Frequently Asked Questions
It's important to ask questions when thinking about becoming a Franchise Partner.
Here are a few of the more frequently asked ones.
Click on a question to reveal its answer.
Each year a small proportion of our franchise portfolio is sold to new Franchise Partners due to retirements etc. We are not intending to franchise any existing company operated branches.
You pay a monthly service fee based on net sales for the rights to trade under the Boots brand name. There will also be a contribution towards the cost of services your business utilises - all these will be clearly shown in your business plan.
The majority of your investment will be funded through a business loan. Boots Opticians has worked closely with RBS, Natwest and Lloyds TSB for many years and these banks have a thorough understanding of our franchise model and are keen to support new franchisees.
No, you can raise the funds from any source you wish. However, it makes sense to work with a bank that knows the Boots Opticians franchise model and has previous lending experience with our franchisees.
This is your business and you decide on the levels of salary you pay yourself and your employees. We will provide you with a business plan which indicates all salaries at market rates including a salary for yourself. In addition to this the profitability of your business will be illustrated. As your business matures it will grow in value, the equity in your business is yours and can be realised in the future if you decide to sell your business.
You are required to carry a full range of Boots frames. This is important to preserve the margin you make on the product and reduce the cost to your business by eliminating any stock wastage. It is one of the major benefits of being a Boots franchisee.
All your glazing requirements must be fulfilled through Essilor. Essilor provide Boots Opticians with a high quality service on competitive terms which contribute to the excellent gross margins achieved by our franchisees.
Yes, you can promote your business in your local community and we have a variety of resources on our extranet to support you. Your Franchise Regional Opticians Development Manager (FROpDM) will be able to advise and support you.
Yes, you can offer discounts and incentives to promote your business locally. Naturally, there are some restrictions - your Franchise Regional Opticians Development Manager (FROpDM) will be able to advise you on how best to maximise promotional activities.
Boots work closely with two firms of accountants who understand our accounting processes and report formats. We have negotiated competitive rates on your behalf with these firms. It is your choice which firm you use.
We will use our resources and covenant to find a suitable property, negotiate the best terms possible and ensure that it is suitable for the purposes. You will then be offered a sub lease on identical terms.
Most leases are “full repairing leases” which mean that you are responsible for repairs inside and to the outside of the property during the term of the lease. You will have a full structural survey done prior to committing to the lease to ensure the building is sound.
It is normally simply a matter of agreeing renewal terms with the landlord. Boots will negotiate the renewal terms and provide you with a new sub lease.
When you become a Franchise Partner you will be allocated a Franchise Regional Opticians Development Manager (FROpDM). Your FROpDM is a highly experienced optical retailer who is able to advise and assist you in all aspect of running your franchise. They will help you understand the performance of your business and help you identify any areas for development.
Your FROpDM is also you contact for access to all the support services from Boots such as property, information services and marketing.
You do. You are responsible for their contracts and conditions of service, salaries, disciplinary procedures and acting within the law at all times. We are able to help you by providing templates for contracts and assisting you with the interview process.
Any employer with five or more employees must supply his staff with information regarding stakeholder pensions. A pack has been prepared by Boots and is available on request.
There are no formal qualifications required to become a Franchise Partner, however different types of opportunity may be better suited to candidate who are clinically qualified. All candidates are required to attend an assessment centre as part of their application process.
You can apply to become a Boots franchise Partner either as an individual or a partnership.
No, it is only fair that all franchisees operate under the same terms. However, you should seek the advice of a franchise solicitor in order to fully understand your rights and responsibilities.
The term of the franchise agreement is five years. At the end of the agreement you have an automatic right of renewal up to 20 years provided that you have not been in material breech of the agreement.
At the 20 year anniversary Boots Opticians has the option to purchase your practice at market value (based on an independent valuation) or we may offer you a new franchise agreement for another 20 year period. Your options will be discussed at your 15 year renewal meeting.
Yes, all franchises are required to trade as a limited company.
Your franchise is your business and you have the right to sell it at any time and you retain all the proceeds from the sale. We can help by preparing a business plan and work with you to understand the value of your business, we may also be able to introduce suitable candidates.
Yes, many franchisees operate multiple sites. However, we will discuss your ambition with you on an individual basis and strongly recommend that you wait until your first business is on a strong financial footing.
Consider carefully all you have learnt about Boots Opticians franchising. Does becoming a Franchise Partner still excite you? Talk it through with your family and ensure you have their full support.
If you have not already attended one of our franchise Road Shows then you can register online to attend a meeting near you. This briefing will make sure you are fully aware of the Boots Opticians franchise proposition so that you can decisie if it is right for you.
After you have attended a Road Show briefing, complete the online application form and profile. On receipt of this we shall arrange for you to have an informal discussion with a Franchise Recruitment Manager to discuss your interest and understand how we may be able to work together.
We may be able to complete the selection process within a couple of months and a suitable opportunity may present itself almost immediately There are many factors that will influence timescale such as location and type of business so realistically it can take many months or even years in some cases. We will always remain in contact and keep you informed of any suitable opportunities.