Sandy Archibald The Franchisee Interview | Northern Rivers Territory Carpet Cleaning

Insights from Sandy Archibald, Elite Franchisee Northern NSW

1. How and when did the idea of joining Elite Dry come to you and how has it impacted your life?

I have been quite passionate about owning a franchise. I scrutinized and checked out other franchises and competitors, gained knowledge, and then decided to go for Elite. The process of researching and understanding took me 6-8 months. Talking about its impact on my life, I have become self-employed, which has provided me with control over my working hours.

2. So why did you choose Elite over other companies?

I explored various franchises, not just in carpet cleaning. I chose Elite because it is Australian-owned, and I appreciate that the products are made in Australia. Additionally, the fee structure was appealing. Another advantage is that they don’t have a call center for local calls, so when people ring the 13 number, they are directly talking to me, allowing for direct interaction with potential customers.

3. How did you find the onboarding process with Elite?

The onboarding process was reassuring, as Elite Head Office conducts a thorough due diligence process before accepting a franchisee. This ensures that committed individuals are chosen, protecting both the company and prospective franchise owners before entering into an agreement.

4. What key benefits do you find working with Elite?

The key benefits of working with Elite include centrally sold products and equipment, which saves me time. I appreciate that enquiry calls come directly to me, allowing me to schedule jobs according to my preference. The support from other franchise owners is invaluable, especially when starting out, and even established franchisees appreciate the camaraderie. Being an Australian-owned and operated business helps us distinguish ourselves from competitors.

5. What is it like to be a woman entrepreneur and work in the cleaning industry?

People are often surprised when I arrive to do the job, as they don’t expect a female in this role. However, they are very accepting and encouraging. Many ask how I got into this business, and when I explain its benefits, they congratulate me for entering a male-dominated industry and show great support.

6. How do you juggle your family and personal life while running the franchise?

Owning a franchise presents additional challenges in managing my family and personal life. My strong time management skills assist me in running my business, and my family is very supportive. I feel fortunate to have the freedom to choose my working hours and days, allowing me to maintain a good work-life balance while still being rewarded for my efforts.

7. How effective are the cleaning products that you use?

The Elite products are straightforward to use and yield excellent results. We use various products in the cleaning process, including those sold directly to customers. Since all our products are produced at our Brisbane facility, we can assure our customers of their quality. It’s a great selling point to inform clients that our products are Australian-made, and they appreciate this fact.

8. How did the Elite team help you before starting?

I spent five days in the Brisbane warehouse learning from experienced technicians, which provided me with the knowledge necessary to start my franchise. Additionally, working with the previous owner helped me understand the business's various aspects before I began.

9. How supportive do you find the Elite team?

The team at Elite is incredibly supportive. I can reach out to them anytime with questions related to processes or products. If they can’t assist me directly, they contact technicians for help. I also have the option to reach out to other franchise owners for assistance.

10. How is the network of franchisees helpful for a new franchisee?

The franchisees interact in a friendly manner, and I feel comfortable reaching out to them for help. They are very supportive and welcoming, always ready to address my queries. When I joined the company, I received emails and phone calls from other franchise owners welcoming me, which was quite touching.

11. What kind of response do you get from customers after completing a cleaning job?

Customers are usually very pleased with the results. When they see stains removed that they thought would never come out, they express amazement. Happy customers often refer our services to their friends, which is exactly what we, as franchise owners, aim for to help grow our business.

12. What do you like the most about Elite?

The independence of running my own business while knowing that the head office and other franchise owners are there for support whenever I need it is what I like the most.

13. Would you recommend Elite Carpet Dry Cleaning as a franchise business to others?

Yes, I would recommend Elite Carpet Dry Cleaning to others as a franchise business. It’s a great opportunity for those who want to be self-employed and enjoy their freedom.

Our service approach is guided by recognised industry best practice, including IICRC guidelines, to support consistent processes, documentation, and quality outcomes. For more information or to discuss how we can assist you, please call us on 131580.