Last Updated on August 5, 2012 by DeanR
Wheelchair Getaways Franchise Information
Wheelchair Getaways is a franchise for a business renting out wheelchair-accessible vans. It was founded in 1988 and started franchising in 1989.
It was founded by J. Edward Van Artsdalen in Pennsylvania. He has experience in the transportation industry. The company was sold to Steward Gatewood in 1994. He retired in 1998 and passed on the company to his son, Richard. He managed and operated the company until 2006.
It was then acquired by JDR Franchises LLC. It was founded by Jennifer and Dale Richardson. They were impressed with the service the company provides the community and that is why they ended up buying the entire operation on Wheelchair Getaways. Jennifer finished Business Administration and Computer Science from Central Michigan University while Dale finished Molecular Biology from Vanderbilt University and he completed his Marketing and Finance MBA from Indiana University. They say that they still live by the vision the original founder had when he put up the company. They are committed to the quality service in transportation that the company provides. They now have 47 locations in the United States and three locations that are owned and operated by the company.
What services do they provide at Wheelchair Getaways?
First and foremost, they rent out Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. They also have Scooters and Wheelchairs, Garage Ramps, Accessible Parts such as shower chairs and remote window openers, Accessible Homes that are either for sale or for rent, and Accessible Living Aids.
What are the benefits of renting wheelchair accessible vehicles?
These vehicles have raised roof and lowered floor which gives a bigger interior and helps avoid having to transfer from the vehicle to the wheelchair or scooter. It is saying that the occupant does not have to get off the wheelchair or scooter because it is designed to have enough space. You no longer have to stow away the wheelchair at the back. The wheelchair is secured and passes through a four point crash test securement system.
Vehicles also have keyless remote entry which gets the wheelchair user inside the vehicle safely within just a few seconds. These services are usually provided as insurance replacement, interim vehicle, try before you buy, driver rehabilitation, medical transportation, road trips, temporary disabilities, air or rail travel, special events, driver units, local excursions, rehabilitation, and business trips.
Cost and requirements on running a Wheelchair Getaways franchise
Expect to be investing about $40,000 to $112,000. The cost of Wheelchair Getaways franchise fee is $25,000 with an on-going royalty fee of $550 per van per year. This is for a renewable 10 year term agreement.
What is included in the franchise package?
There will be two days training at an existing Wheelchair Getaways location. You will be receiving newsletters and a toll free phone number. You will be given access to the internet and to purchasing cooperatives. Expect to be attending meetings and receiving occasional field evaluations. For marketing support, there will be ad slicks, co-op advertising, regional advertising, and national media.
Wheelchair Getaways Contact Details
You may reach them at:
Address: P.O. Box 1098 Mukilteo, WA 98275
Phone: (800) 536-5518 or (425) 353-8213
Email: info@wheelchairgetaways.com