Welcome to this blog, this blog actually has been created for assignment purpose under the subject ABDM4223 Entrepreneurship. 

I will upload the question and answer for the survey and interview from this company "Ogawa" located at 
Giant Hypermarket Kuala Terengganu (Counter)
Lot. No. SP G03, Ground Floor,
H.S(D) 6917, Lot PT 1485,
Jalan Padang Hiliran,
21100 Cabang Tiga,Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.    

Ogawa is involved in the development, design, and distribution of health and wellness equipment. We are also engaged in regular research to gather information on the latest market trends through market observation and feedbacks obtained from our customers. In order to cater to the different needs and preferences of our customers, our Product Design & Development team is constantly conceptualising and developing designs for new product models with quality and affordability in mind. 
Before I put this franchise into my choice, I had chooses Famous Amos as my interview target, but they could not want to accept the interview request from me.

Below are the latest products review

OGAWA Smart Aire Plus 3D Zero Gravity Massage Chair – 2nd Generation of 3D Massaging

OGAWA Smart Aire Plus 3D Zero Gravity massage chair comes with the second generation of 3D technology making our massage even more humanised and effective. Immerse the massage experience that are perfectly tailored for you plus our holistic range of massage techniques lets you choose how you want to indulge any time you like. 

The New OGAWA SMART MATE Massage Chair embodies all the pleasures of massage and total enjoyment. After all, your road to greater success deserves a MATE. 

OGAWA Mobile Seat NE - Massage Cushion WITH NECK

OGAWA Mobile Seat NE; A stylish portable massager that complements today’s busy lifestyle. Perfect for use in office or home to relieve aches, fatigue and tensed muscles on upper and lower back. Its innovative heat and vibration massage system soothes away stress for a totally revitalized feeling. 

Commercial link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBtnJQR_zzU

TV commercial for a massage chair company ,shot on Panasonic DV camera , story about aromatherapy chair every one must have for a relaxing massage.

Ogawa Website

(click the link below)

http://ogawaworld.net/corporate/index.php

Ogawa's Background

In 1986, OGAWA co-founders Mr. Wong Lee Keong and Ms. Lim Poh Khian started up Morwell Sdn. Bhd. Thus began their enterprise into the trading of household and electrical products in Malaysia. 

Mid 1996, saw the enterprising duo venture into the health and wellness equipment market, simultaneously creating Fujiiryoki, formerly known as Healthy & Nice Sdn Bhd. This was then the beginning of the venture into the brand name OGAWA as former business ventures also adopted a similar strategy. 

It was Mr. Wong and Ms. Lim's vision in product design and brand development that formed the brand name OGAWA and the subsequent boom in business led to the creation of Healthy World in 2001. This strategic formulation was in line with the business strategy of strengthening the OGAWA brand name in the health and wellness equipment industry, locally and abroad. 

Today, Ogawa World Bhd has successfully introduced various innovative designs under the OGAWA brand name. OGAWA is today's leader in the health and wellness equipment market, in Malaysia and throughout South East Asia. 

The Franchiser and the Franchise

1) Is the potential market for the product or services adequate to support your franchise? Will the prices you charge be in line with the market?    

Yes, massage chair business has already entered into the family market. We have variety different prices of massage chairs for different audience needs. 

2) Is the market’s population growing, remaining static or shrinking? Is the demand of your product or service growing, remaining static or shrinking?
The market’s population are actually growing, the demand of product or services are growing as well.

3) Is the product or service safe and reputable?     
Definitely yes, every product of us have passed the experimental before our product release, if there is no standard 95% of people can use this product, we will never launch this product to this market.

4) Is the product of service a passing “fad”, or is it a durable business idea.
We are running a durable business here for sure, Ogawa is Malaysian health and wellness retail store established in 1996.

5) What will the competition, direct or indirect, be in your sales territory? Do any other franchisees operate in this general area?
There are no any competitors in Terengganu area; competitor located about 200km outside of the city. 

6) Is the franchise international, national, regional, or local in scope? Does it involve full- or part-time involvement?
 Our company is international, our franchise has exist around 8 countries and 23 cities.

7) How many years have the franchiser been in operation? Does it have a sound reputation for honest dealings with franchisees?
Around 18 years since 1867, we will take our full responsibility to help and support our partner and give them trust and respect.

8) How many franchise outlets now exist? How many will there be a year from now? How many outlets are company owned?
 The group total of 174 retail outlets in 8 countries and 23 cities.

9) How many franchises have failed? Why?
   (Private)

10) How many franchise have left the system within the past year? What were the reasons for leaving?
   (Private)

11) What service and assistance will the franchiser provide? What kind of training program does the franchise offer? How long does It last? What topic does It cover? Does the franchiser offer ongoing assistance and training?
There is about 1 week training course be provided, is about counseling, leadership, and the design of the shop. There is always having training courses for staff, especially for new staff. 

12) Will the franchise perform a location analysis to help you find a suitable site? If so, is there an extra charge for doing so?
Yes, the franchisees prefer open their outlet that they had investigated and analysis the location, there is no any extra charge for this, all covered by company.

Questions to Ask Current Franchisees

1) How much does your franchise gross per year? How much does it net? Are the procedures followed to make royalty payments to the franchisee troublesome?
(Private). All going very well

2) Are the financial projections of revenues, expenses, and profits that the franchisor provided me accurate in your judgement?
Yes, most of the time.

3) Does the franchisor give you enough assistance in operating your business?
Yes they support me when I need. They will help me to solve some complicated problem that I encountered

4) How many hours, on average, do you work a week? 
    It depends, but most of the time was around 44 hour in a week included my lunch time hour.

5) How often do you get a vacation?
   It still needs to depend on the situation of the business.

6) Have you been caught off-guard by any unexpected cost or expectations?
No, not yet.

7) Does your franchisor provide on-going training and support to you?   
 Yes, they do provide job training. Different position of employee has different training system.

8) If you had to do it all over again, would you purchase a franchise in this system? Why or why not?    
  Yes I would, because this is a great chance for me to make profit from this business.