Franchise Information
Not only is Snowgum Australia's leading retailer of climate control clothing, footwear and travel gear, we're the fastest growing! With stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Canberra, Tasmania, Brisbane, Perth and both the North & South Islands of New Zealand, the network is expanding strongly.
This growth has created opportunities for committed business owners to join the Snowgum Team and experience the full support of the Snowgum Franchise System.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Franchise?
A franchise is a contract between a franchisor with a product or service to offer, and a franchise owner who purchases the right to the name and business system and sets up a business to sell the product or service at a predetermined site. - What do I get with a Snowgum franchise?
You purchase the right to use the Snowgum name for an indefinite period of time for a prescribed territory. You purchase the Snowgum business package, which includes store layout, merchandise range, computerised inventory management, access to exclusive supply arrangements (including our own wholesale ranges) and our commitment to advertising and promotion. - Will I run my own business?
Yes, Snowgum will provide training and backup you can depend on if a problem arises, but you will own and operate the business. - What experience do I require?
You need to be willing to work with the management team in a business partnership. Experience in retailing, general management experience, business and financial knowledge will help you in a Snowgum store. - Does Snowgum provide training?
Yes. As well as the initial intensive training program, Snowgum provides ongoing support and training through newsletters, meetings, store visits and group training sessions. This training covers selling, product knowledge, merchandising and all areas of retail business expertise. - How much does a Snowgum franchise cost?
The initial fee for a Snowgum franchise is dependant on location, however, we deliberately keep this figure as low as possible to keep the start-up costs as low as possible and to allow adequate investment in stock and fittings. For this fee you get a licence to the Snowgum name and business system for a predetermined site and includes all training and other indirect expenses we incur while establishing you in your business. - How much must I invest in stock?
Stock varies according to location. - What other costs will be involved?
The store fit-out and external signage must conform to our specifications. There is a great deal of variation in this cost depending on the state of the premises, shop front, lighting, floor coverings etc. We have building contractors or you may involve your own if you prefer. We supply all building specifications. - What about finance ?
To enter into a franchise you need to be able to provide an unencumbered cash contribution of at least 30% of the total cost of the business. This amount may be reduced if you will have other sources of income while operating the business in the early years thus allowing the business to fund greater finance charges.Leasing of computers and fixtures would be an option worth considering. - What ongoing fees do I have to pay?
Snowgum charges a royalty on gross sales (ex GST), in addition to a an advertising fund contribution which is used directly to promote your business. The computer and communications system will be billed per month, and includes all system upgrades, support and live email and internet access. - Can I speak to franchise owners?
Yes. We would encourage you to speak to our existing franchise owners before making a commitment to join us. If you contact us before approaching any franchise owners, we will authenticate your contact. - Can I select the area that I choose to open a Snowgum store?
We are currently considering franchising in: NZ, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania & WA. Some areas are more in need of a Snowgum store than others, and obviously stores must not be positioned too close to each other. The opportunity to purchase existing company owned stores also exists. - Can I ‘try before I buy'?
Certainly. In fact there is no choice. We believe it is critical that you have a taste of Snowgum retail life before committing yourself to owning your own store. We will take you through the Snowgum introductory training program followed by a taste of retail life on the shop floor. The cost for this pre-training is $5,000 which is fully refundable if you decide to purchase a franchise, and partially refundable if not. It is an important first step to owning your own Snowgum store, allowing you to feel the business from the inside before taking the final plunge! - What's my next step?
Please contact Snowgum with your correspondence marked 'strictly private and confidential':
Snowgum Australia
Attn: Ross Elliott
PO BOX 1343
Clayton South VIC 3169
Via Email
For further information, Ross can be contacted on 03 9535 9188
