Popping Tins - Let your franchise benefit from an association with Pringles

Already well-experienced in the benefits of franchises, Steve recognises: 'Franchises take away a certain amount of risk and a lot of ground work is done for you. In addition, upon discovering Popping Tins I was attracted by the opportunity to run a business with no rent or rates, that wouldn't be tied up with leases and property. The fact that it's already a well-known product also appealed - everyone in the country has tried Pringles.'

After getting in touch with Popping Tins, Founders Alan Deakin and Brett Marchant flew up to Glasgow to meet Steve. 'I finished that day wanting to be part of that business,' he recalls. 'The whole concept is a winner and the Founders are straightforward people.'

After 'more than adequate' training at Popping Tins' Portsmouth head office, Steve launched his business in May 2005 with 20 machines initially sited for him by the head office canvassing team.

'It's an instant cashflow business and I collected around £350-£400 in my first week,' he reports. 'I spend two days a week collecting from the machines, and the rest out canvassing for new sites in which to re-site the lower performing machines. So far I've moved seven to new locations and my weekly turnover has improved considerably.'

With weekly collection totals now ranging between £700-£800 and margins reaching 60 per cent, Steve reflects that half his machines have still to be moved to better sites.

'I'm taking my time and being very choosy about where I move them to,' he explains. 'Leisure centres are the top earners, and the pub trade is good for us too - I expect takings to improve further when the smoking ban hits Glasgow next year. By the turn of the year I'll have all 20 machines sited properly and I'm aiming to be bringing in £1,000 to £1,500 per week. Then I'll invest in more machines.'

Making use of the ongoing support, Steve speaks to the head office 'once or twice a week', chatting about his progress, technical issues and receiving target sites to chase up. 'I like the lifestyle the Popping Tins franchise has provided me,' he says. 'I enjoy spending more time with my family and we go caravanning a lot. I want to build the business to the stage where I'm earning an over-average income working nine to five on weekdays - the rest of the time is mine.'