Age: 42
CV: Previously a sales consultant and business coach
Location: Manchester
Bought in: 2008/9
What did you do prior to owning a franchise?
Mark Curtis: I have 20 years experience in sales and I was also a business coach. I feel my background experience was what led me into franchise.
I also had experience in running a business and giving business advice, which was invaluable when looking for a franchise.
Aside from your experience, what motivated you to buy a franchise?
Mark: My main motivation was to invest in a proven formula business – I wanted to get a quick return on my investment.
When I researched franchise opportunities my main concern was how quickly I could get the return back – that was more important to me then the price.
How long did you take to find your franchise opportunity that met this requirement?
Mark: It didn’t take long. When I found Bidding Buzz I realised it gave me a return on my investment in months, rather than years.
I made up my mind literally in a few minutes.
Was it easy to find a franchise within your price range?
Mark: I feel it was, yes. Bidding Buzz matched my price range – which I found was another important aspect when searching for the ideal franchise opportunity.
How did you decide which industry to go into?
Mark: I knew I wanted to be in a social working environment – Bidding Buzz gave me this opportunity. I enjoy helping and communicating with people – it feels great to get paid just by talking to people.
Also, the daily routine is really flexible, and I spend most of the day just chatting to people.
Where did you find the Bidding Buzz franchise opportunity?
Mark: I used the internet. I think the internet provides prospective franchisees easy access when it comes to buying a franchise – with helpful resources and websites, such as FranchiseSales.co.uk.
What made the franchise stand out for you?
Mark: I think for me it was finding a proven formula and that worked – with over 16 million registered eBay users in the UK alone, Bidding Buzz is in a stable marketplace.
Bidding Buzz gives franchisees the ability to market various eBay education programs, and I feel the franchise offers a good structure to work in.
To what extent do you feel the franchise fits in with your lifestyle?
Mark: Bidding Buzz effectively helps people create a lifestyle income for themselves – we’re selling home study courses that guarantee people more time and money.
Therefore, Bidding Buzz is a lifestyle business so it fits in perfectly with my lifestyle.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs interested in buying a franchise?
Mark: Find a proven formula – that is vital.
Also check the actual owner is still involved in the business – it helps you learn from people that are really familiar with the business.
The Bidding Buzz Franchise Opportunity
What you get for your money: Massive brand recognition along with scalable business income.
You also receive comprehensive training and support programme, with ongoing national and international business support, as well as sales training – this has created over £5 million in sales in 2 years.
National advertising and promotional activity are also included – a franchisee kit with promotional DVD’s, power point presentations and a personal web page.
