 other stores competing in the beds and mattress space.
“For us, with a new business, the most important support from the franchisor is marketing. We have lots of competition so marketing is crucial to help us stand out. Bedshed’s national campaign and local area marketing campaigns are brilliant; they’ve helped us gain recognition,” Diya says.
Diya’s husband DJ spotted the Bedshed brand as a potential business, and his retail experience has helped them navigate the challenges of opening a new store.
“When it’s a new business, you can’t expect everything to succeed straight off. There will be tough times, and weeks when you feel low, but my husband prepared me for this. ‘Every week won’t be brilliant, but that’s OK’ he said.
“He’s always stood by my side; he’s been my physical and mental support, and every day I learn something from him,” Diya says.
The couple chose Bedshed for its transparent approach and willingness to answer any and all their questions. As a franchisee Diya has appreciated the franchisor’s strategic plan, training, and business development.
“At every step setting up they’ve been by our side. Most prominently, my retail manager has been with me throughout, paying regular visits and phoning me. She doesn’t wait for a problem; she just checks up on us.
“Whenever I need help, however small my request, she makes sure I have the answer,” says Diya.
Bedshed franchisee’s first year success
The retail manager helps franchisees with store layout, merchandising, and products, analysing sales and finding solutions to shift slow-moving goods. Her guidance extends to staff performance too.
“She can spot if anyone needs particular training to help them boost their performance,” says Diya.
Each month the retail manager sits down with franchisees to review performance and discuss action plans.
“We have exceeded our first-year targets and I’m confident we can be the best-performing store,” Diya says.
“The growth has been more than financial – there’s been personal growth too, I’ve learned a lot. I have made a lot of new friends among other Bedshed franchisees. Everyone is awesome – I had heard this, and it’s true – everyone is welcoming and happy to help.
“I can just pick up the phone and get advice from other franchisees – I’m lucky to have beautiful people around me,” she says.
“I have also had great staff with me from day one; we recruit casual and part-time staff for busy periods. I’m lucky to have a good team and they are just as excited as me about our first anniversary.
Looking ahead to another year
“This year has gone in a blink – we’ve been so busy, and we all look forward to working together every day. I like to look after my staff, I like to invest in them,” Diya says.
The first birthday is something of a turning point, a time for Diya to reflect on what’s been achieved, and what’s next.
“Now we have history; we want to exceed this year’s performance of course but most importantly, we know the market, the trends and our customer base. So we are looking at what we can do better, how we can be different to other stores,” she says.
“Customer service is the crux of the business. Other brands have similar products and competitive pricing; what stands out are the people – people buy from people.
“What has surprised me is how much I enjoy chatting with customers. When we bought the business, I planned to do focus on the logistics, accounting and back office administration. Now I want to be on the floor – that’s where the action is!
“Of course you have to control cashflow in business, but now I have a good mix and I have time to do admin and accounting, and to sell.
“For me sales is the most difficult part of the role but I enjoy helping customers. Buying a bed is a big decision, and very personal. I want the customer to leave my store happy with their experience,” says Diya.
So what’s next? After achieving success within her first year, Diya has her eye on more involvement with Bedshed through the Franchise Advisory Committee, and the Merchandise Advisory Committee which involves franchisees in buying trips overseas.
“I hope to go on buying trips and see first-hand how our furniture is made. That’s what I want to do next year,” she says. “I’m really enjoying my journey as a Bedshed franchisee!” she says.