QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HOW IS THE JV FORMED?
A local company is formed by you with OFFICE 1 as a shareholder. The exact percent ownership of each party is determined based on the circumstances. OFFICE 1 would contribute its knowhow in terms of data base management, web marketing, organizational structure, its global experience, the e-Franchise system, e-Platform software, the selection of the logistics supplier and negotiations with it, the bridging to the data base of the logistics supplier and OFFICE 1’s promotional library of offers. The local JV partner contributes the necessary staff and capital the local management.
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN THE E-COMMERCE BUSINESS?
Since the logistics supplier carries the necessary stock and delivers orders to customers, you will operate as a virtual company and would need a capital estimated at less than US$200,000
WHAT IS THE ORGANIZATION NEEDED FOR e-COMMERCE?
You will typically need a project leader, a web marketer, an administrative person and TeleService staff. The operation can be started with a little as five people and grows as required as sales grow.
WHAT DOES THE INITIAL FEE COVER FOR e-MASTER FRANCHISEES?
Under the JV Partner option there is no initial fee as OFFICE 1 owns shares in the company that is formed. Under the e-Master Franchise option, the initial fee 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 ARE THE BENEFITS OF SELECTING THE e-MASTER FRANCHISE OPTION.
The e-Master Franchise option is available under certain circumstances if preferred by the parties. 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 HAVE A WAREHOUSE?
If there is no logistics supplier available in your market, you will need a warehouse which will raise the capital requirements accordingly. In most Western European countries, there are experienced logistics suppliers available and you will not need a warehouse.
WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT FOR AN e-SUB-FRANCHISEE?
An e-Sub Franchisee does not need any capital since he operates stockless and does not need to launch a store and hire store employees. He is also not restricted by territory limitations.
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 e-Commerce concept in your country and communicate with us to obtain an in depth understanding of the concept and investment needed as well as get more specific details regarding the e-Commerce sub-franchise system.
Later steps will depend on the form the relationship will take, whether as a Joint Venture or a Master Franchise and you will have ample opportunity to do due diligence and contact other Joint Venture partners of OFFICE 1.
WHAT ABOUT COMPETITION?
The E-Commerce office product business is very competitive. However, the OFFICE 1 system utilizes a variety of E-marketing techniques not always available to others. Additionally the appointment of E-franchisees is a distinct advantage and so is the global support and experience that OFFICE 1 shares with you.
WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF REFERENCES MY ASSORTMENT SHOULD CARRY?
Your assortment will depend on the number of references the the Logistics Supplier carries. Most of them carry stock of more than 20,000 references so that the assortment offered to your customers can be very wide. At no cost to you and maximizes the chances for extra sales.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
Qualified candidates 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 Joint Venture Partner of E- Master Franchisee.