YOUR FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY.
REFUELLING SINCE 1987 Mini-Tankers is Australia s Number 1 on-site refuelling specialist providing solutions to diverse customers in industries including building and construction, earth moving, transport, DEMOLITION, EQUIPMENT RENTAL, MINING, RAIL, marine AND road building. We endeavour to give our customers peace of mind in their decision to choose us for their on-site refuelling and lubricant needs. With safety as a priority we deliver high levels of responsive, dependable service. Our aim is to build long lasting relationships with customers through contact with our national management team, business development executives and franchise operators. These operators are essential in not only the delivery of fuel and lubricants on-site, but each is critical to the ongoing relationship that we have with our customers, and that is why it is so important that we attract and select the right people.
WHY CUSTOMERS AND FRANCHISE OPERATORS CHOOSE MINI-TANKERS The Mini-TankerS concept first appeared on Australian construction sites in 1987. We started as a small company with mini-tankers servicing customers who wanted to overcome costly setbacks with refuelling their equipment, and over time, we HAVE become Australia s number 1 provider of on-site refuelling management solutions. Today, Mini-Tankers is a national organisation with almost 25 years of system development, diversification and success behind us. In an industry where safety, productivity, efficiency and the environment are paramount, Mini-Tankers provides customers with advanced refuelling solutions to meet their needs. A NATIONAL NETWORK AND SERVICE OFFERING. Mini-Tankers is the only supplier who can offer a quick response, and tailored refuelling solutions on a national basis. THE MINI-TANKERS SYSTEM. The Mini-Tankers system ensures compliance with safety, provides quality supply contracts ensuring clean fuel and lubricants compliant to Australian standards, provides detailed fleet management reporting and delivers customised refuelling services that allow customers maximum efficiency and peace-of-mind. USE OF SERVICE-FOCUSED FRANCHISEES. Our franchisees value client satisfaction as core to their business. Personal service is guaranteed from our licensed franchisees. USE OF TECHNOLOGY. Our in-cab logistics technology is programmed to capture information quickly and accurately, and to assist our operators to get on and off work-sites safely and efficiently. NICHE MARKET IDENTIFICATION AND FOCUS. Our mission is to provide reliable, responsive and timely on-site refuelling management solutions for the benefit of our customers. NO STOCK MINIMAL STAFF NO CREDIT RISK. Our system is designed to minimise your requirements to buy stock all fuel stock is owned by Mini-Tankers. Your administrative requirements are minimal, with most of the transactional data created automatically through the on-board computer. Operators are protected from the risks of bad payers, since Mini-Tankers as the franchisor, takes the risk. Taking on additional operators to assist you to deliver the service is your choice, but Mini-Tankers can help you source, train and manage these relief operators.
WHY INVEST IN A MINI-TANKERS FRANCHISE? The really big adjustment was getting out from behind the desk and getting behind the wheel! Mini- Tankers wasn t just a new job, it was a change in lifestyle. Being outdoors and constantly on the go is energizing, and has even improved my fitness The ultimate benefit of Mini-Tankers is the freedom to operate my own business, with the confidence that a large organisation is there to support me when I need it. ALAN REDMAN, FRANCHISEE, QUEENSLAND. MINI-TANKERS IS AUSTRALIA S NUMBER 1 PROVIDER OF ON-SITE REFUELLING MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS. A Mini-Tankers franchise is a ready-to-go business opportunity with full training, immediate income, modest cost structure, and the security that comes with joining an established, professional, and customer focused operation. Our franchise operators form the vital link to ensure our customers receive their onsite fuel and lubricant requirements, literally at ground level. INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OR FRANCHISED BUSINESS? There are many choices for you in deciding to go into your own independent business or a franchised business opportunity and you need to choose wisely based on your background, your future goals and what you enjoy doing. A franchise may offer a greater chance of success, but be aware that working within a team-based environment may place certain restrictions on how you operate, since brand integrity needs to be maintained across the network of franchises such that you and your fellow franchisees can be assured your investment is being optimised. If you have decided on exploring a franchise opportunity over an independent business you need to think about the foundations of the business model you choose and the unique features of their franchise offering. THE BENEFITS OF A MINI-TANKERS FRANCHISE INCLUDE: The right to operate in a specified geographic territory. Reputable and establish operator in the market with a national presence. Minimal business experience required. Sales and marketing support in building your delivery volumes. Earnings can be boosted by your own initiative in attracting business. Invoicing and payment collection handled by head office. Assistance in the development of your cash flow and business plan. Quality Assured corporate office and business systems. Ongoing marketing support. Part of a growing franchise network. Member of the Franchise Council of Australia. Our consistent success has been the result of our dedicated franchise team, our commitment to providing refuelling management solutions and maintaining our investment in people, systems, infrastructure and marketing. By becoming a Mini-Tankers franchisee, you become part of a positive, growing business focused on customer solutions and satisfaction.