My franchise story: From loyal customer to thriving franchisee

The high-quality pet food delivered by OSCAR Pet Foods reached Lynette Higgins way before she found her ideal business opportunity

“It goes to show how one thing can lead to another, as I’m now running my own OSCAR Pet Foods business. It all began when I had enough time on my hands to go online and search for a good quality pet food for Fred, my gluten-intolerant Golden Retriever. Only then did a very good friend tell me about OSCAR, passing on nothing but praise for a superior product.

“Taking voluntary redundancy from the Department of Work and Pensions eighteen months earlier gave me the opportunity to relax and review my lifestyle options. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that it was too early to retire and considered going back to work in the hope of finding something that would be more of a vocation than a job! Having worked in management, training, marketing, sales, and procurement my skills are varied – giving me a variety of opportunities.

“As a lifelong pet owner I think OSCAR came to me for a reason and I really liked the concept. It had a very strong brand presence on the internet – eye-catching and professional, which also gave me confidence. I thrive on a challenge, am self-motivated and very much a people person and I could relate to the benefits of the OSCAR service.

“The team at OSCAR was able to answer all my questions, and with additional research on the brand, the company, the pet food market, and local pet owners, I knew I was making the right choice. How many franchisors give you the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification which adds to the success of your business? OSCAR does and I was very impressed.

“I have support when needed and the flexibility to never miss an opportunity, taking on the responsibility of making customers’ pets my pets. Pet owners are easy to relate to; they share my passion for animals and are grateful for help and advice. To me, my business is social and it’s become a way of life, with customers becoming friends who I happily support in any way I can – whether that’s work-related, picking up groceries, or simply having a chat over a cuppa. My enthusiasm is infectious – ensuring that recommendations and referrals come from trust.

“And best of all I get to spend time with my own dog who loves joining me on delivery rounds! I enjoy working on my own terms and my successes include being the first business to supply a National Trust property with ‘doggie dinners’ and treats for their tea room, acting as an OSCAR ambassador to a greatly esteemed dog rescue centre and feeding a sickly dog who became a Crufts winner.”