Make a difference by becoming a Driving Miss Daisy Franchise Owner

Buying a franchise involves seeking legal advice, accounting and financial advice, the set up of a home office, deposit or purchase of a motor vehicle, Daisy uniforms and stationery and similar items. Costs vary from one franchise to another, so we cannot give an exact answer

Though business experience can be an advantage, the majority of new franchisees do not have prior business experience. Consequently, Driving Miss Daisy training and ongoing coaching and mentoring is designed to give applicants the confidence to start a new career path.

Costs vary from one franchise to another. You should think about the following expenses. Our operations manuals, training and support guide you through the details relevant to the operation of your Daisy business. The franchisor will charge you inter alia:

• Ongoing franchise fee starting at month 4
• Monthly national marketing fund
• Technology expenses
• Mobile phone charge per unit as charged by Telstra

You will incur costs to cover Operating expenses such as:

• Insurances
• Local marketing
• License and registration
• Annual conference
• Continuing education
• Uniforms
• General overhead expenses

You can work from home and may claim an apportionment of rental costs to your business.

Vehicle Operating costs such as:

• Lease, finance and depreciation
• License and registration
• Transport and Government Authority charges and levies
• Insurances
• Maintenance, repairs and cleaning
• Fuel and related expenses
• Other general vehicle and related operating expenses

Labour. As your business grows you will need to expand your fleet and Daisy drivers. Chapters in the Operations Manual explain how to recruit drivers.

• Cost of staff salaries and superannuation
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• Employment and legal fees
• Staff training
• Other labour related expenses

You should be aiming for more than a 5 - 10 year commitment.

From the commencement of your business, we work with you to develop your local marketing and business plan. The National Marketing Fund provides printed and social media tools. Our extensive franchisee library contains hundreds of tiles, articles and strategies for you to deploy. We assist you to identify lead sources that can become referrals to build your client base.

Our training focuses on adding to your skills as ultimately, the success of your franchise will depend upon your ability to network within your community and to actively and continually market your business using the strategies that we provide. In many cases we will forward leads to you where they come from our national website and 1800 telephone number. In addition, your Daisy vehicle is a marketing billboard displaying the 1800DAISY1 national contact number.

There are many different factors which influence the answer to this question including details such as – how hard will I work to give my clients the best service – great service means more referrals from existing clients – being a good franchisee means long-term staff – keeping Daisy vehicles in good condition means they stay on the road longer et cetera. All of these details and more are explained during the interview process on the way to becoming a Daisy franchise business owner.

In our experience you should allow a period of between 3 and 6 months in which to get your business started during which you would not start drawing a wage.

Yes, all Daisy Franchisees must have the drivers licence approved by State and local authority standards, rideshare accreditation and special insurance to carry passengers. Companion drivers must each have First Aid, Dementia Friendly and Hidden Disabilities training.

There is no limit to the number of cars, so your business can grow and grow. We have an expectation that Daisy franchisees will grow their vehicle numbers to provide and to meet the service demands of the community. Our expectation is that a standard franchise marketing area should support up to 5 vehicles with a minimum expectation of 2 vehicles within the first 3 years.

Yes, our brand, image and professional presentation are key to our business. Our uniform for all Daisy Franchisees and staff is an essential part of building a highly recognised and trustworthy brand.

All vehicles are specially selected to anticipate the needs of elderly and disabled passengers so only pre-approved vehicles can be used. Each vehicle has the Daisy decals and leather upholstered seats. Personal vehicles are not permitted. Each Daisy vehicle is Daisy blue, distinctive and is a huge mobile advertisement for the Driving Miss Daisy brand.

Yes, every franchise has a designated exclusive marketing area giving each franchisee the ability to market to local residents in that marketing area. You may convey that client on a journey to anywhere in Australia as long as that person resides in your marketing area.

Yes, you can sell the business that you have established in your exclusive marketing area.

Before Driving Miss Daisy I had never operated my own small business. I knew it was going to be a huge learning curve and we were taking a path outside of our comfort zone, however I trusted Stan and Alan when they shared with me, ‘we are here for the long haul and if you are ever not sure about something, give us a call’. In fact, that is what I did, sometimes daily and now only just once in a while. I’m appreciative of Stan and Alan’s guidance and assistance. We now have a great growing business serving our local community together with helping our clients get out and about.’

Mark & Cathy Maiden
Franchise Owners in Queensland

We have a comprehensive training and support process, backed up by our operations manual, driver training manual and recommended marketing processes. These are provided to you with a detailed mentoring system from our Support Office team. There is the opportunity to build relationships with the other Daisy franchisees to provide additional support. This means while you are in business for yourself, you are never by yourself.

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