Why invest in an Australian Freedom franchise?
Timing is everything! Aged Care and community services are a rapidly growing business. With the population of Australians aged 65 plus projected to double in the next 25 years there has never been a better time to own a Freedom Companion Driving franchise.
Freedom Companion Driving has been operating successfully in New Zealand for 12 years, we have 42 franchisees spread throughout New Zealand, with 78 vehicles offering services to our clients daily.
We are now expanding into Australia, offering entrepreneurs a opportunity to build a substantial business.
Freedom Companion Driving Service
Freedom supports local communities and is specifically designed to provide highly personalized transport and assistance service to both this growing market of people and anyone who needs help getting from A to B. Customers range from senior citizens, those with injuries, children needing transport to and from school and sports and anyone else who needs temporary or ongoing transport.
Freedom is set to become a popular choice for these people, whilst providing a franchisee with the ability to build a great business and make a valuable contribution to their local community.
If you have always thought of being your own boss, now is the time to take the step you always promised yourself and own your own business. Freedom is at the forefront of this rapidly growing market and is a great choice when it comes to companion driver services.
Download a Franchise Prospectus
The Freedom Difference
A Freedom franchise means delivering what you say you will and going the extra mile for your customers. It is all about how you present yourself and your attitude to deliver a top-quality service. We train you and provide you with the systems to assist you in delivering the best possible service to our customers at the same time creating a great business and lifestyle.
Services offered by Freedom include:
- Hospital visits
- Medical appointments
- Personal appointments – hairdressing, etc.
- Shopping outings (groceries etc)
- Social engagements
- Children’s safe travel to school and sports
- Personal driving services for tourists.
- Low vision clients
- Tourism work
- Airport, bus, and train pick ups and drop offs
- Day trips or half day trips
- Age Concern clients
- NDIS clients
What will you do?
You give your customers back their freedom providing them a warm friendly face and a safe and reliable driving service. Customers make bookings directly with you that you schedule into your day. Working hours are flexible and with systems that are internet based you can easily run it from home. Customer details, scheduling, quotes and invoicing can all be stored, tracked and produced on line. Customers pay you directly so you can manage your own income and earning potential.
Franchise Investment
The initial investment is $25900 plus a training and equipment fee of $6250 plus GST. This purchases your territory for 5 years, with rights of renewal ($2000 plus GST per renewal).
The franchise fee includes:
- Access to a proven franchise system (operating in New Zealand for 12 years)
- Step by step set up assistance
- Full support from a experienced Regional Owner and the franchisor
- Comprehensive and proven franchise systems including full documentation.
- Detailed marketing systems, advice and support
- Comprehensive manuals
- Latest technology
Weekly royalties are $130 plus GST per week for the first vehicle additional vehicles will incur a reduced royalty of $100 per week per vehicle. There is also a marketing fee of $150 plus GST per month, the marketing fee is used to promote not only your territory but all franchises throughout Australia.
You will need to purchase a white approved vehicle (normally a mid range SUV) you will need a First Aid certificate, a full Australian drivers licence with a (requirements differ per state and we will advise you regarding this). Third party insurance, public liability insurance is also compulsory.
Who is an ideal Franchisee?
You may be from a health or caregiving background or simply looking for an attractive lifestyle business. Do you have:
- A desire to grow a successful lifestyle business long term
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and good spoken and written English
- A positive attitude to building good business relationships
- A kind and caring attitude
- Enjoy driving and helping others
- Self-motivation, energy and enthusiasm
- Determination to succeed
- Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness
Other Franchisee Information
Training & Support
Each franchisee completes a training program that includes a review of the manual, practical field training, marketing advice and use of the online systems. Although no previous experience is necessary some previous business experience can be an advantage as are a reasonable level of computer literacy and good written and spoken communication skills.
Our training includes (but not limited to):
- Day to Day operation of your Freedom franchise
- Managing your business
- Health and Safety
- Sales and marketing including visiting potential clients and making presentations.
- How to grow your business including employing drivers
- Compliance and reporting (GST, Taxation etc)
Growing your business
Although you will be responsible for the daily running of your business, we will provide you with support and advice on ways to grow it. The business can be run by a single operator, or you can grow it with additional vehicles and drivers.
We allow you to add additional vehicles to your franchise without paying a franchise fee, you will however have to pay a weekly royalty (currently $100 plus GST per week) per additional vehicle.
Earning potential
If you complete and return a confidentiality form, we will supply you with further information including a copy of our franchise agreement, and a disclosure document.
If you are buying a new territory there will be no initial customers, we do have contracts with providers such as NDIS and Age Concern however building your business will initially require time and effort building your client base via personal visits, social media, advertising locally, using our flyers etc.
You need to be aware that you are purchasing a new franchise in a new territory, there is no guaranteed income, or guaranteed initial clients, you must be prepared (with our assistance and guidance) to get out and market yourself as a new Freedom franchise harnessing the awareness of our brand and the services we offer.
You should assume that the first few months will be difficult financially while you build your business, this is the reason we do not charge any fees for the first 3 months.
