The Australian distributors of the StreetStrider, a cross trainer on wheels that is said to combine the benefits of jogging, skiing and cycling, have recently rolled out a national franchise program.
Shane Martin discovered the exercise machine while holidaying in California in March last year, and he immediately “knew it would be a hit here.”
He was also in need of a knee reconstruction at the time, which led him to the realisation that it would be a “great low impact exercise alternative which wouldn’t inflame my injury.”
Soon after Martin teamed up with business partner Adam Fletcher, and they began distributing it through their online store.
They also wanted to test the franchise market, and decided to team up with a select number of distributors.
“Since then we’ve fine tuned our distributorship model to ensure its best success before a full launch to the franchise market across the country,” said Martin.
One of the company’s first franchises is in the Northern Territory, and Martin and Fletcher say it has helped them define the company’s new three tiered distributor model.
Paula Power, Northern Territory franchisee explains that she first saw the StreetStrider on a television commercial at the beginning of 2012, and immediately thought it was a winner.
“I initially bought the StreetStrider as a form of cardiovascular exercise, but soon realised its potential as a business,” she said.
“I ride it along the road where I live and also along the bike paths throughout Darwin where people either stop and stare or approach me about it, so it’s very easy to promote.”
“The majority of enquiries come from people aged between 35 and 55, a demographic that is looking to stay fit and healthy and also have the disposable income to engage in something new.”
The three-tiered franchise model includes a non-territory specific level starting at $11,495 plus GST, and two territory specific levels from $19,495 plus GST.
All include two StreetStrider models, accessories and marketing materials.
The StreetStrider starts from $1,199, and the company is looking to import a children’s model later this year.