Testimonial
Samantha Petter - Tatty Bumpkin Ltd
I set up Tatty Bumpkin in 2004 with a vision to support parents and children in creating a more creative childhood with respect for the planet. Originally a small (but with a global vision), home-enterprise run from my family cobnut farm, the business has grown, and is growing rapidly despite the current economic climate, thanks to the passion and ethics of everyone involved.
We have created one of the largest ranges of organic and bamboo clothing, fair trade toys and accessories for children 0-7, which encourage movement through design and organic materials. Alongside this I devised an award-winning and curriculum-based, multi-sensory movement programme based on story telling and inspired by Yoga which includes a unique Yoga Doll called Tatty Bumpkin. For this I won an UnLtd Social Enterprise Award and also won 'Best National Physical Activity for Children in 2008'.
The classes are a means to encourage physical expression and the bond between child and parent. The national network of classes now reaches from Isle of Skye to Exmouth, and we have trained over 400 teachers nationally. Over the past 2 years we have worked on third party training in Childrens Centres across the country, and have a licensing deal with TUI travel to deliver Tatty Bumpkin session in First Choice and Canvas holiday resorts.
In March 2008, Tatty Bumpkin launched a unique franchise operation, offering a rare opportunity to combine an ethical lifestyle choice with total flexibility and great earning potential. We now have 17 successful franchises.
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What are the start up costs for
your opportunity?
Currently £10,000 for the franchise (plus VAT), plus allow 2k for
contingencies. It could take 3 months to get going, so allow for that. There is
an ongoing 12.5% royalty on classes. Clothing is bought at trade, and then sold
at 100% mark-up.
How many years has your company been trading?
5 years
What type of selling is involved?
Promoting classes for babies and children and selling clothing. So it’s all
round sales and marketing, but not a hard sell. Most of the franchisees are
passionate about what they do, so find it easy to pass on their passion.
What training and support is offered?
You get everything you need to start your business, and ongoing marketing and
sales materials. Included in the franchise fee is 4
days teacher training, 2 days business training – plus another 4 day teacher
training for your first teacher. You get personalised fliers, party fliers,
website, email, stationery, mats, dolls, cds, toys,
clothing samples, display stand. In addition we have a very strong design dept
where you also get your adverts designed when you need them.
What are the basic initial commission rates?
As a franchise we don’t really work to commission rates as such, but a
franchisee buys product at roughly half retail prices. Classes are run as a
separate business model, around parameters such as price per class charged, no
of children in class, charge for venue and teacher etc
What products/services do you provide to sell?
Developmental yoga inspired movement classes for babies and toddlers. A range of organic, fair trade class materials and clothing.
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What does your company offer?
A territory based, dual income franchise opportunity with materials and support
based on a tried and tested methodology.
What can someone joining your company realistically expect
to earn?
It really depends how much time you put in. Currently we have franchisees
putting in 20 hours a week, around children and earning 24k in the first year,
but if you use self employed teachers to grow your business alongside you, then
this figure would increase. It really depends on your skillset.
Does stock have to be bought in advance and stored by the
distributor?
No, it can be ordered as and when, or, it can be bought up front.
Are there any restrictions on earnings?
No, there is correlation between hours put in and income ( as you might expect!)
Are there territories in which you have to sell within?
Yes – these are based on 20,000 children aged 0-6 as of the last census. The
areas are already mapped by a professional mapping agent.
Does someone joining your opportunity have to meet certain
criteria or targets?
We are looking for business minded individuals. There are minimum performance
targets, but these are realistic and designed as goals for the franchisee.
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What sets your opportunity apart from the others?
The main difference is that we offer a dual income opportunity ie. You can sell organic clothing, fair trade toys as well
as promote and run the classes. We are also an ethical company and everything
we do aims to have a positive social and environmental
impact.
What are the ways in which you can earn money from your
opportunity?
Running award winning yoga classes for babies and children
0-6 years in nurseries, pre-schools, after schools and parties. Selling
organic clothing and fair trade toys at party plan and through the classes
What bonuses and incentives do you have and how easily
achieved are they?
A Tatty Bumpkin franchise is a business opportunity. The franchisee runs their
territory as their own business and grows it according to their strengths and
hours put in – so there are no incentives from head office as such. The
incentive is to grow your business, receive a good income, and then sell it on
recouping your capital investment and more. Hopefully having had a positive and
fun experience and grown along the way.
Can anyone be successful with this opportunity?
Yes, in theory, but we are now quite specific about the skill-set you require
to achieve the goals. We have a one to one with the candidates presenting a
business plan, and ensure to the best of our ability that you will be able to
succeed around the parameters of your personality, experience, lifestyle and
territory.
Is there anything else you would like to say about your
opportunity?
Tatty Bumpkin is a fun and dynamic business opportunity that has a track
record. As a company we are growing fast, and offer a flexible and profitable
concept for anyone who is business focused and recognises the opportunities
such a business can offer. Be warned, you do need to have a sense of fun!
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