Start Your Own SailTime Business - FAQ
How much is the franchise fee?
We charge a standard franchise fee for all the systems and work we have done for you. The franchise acquisition fee is £20,000 for a sail only base. This fee includes many of the marketing materials you’ll need to launch your business and provides ongoing support from SailTime Europe, including visits to your location.
What does the license fee include?
Franchising of the business model, name, branding, logo, website, marketing materials, leverage of relationships with boat manufacturers and cost savings, access to our unique proprietary technology (E-ttendant, scheduling engine, etc.), web development for local area, business model knowledge, legal documents, insurance policies, all financial models that create a feasible model for members and owner-members, working systems and processes refined by our members over the past several years, business rules and logic that have been refined over the past several years. Continued consulting to help you grow your business, brand equity, goodwill, relationship leverage with industry giants are just a few things you get when you join our winning team.
How do you estimate the monthly profit?
Once you are accepted as a candidate we provide you with specific pro forma spreadsheets that allow for localisation to build your financial model to illustrate profit potential.
Is it possible to adjust the collected revenue fee structure in your business model to increase profitability? For instance £1750 Joining and induction fee and £500 monthly membership fee.
You may adjust the fees, but of course that is your business decision. We help you calculate pricing based on research in each base’s marketplace and give you our recommendations as to the recommended price point we think your market will accept.
Do you provide the web hosting services or do I contract locally?
We will maintain and provide all the web services. We will provide all the technology and you will be able to customise your local area web information for marketing and informational purposes.
What type of candidate do you accept to be a Base Owner?
We accept applicants with an extensive business, sales and marketing background along with an expressed level of passion and commitment to developing a successful and thriving business. Several years of sailing experience are also helpful.
How can I secure the area I live in for a SailTime franchise?
Once we have met and feel that your application and business plan and vision is strong, we will accept a deposit and letter of intent to reserve the geographic area of your choice.
Who owns the business I operate?
You do. You will simply purchase a franchise from us to use our franchise systems. We provide ongoing consulting but the business is yours to run. The operational guidelines are spelled out clearly in the franchise systems.
Can I start out part time and grow this on the side?
No, we only accept candidates that can dedicate their time, energy and resources to effectively building a serious and succesful business.
Why can’t I just duplicate what you’re doing?
You can! Keep in mind that the opportunity cost for doing so will be significant as we have paved the way with our relationships with manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, etc and we provide all of this to you as a part of the process. We have invested heavily in technology development and have incorporated years of knowledge gained from operations, processes and infrastructure. You may be able to develop this business on your own but you will need to invest years of your own time and substantial capital whilst also possibly making the mistakes that we have already encountered. With SailTime you can focus on growing your business locally and keep in mind that while small it will be difficult to leverage the volume power that SailTime can provide with its network of 50+ bases.
Can I get more information?
Of course. Please fill out the Information Request Form and we will contact you to set up an initial discussion. We have formulated a very specific process, the 0-360 programme that assists all candidates in understanding the steps required to start a SailTime base. SailTime spent many years developing the business model and continuously testing it to ensure it works. You should do as much due diligence as you are comfortable with before you are ready to begin. However, keep in mind that we are actively selling franchises to those who do their due diligence in a timely manner.
If I became a franchisee today, when could I be in business?
We have developed an entire business system set up sequence to allow you to start your business in a professional manner - the SailTime 0-360 programme. All candidates are encouraged to take whatever time is required to make themselves feel comfortable that this is the right opportunity for them. We do not hurry the process along, but we do make candidates aware when we have several competing candidates for a location and coordinate business plan reviews to facilitate the decision making process. We can help you make informed decisions. We’ll help you with financing arrangements for purchasing your first boat, insuring the boat, commissioning, delivery and equipping her and marketing planning to get your business started. After you’ve filled out the Information Request Form we will contact you to schedule a suitable time for an initial conversation.