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BEING A MINI-TANKERS FRANCHISED OPERATOR? Mini-Tankers franchisees own and operate their Mini-TankerS units within a dedicated franchise territory. Business is generated through the state office sales and management team and through contact that the operators have on-site and out in the field. Jobs are logged into the system and allocated through to operators who manage and run the logistics required to meet demand in their area. If things get busy and support is needed, Mini-Tankers can assist with planning and provide company assistance with our own fleet of support vehicles. Alternatively, downturns in demand in one area, can in most cases, be counter-acted by allowing the franchisee to roam further a field. In-cab computer technology allows for the collection of data on fuel deliveries and machinery information on-site. This data is used for invoicing and customer fleet management reporting. Evaluating the franchise opportunity is a simple yet thorough process and allows you and Mini-Tankers to fully discover what will be involved in our partnership. The major steps include: n Your expression of interest, by mail, phone or email whatever you are comfortable with; n The completion of the application form and confidentiality agreement; n A meeting to answer each others questions and establish a direction in moving forward; n The provision of a deposit which is refundable, but is a show of faith that you are truly interested in the opportunity; n Comprehensive due diligence and discovery where we both look further into specific area of the intended franchise relationship including historic earnings and typical operating costs; n Completion of a twelve-month operating budget and business plan that serves as a foundation for understanding your expectations and ours. n Advice seeking; and n Entering into a franchise agreement. Once appointed we organise your Mini-Tankers Unit and we arrange for you to formally meet the team in your new role and begin induction and training. We teach you the ropes and get you up and running - welcome aboard!
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM MINI-TANKERS? I started as a company operator, and when an opportunity arose to take on a franchise I jumped at the chance. State office gave me heaps of support with the start up, and continues to help with the ongoing operation of my business. The hours are flexible, so I can run my own show and - within reason - work when I want to work. I start early so that my deliveries are finished by mid-afternoon. This then gives me the rest of the day to relax at home, or sit down and concentrate on paperwork, when required. My customers are really easy to get along with and they genuinely appreciate what I do. Andrew Foster, FRANCHISEE, QUEENSLAND. We value many attributes in our franchisees, including their technical expertise, customer focus, integrity, business and administration strengths, hard work and determination. From our side of the equation Mini-Tankers provides the established business model that makes our refuelling solution work and our franchise operations tick. We lead and manage the operation towards growth and expansion and provide an operational structure geared to customer satisfaction and franchisee support. This structure includes: OPERATIONAL SUPPORT A quality certified (AS/NZS ISO 9001) corporate office which looks after business systems, back-up, health and safety and compliance. TRAINING Initial training is provided in the induction process and ongoing training is delivered on occupational health and safety, operations and technical matters. SALES AND MARKETING Our national office drives the marketing direction and national initiatives while each state manager and business development executive works to implement the marketing plan at a local level and provide business development support to grow each franchise territory. MARKETING TOOLS We have a suite of marketing tools that are used at state and local level in business development and lead generation. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT We handle all negotiations for the purchase and allocation of fuel and lubricants supply so you are not required to fund fuel supplied to customers. CREDIT CONTROL Provided you follow our credit policy in your dealings with customers, we absorb fully, the costs associated with bad debts, credit management and collection
