Buying a franchise is always a difficult decision. There are so many factors to consider. How much can you afford? Are you interested in the product or service? Is the business complicated? Will it give you the returns you are looking for? And, of course, what marketing support will you get from your franchisor?

As a national franchise with many years of experience, Oscar Pet Foods are constantly looking for more effective ways of helping franchisees generate more business. National TV advertising campaigns, a dedicated web portal and the recruitment of a local marketing consultant are all recent examples of Oscar's commitment.

Now they are about to take another step by creating one of the most comprehensive regional test programmes they have ever undertaken. Throughout May, each franchisee within the test areas will be part of a programme including 20 press advertisements, 6 radio commercials, a quarter of a million leaflet drops and online mailings tailored specifically to match each participating franchisee's territory.

This will be backed by customer communication mailings, a new form of business card, editorial copy and even specially prepared scripts for door-to-door activity. As an added refinement, each franchisee will focus on pre-selected messages to more easily sell products and better understand the brand and its communication.

Simon Bartholomew, Marketing Director, is excited at the prospect and commented: “Supporting our franchisees to this degree is what makes Oscar Pet Foods such a successful and exciting franchise. Working with our marketing consultants, we are now embarking on a programme that will have a significant effect on future support and commitment.”