Handcrafted Jewellery

What is the business? Smallprint produces unique handcrafted items of jewellery that capture your child's fingerprint in pure polished silver. Our range includes cufflinks, pendants, dogtags, keyrings and charm bracelets.

Investment required: The initial cost of a Smallprint franchise is £12,500 plus VAT.

Earning Potential: That is very much dependant on the individual franchisee and how many hours they wish to put into it. This is not a 'pocket money' franchise though. Franchisees can earn a good salary even if they only work part time.

Is there training/support for franchisees? Each franchisee is trained in every aspect of running their new business - from the practical side of making the jewellery, to marketing and growing their business and dealing with customers. They are each supplied with a comprehensive Operations Manual which again covers all aspects of running a Smallprint franchise.

The directors run the franchise operation full time, so are on hand to offer advice and additional training if required. They are also continually working on product development and raising the profile of the Smallprint brand.

Best suited to: Mothers who wish to work part time but want to realise their full earning potential. A Smallprint franchise will enable them to achieve more of a work/life balance in that they can work round their children.

For more information: For more information or to contact Smallprint, visit www.smallp.co.uk or call 0117 940 5033.

Name: Jackie

Location: Surrey

Family: 2 boys, Toby 5 and Ben 3.

How often do you work?
I do between two and two and a half days a week based on a seven hour day.

How does the job fit around your family life?
I fit it in around my children, so for example if I am dropping flyers off at a venue, I can take my son with me. Also, if a customer visits me at home, it's fine to have my children around. I also make and pack jewellery in the evenings.

How much roughly did the franchise cost you?
It cost me £8,500. I didn't have to pay VAT as Smallprint wasn't registered then.

What did that investment buy?
Absolutely all the kit that I needed to start the business. Even the things I can easily replace myself such as dusters, polish and sandpaper were in the initial kit. I also was trained really well, so I left confident that with a bit of practice I could get started almost straight away. I got all the kit - tools, kiln, tumbler etc - as well as all the publicity materials such as flyers, business cards, a banner stand and web space.

Do you get support/training?
Yes. When I first started out I was on the phone asking questions quite a lot. Now I only call when I need to order more materials. But if I need any advice, I know where to go. I haven't needed any additional training.

Are there on-going costs?
Only in buying new materials such as PMC (Precious Metal Clay) and silver findings. Franchisees get a good discount from the suppliers of PMC and I know that the silver findings sourced by the franchisor are very well-priced. You also need public liaibility insurance which costs around £300 a year.

How much do you earn (roughly)?
My earnings over the past year were in the region of £21,000 net (i.e. after paying the franchisor's royalty fee and ongoing costs, as above).

Do you advertise?
Yes, but only in local papers/magazines etc.

What is the best thing about Smallprint for you?
My new kitchen!! Being able to earn more than I did when I worked full time. I never expected to be able to do that with two children. I love going out and meeting new mums and I enjoy making the jewellery. Precious metal clay is a wonderful substance to work with.

Are there any downsides to the job?
I don't particularly enjoy polishing the jewellery, but other than that, no.

Would you recommend this franchise opportunity to other Mums?
I already have!