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? As a franchise owner, I run my own business and enjoy a lifestyle where I can excel at my work and be directly rewarded for my efforts. It s great that my wife and I can work together to ensure all aspects of the business, including bookkeeping, customer service and deliveries are done to our exacting standards. At the same time, I enjoy the friendly support of the Refuelling Solutions team. If I m overloaded with jobs, the other guys help me out, and when they need the help, I m there for them. Joe Agius, FRANCHISEE, NEW SOUTH WALES. The best way to provide you with more information is to look at some of the frequently asked questions. WHAT DO I GET FOR MY FRANCHISE FEE? You get the right to operate as the Mini-Tankers Australia franchisee in an agreed geographic territory, for a specific amount of time up to 10 years. For your franchise fee you receive all the training you require and operational, marketing and other support required to operate your business. You pay no royalties and no specific marketing fund contribution. WHAT SORT OF EARNINGS/RETURN CAN YOU MAKE FROM THE BUSINESS? You get paid a commission based on how much fuel and lubricants you deliver each month. You can also earn extra income in certain circumstances, such as when you deliver out-of-normal operating hours (6:00am to 6:00pm Mon- Fri and 6:00am to 1pm Sat.) How much you earn from these sources depends on a number of factors including the area you purchase, your own individual ability and market forces. There are no formal undertakings of guaranteed earnings. We work with each potential franchisee to help them develop their operating plan and business plan, which takes into account historic data (where available) required in making the right decision for you. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A FRANCHISE? This depends on a number of factors reliant on your individual circumstances and requirements. However typically franchise fees range anywhere between $50,000 to $150,000 for the right to operate as a Mini-Tankers franchisee. Remember there are no ongoing royalties or marketing levies. CAN I SELL THE BUSINESS ONCE I HAVE BOUGHT IT? Mini-Tankers Australia franchises have a consistent history of franchisees selling their business after having successfully operated the franchise for some time. DO YOU HAVE A FRANCHISE AVAILABLE NEAR ME? We have franchises available in most capital cities and we are willing to look at opening up new opportunities in large regional centres. Even if we do not have an area immediately available, it may still be worth registering your interest as our business is continually growing.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? CAN I RUN A FRANCHISE AND KEEP MY EXISTING BUSINESS? Mini-Tankers Australia s policy requires the owner of the franchise to manage the franchise directly on a full-time basis. This means that the owner of the franchise needs to be the primary operator of the Mini-Tanker vehicle and can therefore not have other commitments which may prohibit this. WHY DO I NEED TO PAY A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT BEFORE I HAVE EXAMINED THE BUSINESS FULLY? Providing all the information you need to evaluate the opportunity and make the right decision for you requires a lot of time from a lot of people, including our senior management, existing franchisees and employees. It is only fair to them that they have some level of assurance that anyone who is benefiting from their time and knowledge is genuinely serious about the opportunity. This is why the discussion of historical income and cost information, on-job experience, assistance with developing your business plan and operating budget only occur once the deposit has been paid. Rest assured however, that once your deposit is paid, you receive appropriate documentation acknowledging the fact you have paid a deposit and the terms of that deposit. WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF THE DEPOSIT? Whether you, or we, decide not to progress your due diligence at any stage and for what ever reason, you get your deposit back within seven days of written direction and receipt of bank details. During due diligence, you may from time-to-time, ask us to spend money on your behalf in order to allow you to further review the opportunity. An example of this might be an air fare for you to travel to our head office made at your request. If after we incur those costs, you, or we decide not to pursue the opportunity for a partnership, the costs associated with such expenditure will be deducted from your refund. In such cases, you will be advised in advance, prior to the cost being incurred, so you have the option of electing not to incur the cost. If you ultimately proceed with the purchase of a franchise, your deposit (net of any costs we have incurred on your behalf as outlined above) is taken off the purchase price of the franchise, to reduce the amount owing accordingly.