Sage provides wraparound support. We help establish a strong client base, basic accounting and invoicing, teach safe use of gardening tools, reversing trailers, efficient scheduling and other supports. We foster a team environment among franchisees.
How much does it cost and what does that cover?
A Sage franchise costs $10,000. For this you get a trailer, tools, clients, training, branding, insurances, business systems and mentors in gardening, accounting and everything you need to run a successful and profitable gardening business.
I don’t have that much money – is there any options for me?
Yes! We know that cost-of-living is through the roof and savings are tricky. We suggest you check out NILS microbusiness scheme (trusted community loan scheme) and also have a chat to us about establishment fee repayments over a period of months.
How many hours do I have to work?
You have to work a minimum of 18 hours per week. You are completely in control of your own hours and are free to work any day you choose, including public holidays.
How much can I earn?
$75 per hour. From this you need to consider tax deductions and contributions to your superannuation.
Do I need to have much gardening experience?
You need to be interested and willing to learn. A level of fitness is necessary. A key focus is customer service so good communication and ability to be punctual is important.
Do I have to pay royalties? What do I get for that?
Yes you need to pay royalties which are 12 per cent of your gross income minus 15 per cent of your net expenses.
For example, if you earn $6000 in a month, then $900 (15%) is deducted for net expenses.
You pay 12% royalties on $5,100, which is $612.
For this, you get admin support, client referrals, mentors, branding, advertising and bulk negotiations re insurances and providers for home care packages.
“I like how Sage runs things. I have never once felt like they’ve taken my money to purchase a franchise and then been left to my own devices – just left out in the cold. I’ve been here for two years, and there’s constant support and communication. Offers of help, extra training, tool maintenance, fruit tree pruning. They make sure we’ve got the skills and also keep the enthusiasm”
“I’ve spent a good portion of my previous employment not actually feeling like I’m being properly remunerated for my time and skills, often doing more hours than what my pay grade was reflecting. There is financial freedom now in what I’m in what I’m doing.”
Kel, franchisee since 2024
“I like doing the Home Care Packages. The connection you get with people who have been gardening their whole lives – most of my clients are keen gardeners, and some of them have lost their partners who were gardeners. They’re sad, and doing the gardening helps them keep the legacy of their partner.”
“I like the freedom it gives me. I love being outside”
“Sage has helped me a great deal. It’s helped me with my confidence – both business confidence and I feel more self-worth. Having the Sage name behind me – it gives me the confidence to turn up and do my best.”
“It’s the flexibility and financial stability it has given me as a single mum. I’ve got savings, I comfortably support my children and myself, and you know, I’m about to look into buying a car.”
“My client Kathy, she’s in her late 80s, and I see her two hours a fortnight. She’s always with me in the garden, and I also do other jobs – get her clothes off her line, and we put her rubbish bins out. I’ve taken my oldest there before on school holidays, and she makes sure that she has treats for him. I like having that relationship, and then her also having that relationship as well. I think it’s very two-way. I joke with my clients that they’re the brains and I’m the body. They make the calls and I make it happen, and we laugh about it, and it’s fun.”
Stevie, franchisee since 2025
“My home care clients are just really lovely older people. They are more secure clients that you get to know a lot better. Quite often they want to come and chat which is really nice and with some I have a cup of tea every time I’m there. I know their family history.”
“It has built up my confidence – both business and physical. I didn’t ever think that I could work for myself but it turns out the business side is actually a lot simpler than I thought. And the gardening work has given me a lot of time to think about my life…and listen to a lot of podcasts.
Helene, franchisee since 2023
