Caci
beauty for women, BY WOMEN

‘For women, by women’ might sound like a slogan from the era of burned bras, but for Caci franchisees it is a philosophy that has helped to deliver remarkable growth during the recent downturn. ‘By focussing strongly on delivering value to the end-user, we have come through this recession as a profitable and robust franchise with even higher brand awareness,’ says Caci co-founder Jackie Smith

There are now 28 Caci outlets in New Zealand, with the latest outlet in New Plymouth. All offer a range of treatments in three main areas: appearance medicine (Botox ® and fillers), hair removal and facial rejuvenation, as well as traditional beauty therapy services. Many are owned and operated by what American journalists have styled ‘mompreneurs’ ­– women who, often with the support of male partners, are successfully managing both a business and family.

Caci was founded in 1994 by Jackie and her husband David. Both are still deeply involved in the running of the franchise, which now employs no fewer than 20 permanent staff in its Auckland base providing field support, franchisee and staff training, marketing, sales, customer services and information systems development, as well as importing and distributing skincare and make-up products.

 ‘We employ a lot of people to support our franchisees because we’re constantly looking for ways to improve both the services we provide customers and the returns our franchisees can achieve,’ explains Jackie. ‘Whereas some franchises cast their business model in stone, we are constantly fine-tuning ours.

‘I would hate to think how many women have spent hundreds of dollars on beauty treatments only to be disappointed with the result and push their expensive purchases to the back of the bathroom cupboard. Our three key membership programmes, Freedom^TM laser hair removal, Amerase^TM Botox^(R) treatments and Reformaskin^TM skin treatment and rejuvenation, really work and have all but eliminated the financial barriers to appearance medicine and beauty therapies. Our customer satisfaction rate is really high and, of course, the increase in client volumes generated by these membership programmes has had a huge impact on franchisees’ top and bottom lines.’

Increasing The Bottom Line

This is borne out by franchisee Jenny Lloyd, who found the introduction of the membership programmes overcame the perception that Caci treatments were expensive. Although the recession hit Northland hard, Jenny’s Whangarei business has thrived. ‘People still want to feel good about themselves and these membership programmes – with their payment options – mean they can afford to.’

Karen Chapman in Pukekohe is another Caci franchisee whose business has grown during the downturn. She says launching her business in December 2008 could not have been more timely. After just two years her staff had expanded from two to five and she is currently looking at purchasing a second Caci franchise. ‘Everything the franchisor said would be delivered, was delivered. Their marketing of the Caci brand and customer services is second-to-none. Their franchisee support has similarly been second-to-none and I’m also thrilled at their constantly reinvesting in the Caci brand. There is no doubt about it, the franchisor helped give my business the form and momentum to grow so strong so quickly.’

Increasing Support

Caci has specially-developed business management systems to enable franchisees to stimulate and control their growth. ‘We have four people continually working on technologies that simplify the running of franchisees’ businesses so they can concentrate on the all-important aspects of customer service, recruitment and retention,’ explains Jackie. ‘Our exclusive software means that, with a few mouse clicks, franchisees can immediately see which income streams are doing well and which need attention. All of this interfaces with booking systems, accounting and so forth, so they can ensure they are achieving peak performance in all areas.’

And the company keeps a constant eye on future trends, too, with Jackie attending conferences worldwide on the latest treatments and therapies. ‘Before any new method is introduced it must pass scrutiny by a clinical advisory board and have protocols put in place,’ explains Jackie. ‘It’s an approach very few stand-alone business owners could afford and it’s another way we keep Caci franchisees at the forefront of the market in New Zealand.’

Return on Investment

A Caci franchise is, first and foremost, a business – it’s about creating your own future and seeing a return on your investment of money and time. ‘We provide full training and franchisees employ qualified staff for the specialist treatments, but franchisees need to be computer-literate and business-savvy,’ says Jackie. ‘Previous experience owning or managing a business is a definite plus.’

Caci is planning to establish at least 20 more outlets, which require an investment of around $250 - $300,000. In addition, established Caci businesses are also available from time to time, meaning that there are still plenty of opportunities for business women throughout New Zealand. ‘If you have a passion for helping others look their best and the drive to manage a successful business of your own, give us a call,’ Jackie invites.

And the last word belongs to successful Caci franchisee, Jamie Payne of Hamilton: ‘I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but Caci.’ 

This advertorial is taken from Franchise New Zealand magazine Volume 20 Issue 4 

Contact details for Caci

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