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? I had worked on oil and gas rigs for years, but wanted to be closer to my family and was keen to become self employed. Mini-Tankers was the perfect opportunity for me to use my oil industry experience to start my own business. I ve now been a Mini-Tankers franchisee for over nine years. During that time I have learnt how to run my own business, and can always rely on Mini-Tankers when I need assistance. The hours are sometimes long, but the rewards are well worth the effort! NICK SALVEMINI, FRANCHISEE, ADELAIDE. WHAT SORT OF QUALIFICATIONS/ENDORSEMENTS DO I NEED? There are only a few requirements in order to be eligible for becoming a franchisee. These include a good driving record with a heavy vehicle licence (Medium Rigid) and dangerous goods licence from the AIP (Australian Institute of Petroleum). However if you do not have these qualifications we can assist you with obtaining them. In addition you need to be physically fit, with a strong work ethic and a great attitude towards customers. WHAT SORT OF TRUCK DO I NEED & DO I BUY IT MYSELF OR DOES MINI-TANKERS SUPPLY IT TO ME? Once you have made the decision to become a Mini-Tankers franchisee we work with you in analysing and deciding on the right truck option for your business. With our new fleet of 7,000 litre and 10,000 litre trucks we partner with you in this process. HOW MUCH SELLING IS INVOLVED? We do not expect franchisees to be marketing experts but do expect franchisees to promote the business at each available opportunity. This means introducing yourself to people who do not use our services and providing a constant stream of leads to our marketing specialists. In addition we expect our franchisees to market our business in the way they conduct their affairs i.e. full uniform, tidy truck presentation and impeccable service delivery. CAN I PUT SOMEONE ELSE IN THE TRUCK? The business is designed for the owner-operator however there are circumstances where a second person may be required to provide truck support, extend the operating hours of the business or run the business while you are on leave. This practice is encouraged by Mini-Tankers and we can even assist in the sourcing and training of suitably qualified relief operators. Please note that such operators must meet with Mini-Tankers approval for obvious reasons. DO THE CUSTOMERS PAY ME? The Mini-Tanker s system ensures that we bill all customers direct and we are responsible for collection of payment for all account customers. This means that provided you follow Mini-Tankers credit procedures we take responsibility for any bad payers. WHAT SORT OF HOURS WILL I NEED TO PUT INTO THE BUSINESS? As any business owner will tell you, building and running a business is never easy and invariably involves long hours. A Mini-Tankers franchise is no different. You are on call 24/7, but most franchisees are able to manage their deliveries over five and a half to six days per week. Also, we operate in a highly regulated industry, which means you must adhere to legislated limits of driving and working hours, so your ability to manage time efficiently and utilise a second shift operator to extend your business day is invaluable.
WHO DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? MANAGING DIRECTOR - TONY HARTIN Tony was introduced to the petroleum industry in 1983 when he joined a major oil company distribution business in the ACT and country NSW. In 1989, he established Petroleum Marketing Consultants, joining Mini-Tankers in 1991. GENERAL MANAGER - GREG STROM Greg joined Mini-Tankers in August 1999 after more than 21 years with major petroleum and logistics companies across Australia. Greg is responsible for strategy development, training, technology, sales, marketing and special projects. Group Commercial Manager - Matthew Parsons Matthew is FCPA qualified and has specific responsibility for the financial management of the company, franchise management, quality assurance, corporate governance and administration. Strategic Pricing & Information Manager - STEVE SHUTTLEWORTH Steve is heavily involved in the implementation, testing and support of the in vehicle touch screen computers as well as the network linking head and state offices, in addition to overseeing pricing management. National Fleet and Operations Manager - Rob Tims Rob is responsible for the operational compliance and maintaining the Mini-Tankers fleet throughout Australia and operator training. National Credit Manager - Colin Sephton Colin brings years of experience to his responsibilities to oversee the Credit and collection team of Mini-Tankers. Human Resource Manager - Gemma Scott Gemma oversees the human resources requirements of Mini-Tankers along with the franchisee commissions and administration of the Franchise Management Program. Mini-Tankers Australia Pty Ltd ABN 81 050 220 016 Corporate Office PO Box 905 Pymble BC NSW 2073 Australia T 02 9440 5544 F 02 9440 5599 W refuellingsolutions.com.au BRANCH OFFICES NSW/ACT PO Box 905 Pymble BC NSW 2073 T 02 9497 3100 enquiries.nsw.act@ refuellingsolutions.com.au VIC PO Box 7101 Dandenong VIC 3175 T 03 9544 0000 enquiries.vic@ refuellingsolutions.com.au QLD PO Box 978 Slacks Creek QLD 4127 T 07 3808 1221 enquiries.qld@ refuellingsolutions.com.au WA PO Box 1539 Osborne Park WA 6916 T 08 9443 2322 enquiries.wa@ refuellingsolutions.com.au SA/NT PO Box 2091 Regency Park SA 5942 T 08 8359 6783 enquiries.sa.nt@ refuellingsolutions.com.au Mini-Tankers is a part of the Refuelling Solutions Group