Reviewed by Alisa Canama, Marketing Manager
Published 27 August 2026 · Last reviewed 1 September 2026
Previous business experience can make a prospective franchisee more capable, but it can also make them more cautious.
Ashish already worked at the airport and operated a cleaning business. He wanted to build a new skill set and enter the construction and equipment sector, but he was hesitant about investing in another business after losing money in a previous venture.
What changed his view was not a promise of easy returns. It was the combination of an established name, encouragement from an experienced local operator and access to support when questions arose.
Looking for a New Industry and Skill Set
It’s not Ashish’s first time entering a business.
He already understood that ownership carries risk and that enthusiasm is not enough. His aim was to develop practical skills and build experience in construction-related work while expanding beyond his existing cleaning business.
Equipment hire offered a different operational environment: machinery, job sites, customer handovers, logistics and local construction demand.
For someone moving into a new industry, the learning curve can be significant. That made the quality of available support an important part of his decision.
Why He Was Cautious About Buying a Franchise
In the interview, Ashish said he initially did not want to buy a franchise because he had previously lost a substantial amount in another business.
That concern is reasonable. No franchise can remove commercial risk, and an established brand does not guarantee profit.
Prospective franchisees should be cautious about any opportunity. They should investigate the business model, speak with current and former franchisees, understand all fees and costs, review territory assumptions and obtain independent advice.
Diggermate’s guides to franchise cost and ongoing franchise fees are useful starting points, but they do not replace the current disclosure document or professional advice.
Learning Through the Existing Network
Before joining, Ashish contacted Jay at Diggermate Wangara.
He described receiving support and motivation from someone already operating within the network. This gave him a more practical view of the business than a sales page alone could provide.
Existing franchisees can help a prospective owner understand daily realities, but one conversation should not be the whole due-diligence process. It is better to speak with multiple owners at different stages and in different territories.
Explore Diggermate franchise reviews and owner stories to hear a broader range of experiences.
Support When Questions Arise
The owner said service and support were the strongest parts of his Diggermate experience.
He described receiving email responses within a business day and being able to call Tony (Diggermate General Manager) when he needed help. If Tony could not resolve the issue directly, he would connect the question with the appropriate person or support team.
This kind of access can be valuable for a new owner learning an unfamiliar industry. It can shorten the time spent searching for answers and give the owner a clearer next step.
Response times can vary depending on the question, timing and people required, so this should be understood as one owner’s experience rather than a guaranteed service level.
Learn more about Diggermate training and support and the systems behind Diggermate’s franchise marketing support.
Brand Recognition Helped Build Confidence
The owner also referred to Diggermate as a recognised name.
For a person entering a new sector, joining an established brand can provide a starting level of credibility that would take time to create independently.
However, the brand only opens the door. The local owner still needs to provide responsive service, maintain equipment, follow up enquiries and build a reputation in the territory.
This shared responsibility is central to franchising: the network provides the platform, while the franchisee delivers the local customer experience.
What Prospective Owners Should Ask About Support
“Support” can mean different things across franchise systems. Before investing, ask specific questions:
- Who answers operational questions after launch?
- What training is included, and what requires additional payment?
- How are website enquiries and bookings handled?
- What marketing is provided centrally, and what must the owner do locally?
- How quickly are common issues usually acknowledged?
- Can the owner speak with current and former franchisees?
- What support is available when equipment, customers or systems create an urgent problem?
Specific answers are more useful than a broad promise that support is available.
Is Diggermate the Right Next Step After Another Business?
The Osborne Park owner’s story may be relevant if you already operate a business but want to enter a different industry with more structure behind you.
His experience shows why support, brand recognition and access to other owners can matter. It also reinforces the importance of approaching a new opportunity carefully after a previous setback.
Diggermate may provide established systems and guidance, but each owner remains responsible for investment decisions and business performance.
Compare Diggermate with starting an independent machinery hire business and read what other Diggermate owners say to prospective franchisees before deciding.
Disclaimer
This article presents one owner’s experience and opinions for general information only. Results, timelines, equipment needs and staffing requirements vary. Cross-hire availability is not guaranteed. Prospective franchisees should review current franchise documents, model equipment finance and operating costs, and obtain independent legal, accounting, financial and business advice before making a decision.
