56 | A rapport with people They started with 39 cabins and have gradually grown the business to now have 57 available. South Canterbury: Just Cabins Timaru-Oamaru T T Rosa Watson REGIONAl DEVELOPMENT Buying into a cabin franchise has been a winning opportunity for Pleasant Point couple Raewyn and Ian Radford. The couple made the decision to purchase the Just Cabins Timaru-Oamaru franchise six years ago after catching up with friends following a conference held in Nelson in 2017. “They had been in the franchise for four years at that stage and really enjoyed it and persuaded us that it was a great investment. “We were socialising with the group after the conference and met the current owners of the Timaru-Oamaru region and they mentioned they were keen to sell.” At that stage the couple still owned an automotive business in Lake Tekapo. “Luckily, they were happy to wait until we had sold our business and we finally settled on the first October, 2018.” They started with 39 cabins and have gradually grown the business to now have 57 available. Cabins are purchased from the franchise owner that are made to order in Christchurch, and another yard in Tauranga where head office is based. There are three different sizes of cabin - a 3.6m by 2.4m standard cabin, a 4.2m by 2.4m large size cabin, and a 4.8m by 2.4m extra-large cabin. Prices start from $80 a week with a bond of $200 and delivery from $200 depending on the location. The couple’s franchise covers the Timaru district to the Rangitata River, up to the Lindis Pass in Mackenzie country and down North Otago to Moeraki and everywhere in between. “There is some lovely country that we would never have seen before without having to install a cabin.” They both work part-time jobs during the week and deliver cabins on Fridays or Saturdays. Raewyn handles the phone calls in between her other work, supported by a 24-hour call centre. “Most the information people want to know is on the website but, like me, they prefer to talk to a human being and get a feel for the company.” She said creating a rapport with people was key to ensuring a good tenant. “One who will look after your property and pay the rent as well as ensuring you are looking after their needs.” They recently installed a cabin at Waimate for a man who had suffered a stroke. After seeing the extent of his disability, they returned the following day to add a handrail to the deck area and remove the wheels to lower the deck height so he was able to access more easily. The minimum hire period is six months and most hires average nine to 12 months. However, some hires can be years. “We just collected an extra-large from Hampden, which was our first cabin delivery back in November 2018.” Once returned, cleaning and repairs and maintenance are carried out. “We have a high standard of cleanliness and I would not let anyone live in a cabin I wasn’t prepared to sleep in myself.” Raewyn said the cabins had been very popular over the past five years. Covid had been busy with a demand for security huts and isolation rooms. However, there has been a slight downturn recently with the current economic climate. “We are currently offering discounted delivery rates to encourage people to use us rather than reducing the weekly rate. “But it’s not always about the money. Reliability, cleanliness and standard of service all matter too, and we aim to provide top-notch service.” The most common reason for taking a cabin is usually for a spare bedroom for a growing teenager where the house is too small, Raewyn said. “But they can’t move for whatever reason. Some use them as home offices, craft rooms, beauty therapy room, even a barber! Whenever you need additional space they are handy.” South Canterbury owned and operated, with unique products made in NZ. We also stock a wide range of Cottonsoft products. Proud to support Just Cabins Timaru: ww Nicky Coleman - Director w.solveca.co.nz
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