While you will be operating under the Freedom Companion Driving umbrella with all the attached business tools and support, results will always be determined by the time and effort you put into growing your business. A hard-working franchisee can expect to earn around $8-9000 per month per vehicle, this figure will increase if a wheelchair mobility vehicle (WMV) is added to our fleet by the franchisee.
We encourage you to set an earnings goal and we will assist you in achieving those goals.
Selling your Franchise
Your franchise agreement with Freedom runs for 30 years through 5-year renewal options. This gives you the ability to sell the business to a new operator giving them certainty that the area is secured for a reasonable time and adds real value to the business.
Next steps
If you feel a Freedom Franchise is for you then email or call us and request an application form.
Call Julian on 1800 2 FREEDOM (1800 237 333) or email: julian@freedomdrivers.au
Interested in Buying a Master Franchise?
Freedom Companion Driving has been operating successfully in New Zealand for 12 years, we have 42 franchisees spread throughout New Zealand, with 78 vehicles offering services to our clients daily.
We are now expanding into Australia, offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a substantial business with a minimal initial outlay.
As a Freedom master franchisee, you will report to head office, and you will own the rights to Freedom companion driving in a geographical area. These areas will typically contain a population of 850,000 to 950,000 residents.
A master franchisee will earn income in three ways:
- Operating a franchisee transporting clients
- Selling franchises within your territory, we expect that each territory will contain a population of between 28,000 to 30000, this allows for up to 30 individual franchisees in your master territory.
- Collection of weekly fees from your franchisees.
Become a Freedom Driver
If you’re looking to start a new business that gives you the support and flexibility to be successful, becoming a personal driver with Freedom Companion Driving may be a good opportunity for you.
With the population of Australians aged 65 plus increasing every year, there has never been a better time to own a Freedom Companion Driving franchise.
Freedom has been a godsend to me. Trapped without transport and a work site not covered by public transport, I was in a quandary about how to get to work. Then I saw an ad for Freedom. Problem solved. My driver picks me up at Silverdale and takes me to work then returns me home. He is always punctual and the vehicle is always immaculately clean. Awesome! Thank you Freedom!
Wayne, Gulf Harbour
What a wonderful service Gavin provides. My elderly mum is now quite vulnerable, and certainly not able to drive and so Gavin has been a godsend, not only taking mum to and from appointments but also staying with her to make sure information is passed on to me when I can’t be there. I have found Gavin to be totally reliable and trustworthy and very caring. Thank you Gavin for your great service!
Lesley & Laurel M
Freedom Drivers came to my rescue 18 months ago when I commenced my monthly trips the hospital. To be able to arrive relaxed and on time no matter what the traffic has been like with Freedom’s professional, caring and amicable Drivers is a big plus for me. I am always taken care of in a safe, pleasant manner and look forward to the companionship during our journeys which can be up to an hour each way. I can highly recommend Freedom’s valuable Companion Driving Service which has filled a gap in our community.
Cheryl
Hi there, I would like to pass on my gratitude to Pascoal. My dad had to have eye surgery, and Pascoal was very friendly and approachable. My parents don’t speak fluent English so Pascoal escorted them inside the clinic to make sure they got to the right place. Pascoal is amazing and we will definitely use his service again in the future. I highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you Pascoal once again for helping my parents. Keep up the great service.
Chaoda
We had the pleasure of Katherine driving us to our appointment. She was on time & very helpful, car is always very clean inside & out, ask for Freedom Drivers every time, you will always be satisfied.
Ededrie Winwood
Laura from Freedom Drivers is absolutely awesome! She is flexible, reliable and a great communicator. For a very reasonable price she transports my young son safely across Auckland, charges his devices and chats to him about gaming (his favourite topic). I can’t recommend her more, we truly appreciate her professionalism and positive approach.
Emily Muir
Daisy provides a professional and caring service which goes beyond the call of duty. She has become intuitive to my needs, and her willingness and kindness is much appreciated. Her dedicated service enables me to retain my independence but with the additional help which is invaluable. I would not hesitate to recommend her services. Many thanks,
June Gooch
Daisy has been driving me to & from work for the last two years and everyday she provides the same high professional standards. Daisy is a naturally friendly & caring person who is only too happy to assist if needed. I would not hesitate recommending her to anyone.
A Martin
I’d like to commend Daisy who has been transporting a foster child who was in my care and who has recently returned to her mother. Daisy quickly adapted when addresses and pick up locations changed and her communication with us was very good – we always knew what was happening or if there was anything we needed to know about. I would highly recommend Daisy’s services particularly for young people with high needs.
Trish, Social Worker
Fantastic service. Daniel very obliging and thoughtful. We would most definitely recommend him and will use his service again in the future.
Ross and Margaret Waugh
An absolutely wonderful service. I used Freedom Drivers and cannot speak highly enough of how efficient, helpful and friendly they are. It really took the worry out of hospital trips.
Dianna Stallinger
Hi, I would like to highly recommend Freedom Drivers, they were outstanding with their service, always very punctual and friendly. I have had 6 weeks with my left leg in cast unable to drive. They have taken the extra stress away by getting me to and from work. Compared to other services I believe Freedom Drivers are top of the bunch. Thanks again.
Mark Richards