Media release September 9th 2007

Innovative Kiwi Storage Company Franchises Operation Throughout New Zealand

In a first-ever for a Kiwi-owned storage company, Smartbox has announced it will franchise its operation throughout New Zealand.

Developed specifically for the New Zealand market by entrepreneurs Jonelle and Steve Phillips, Smartbox takes the traditional self storage concept to a new level, with a business and residential focus that delivers custom-designed mobile storage units straight to the home or office.

Mr Phillips says Smartbox is a highly focused business with a clear and simple proposition to customers – ‘storage that comes to you’ – creating less hassle in moving and storing and no double handing of belongings.

Smartbox delivers a secure storage unit measuring 13 cubic metres straight to the customer’s home or business location from just $5 per day. The customer then has up to two days to load it before Smartbox collects the full unit and delivers it to their secure storage facility.

Smartbox was established after extensive research showed a gap in the storage market. A recent US study found that using a storage company such as Smartbox saved customers up to 75 per cent of their moving time compared with traditional self storage. It’s something that Kiwis can benefit from too, says Mr Phillips.

“New Zealanders are busier than ever before, more and more people are demanding goods and services that save them time and effort and provide value for money,” says Mr Phillips.

“Smartbox takes the hassle out of storage as it delivers the storage unit directly to the customer, eliminating the hassle and double handling and reducing the cost of transporting the goods to a
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storage facility.”

Kiwi lifestyle trends are such that the days of the kiwi bloke backing a trailer are long gone, says Mr Phillips.
“The thought of hiring a truck or trailer and manoeuvring it home and to the storage facility is daunting to many,” says Mr Phillips. “Businesses and families are seeking more efficient use of space which requires a lower cost solution for storage of archives, stock, promotional items, personal possessions and more.”

“Properties are getting smaller and more people are living in apartments – all of these have limited storage – yet at the same time Kiwis are more leisure focused so there is a need to store items out of season,” says Mr Phillips.

Revenue opportunities are significant for a business such as this which has mass appeal to consumers and businesses alike.

A renowned local fashion brand recently bought a bulk quantity of Smartbox portable wardrobes to ensure their clothing exports arrived in pristine condition, testament to the flexibility and convenience offered by the proven business model, says Mr Phillips.

With significant interest already shown from potential franchisees, Smartbox Director Steve Phillips says investing in a Smartbox franchise is an excellent business opportunity for Kiwis.

“The business is profitable while at the same time being relatively simple, and with good enduring cash flows. Whether you make a new sale or not, you still receive the income from the Smartboxes currently in storage.”

Smartbox also obtains additional revenue streams from the sale of packaging materials and house removals.
Jonelle Phillips says it is essential that potential franchisees want to own a business of substance, rather than just “buying a job”.

“Franchisees will be positive people with a strong belief in their ability to succeed and lead, develop and grow their team,” says Ms Phillips.

“They will have a genuine passion for providing an outstanding customer experience every time, ensuring that the high standards of Smartbox service are constantly delivered.”

Steve and Jonelle say Smartbox franchisors will provide comprehensive training to franchisees, as well as essential ongoing financial management, marketing and customer service support.

Franchisees will receive extensive and comprehensive training in all aspects of the Smartbox business at the commencement of the franchise along with ongoing support, refresher training and new training as required, says Ms Phillips.

Financial support will be provided to franchisees through detailed training on the accounting processes and specialised software developed and used by Smartbox. Smartbox will also provide franchisees with templates and guidelines and will also be available to provide feedback on financial ideas or queries.

“We want to provide marketing support to our franchisees through national promotion of the Smartbox brand, along with templates and guidelines for the franchisee’s local marketing activities,” says Ms Phillips.
Franchisees will be provided with detailed information about successful customer service processes and will be trained to use these systems, along with provision of programmes and support systems to train staff.

To assist with any questions from nationwide customers Smartbox will also manage an 0800 number on behalf of the network while franchisees will be responsible for providing the customer service necessary in accordance with Smartbox business systems.
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With initial investment starting from $350,000 (including working capital), Smartbox franchises will be available for purchase throughout New Zealand from September 1 2007.

For more information about owning a Smartbox franchise phone 0800 225 576 or visit www.smartboxnz.com
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