We get asked these questions every week. Here are honest answers from Ali Mert, Jim’s Blind Cleaning & Repairs franchisee at Northcote. This article covers 12 of the most common questions about what mindset is required for running a Jim’s franchise and what the work looks like day to day.
Watch the video above, or keep reading for the full Q&A
How long have you been with Jim’s and what did you do before Jim’s?
Ali has been with Jim’s for his eighth year, going on nine. Before joining Jim’s Group, he worked in a manufacturing factory making blinds.
That background matters because Ali already understood blinds before buying into the business. He knew the product, the materials, and the practical side of the work. Moving into a franchise gave him a way to use that experience in his own local business.
For people comparing different Jim’s Group franchise opportunities, this is a useful point. You do not always need to come from the exact same trade, but practical experience, patience, and a willingness to learn make the early stage easier.
What made you join Jim’s Blind Cleaning & Repairs?
Ali joined Jim’s Blind Cleaning & Repairs after his employer wanted him to take a pay cut. He started looking at different options, found this opportunity, and has been doing it ever since.
That decision came from a real career crossroads. He could either accept less pay in his existing job or back himself in business. Jim’s gave him a structured way to move from employee to franchise owner.
Anyone thinking about buying a franchise should look closely at the division, the support, and whether the work suits their skills. The Jim’s franchise opportunities page is a good starting point for that research.
How has the journey been?
Ali says the journey was rough at the beginning because buying a business is a fair bit of money, but it worked out well once he built his client base.
The mindset needed for running a Jim’s franchise is simple: treat it as a real business from day one. Ali says every business needs attention, patience, and time to set up. Once the clients are built and the work is flowing, the lifestyle and income can become much more rewarding.
For Ali, the result was a business that suited him. He likes the freedom of not having to go to work tomorrow if he does not want to. He also says the money is pretty good.
What strategies or actions have you implemented to grow your business?
Ali grew his business by getting out locally, handing out cards, visiting apartments, and walking into real estate agencies. In the first month or so, he handed out about 500 cards.
This is a simple but important answer. Leads can come through the brand and call centre, but local effort still counts. Ali parked his car in streets, walked through real estate agencies, and put his card into apartment mailboxes.
That early work helped build his name in the area. After the initial period of building the business, he says it worked out very well and he was very pleased.
What does a typical week look like?
Ali’s typical week is busy from Monday to Thursday, slower on Friday and Saturday, and off on Sunday. In his words: “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday busy, Friday lazy, Saturday lazy, Sunday off.”
That kind of week will vary depending on territory, workload, season, and how each franchisee runs their diary. Still, Ali’s answer shows one of the main reasons people look at a mobile service franchise: more control over the working week.
The trade-off is that the freedom comes after the business has been built. The early stage still needs follow-up, customer service, quoting, and local activity.
In what ways has your franchisor been supportive?
Ali says support from his franchisor has been pretty good. He describes his franchisor as easy to get along with, available, and quick to call back if he misses a call.
That matters because new franchisees often want to know what happens after they join. Training is important, but ongoing access to someone who understands the division can make a big difference when questions come up.
Jim’s Group also outlines its broader franchisee training and support for people comparing franchise models. For Ali, the practical support came down to being able to talk to his franchisor when needed.
What services can you provide to your customers?
Ali provides blind repairs, blind cleaning, new blinds, curtains, and repair work. His business covers both maintenance and supply.
That range gives customers a few options. Some people only need existing blinds cleaned. Others need repairs. Some need new blinds or curtains supplied when repair no longer makes sense.
For customers researching common blind issues, Jim’s has more detail on blind repair and cleaning advice. The key takeaway from Ali is that the service is not just one thing. It can cover cleaning, repairing, quoting, supplying, and replacing.
What suggestions would you offer to those attempting DIY blind cleaning?
Ali suggests not attempting DIY blind cleaning because people often make a mess of it and end up buying new blinds. His view is that DIY cleaning can become more expensive if the blinds are damaged.
That is a direct answer from someone who works with blinds every week. Some blinds may look simple, but fabric, mechanisms, stains, and fittings can be easy to damage without the right approach.
Ali says it may work out for the business when people make mistakes, but it becomes more expensive for the customer. That is the real warning: saving money upfront can cost more if the blind has to be replaced.
In terms of value, is it advisable to repair them or opt for new ones?
Ali says repairing is usually the cheaper option if the fabric is not too stained and not ripped or torn. In that case, repair can be better value than replacing the blind.
The condition of the fabric is the deciding point. If the blind still looks good and the main issue is mechanical or minor, repair can make sense. If the fabric is badly stained, ripped, or torn, a new blind may be the better long-term option.
Ali also notes that roller blinds are the trend at the moment because they are the cheapest option. He has roller blinds in his own house. Customers willing to spend more may choose wave fold sheers.
How does one go about getting a quote from your business?
Customers get a quote by contacting the call centre first, then the enquiry is passed to the right franchisee based on territory. The franchisee can then go out to measure and quote or inspect the blinds for cleaning or repairs.
Ali explains that the quote comes first. For new blinds, that may mean measuring the space. For cleaning or repairs, that may mean looking at the existing blinds and working out what needs to be done.
Customers can start through the Jim’s contact page or by calling 131 546. That keeps the enquiry connected to the right local franchisee.
What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer to your customers?
Ali says his warranty is 12 months for repairs and new blinds, but not for cleaning. He also says Jim has a warranty himself as well.
That gives customers a clear expectation. Cleaning is treated differently, but repairs and new blinds are covered for 12 months by Ali’s business. Warranty details can vary by job, product, and division, so customers should always confirm what applies before work starts.
For a customer, the practical question is simple: ask what is covered, how long it lasts, and what happens if a problem comes up.
What advice would you give to individuals interested in joining Jim’s Blind Cleaning & Repairs?
Ali’s advice is to go for it if you are willing to put the effort in and build up your business. His main warning is that you need to put the effort in.
This is not a passive investment. Ali had to hand out cards, visit real estate agents, build clients, stay patient, and treat the franchise as a business.
People comparing divisions should think about the work they enjoy, the type of customers they want to serve, and how hands-on they are prepared to be. The choose the right Jim’s division guide can help narrow that down.
Ready to explore whether Jim’s Blind Cleaning & Repairs or another Jim’s Group division fits you? Call 131 546 or visit jims.net to enquire about available territories, support, and next steps.