MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS:
MUST THE STORE BE A SPECIFIC SIZE
The ideal store size will depend on your market. It is sometimes preferable that the first store which will serve as flagship be of a large size to accommodate furniture and office machines. That size can be adjusted based on the availability of stores for rent at a reasonable price. The project can be launched with a store as small as 250m2 or 2,500 Sq. Ft. OFFICE 1 has been very successful in a number of markets with the small store format.
HOW MANY STORES SHOULD I LAUNCH?
This will depend on the size of the market in terms of number of companies and population. The master franchise agreement will list a specific number of stores we will agree upon as well as a schedule of launches.
WHAT DOES THE INITIAL FEE COVER?
It covers the transfer of know-how and the expenses and time of the OFFICE 1 team to get your business launched. It is all-inclusive of time and travel expenses.
WHAT IS THE UP FRONT FEE BASED ON?
The initial master fee is based on the following:
A) The size of the country and its potential.
B) What master franchises go for in your country, keeping in mind that the OFFICE 1 business is much more complex than most type of franchises in terms of the training visits and efforts required.
C) The estimated number of visits needed to get you started.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SELECTING THE E-MASTER FRANCHISE OPTION.
If a Logistics Supplier is available in the market, then the E-Master Franchise option is very attractive indeed. You do not need to rent a store, stock products or hire store personnel and can enter the fast growing E-commerce business and capitalize on the growing popularity of on line ordering.
MUST I SUB FRANCHISE OR CAN I OPEN SUPERSTORES OF MY OWN ONLY?
Under some circumstances, such as a small country, you don't have to open sub franchises. The important objective is to reach the largest share of market whether through your own stores or as a group.
MUST I HAVE A WAREHOUSE?
Under the Classic Master Franchise option you will need a warehouse. Your first store, if large enough, can also serve as a warehouse. In larger Western European countries, under the E-Master Franchise option you will use the services of an outside logistics supplier to stock and deliver to customers.
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL NECESSARY?
The investment will vary depending on whether you will select the Classic Master Franchise option and will launch a warehouse and superstore. A capital as low as half a million US dollars could be sufficient for two stores and a basic operation depending on the size of the first store. Under the E-Commerce Master Franchise option where you operate though a Logistics Supplier and without stock, a capital of US$ 150,000 is sufficient.
WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT FOR A SUB FRANCHISE?
A sub franchise with a stationery store of 1,000 Sq. Ft (100m2) will necessitate an investment of about US$70,000 including stock and an initial fee to the master franchisee. The investment could be higher if the store is larger or smaller for smaller stores. The initial fee to charge the sub franchisee is determined by you with our assistance.
In the case of an E-Franchise, the investment is nominal since there is no store to open or stock to carry
MUST I IMPORT FROM OFFICE 1?
There is no obligation to buy anything from OFFICE 1. You can source products locally or internationally directly from vendors or import through the OFFICE 1 China office or from whatever source is cheaper. We will guide you and provide you with all the necessary contacts of proven vendors who supply the OFFICE 1 group of masters at favorable prices.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO FOLLOW?
The first step after confirming your interest is for you to gather market information and analyze the potential for the OFFICE 1 concept in your country and correspond with us to obtain an in depth understanding of the concept and investment. As a second step you may want to do your due diligence by visit an OFFICE 1 master franchise in a country near you or contacting a number of master franchisees to benefit from their experience.
At a later stage, OFFICE 1 may meet with you in your country or you may want to visit the OFFICE 1 Headquarters for Europe. Finally, the Master Agreement is signed and the training begins.
WHAT ABOUT COMPETITION?
The office product business is very competitive. However, the OFFICE 1 system utilizes a variety of traditional and E-marketing techniques not always available to others. Additionally the appointment of franchises whether in the form of retail stores or "e-shops" is a distinct advantage. Last but not least the possibility of importing low cost OFFICE 1 branded products made in China directly from manufacturers is a distinct cost advantage.
WHAT INFORMATION DOES OFFICE 1 REQUIRE OF PROSPECTIVE MASTERS?
OFFICE 1 will obtain background and financial information on your company to ensure that you have the necessary capital to start and grow the business.
WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF REFERENCES I SHOULD CARRY?
A large superstore carries a full assortment of some 2,500 products, stationery as well as computer accessories, office machines and office furniture. Sub franchises carry an inventory of as little as 1,000 items. These 1000 items represent however 80% of total sales volume.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
Qualified companies should contact OFFICE 1 and submit an application . They will receive detailed information and an introductory package to be used in the further evaluation of the OFFICE 1 investment opportunity. We look forward to communicating with interested companies to discuss how they might become an OFFICE 1 Master Franchisee.