Open2view.com Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the Open2view concept begin?
Open2view began in 1999 in New Zealand and expanded to Australia in 2004. There are currently in excess of 200 franchises in Australia and New Zealand.
2. When did the concept begin in the US?
The concept was brought to the US 2 years ago when the Franchisor began the process of filing a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. During that time the rights to develop the concept in Canada were sold. The first State territory was sold in February 2007. Since then 4 State Territories and 2 Areas are committed.
3. What is the Open2view competitive advantage?
Open2view’s integrated approach of providing professional digital photography along with a consumer friendly website is the competitive advantage. No one currently offers the complete High Touch that our local Open2view Professional Photographers and Area Franchises provide, nor High Tech Web based exposure with unparalleled marketing and sales tools. At best, other US independent businesses and companies offer a portion of the complete package described above. The majority of those services are typically purchased individually, with no local support and often times are “do it yourself” applications that real estate agents must learn, thus taking time away from their core business of acquiring listings and showing homes.
4. What are the services currently offered?
Professional Photography
- Digital Photos of listed properties
- Photo Image Contact Sheet
- 24 Hour Service
- Elevated Photographic Shoots
- Full and Half Screen Virtual Tours
- Interactive Floor and Site Plans
- High and Low Resolution Images provided on CD’s
Web Exposure
- Consumer Friendly Web Site
- Free Referrals to Real Estate agents
- Auto Text Messaging to Agents
- Self Set Open House Scheduling
- Comprehensive Seller Reports
- Agent/Broker Profiles on Web Site
- Web Links to Agent/Broker Web Site
...And More on the drawing board!
5. When will the US website be launched?
The US website launched on June 1st. You can view properties by going to the US site and click on the States that are highlighted.
6. How is Open2view different from other services already available to real estate agents Australia?
Our one stop shop approach allows the real estate agent the opportunity to make 1 call to take care of their photography, marketing and website needs. It means more value for their marketing dollars.
7. Who is Open2view’s target market?
Real estate agents
8. Is photographic or computer experience necessary?
There is no experience necessary as Open2view provides a 2- week comprehensive training program that incorporates all aspects of the Photographer, Area and State Franchise business. There are also detailed operational and marketing manuals provided. In addition, there will be on-going operational and marketing support from the Master, State and Area Franchisors.
9. What are the 3 franchise opportunity levels?
State Franchisor, Area Franchisor and Photographer Franchisee.
10. What are the roles of the 3 business levels?
The State Franchisor markets the Open2view concept to find individuals who wish to start their own business by becoming Area Franchisors. The State Franchisor also acts as a business mentor to Area Franchisors, assists them in developing their business, conducts regular training meetings and provides revenue accounting functions.
The Area Franchisor markets the Open2view concept to potential Photographer Franchisees and provides the overall marketing of Open2view services to Real Estate Agents in their Area. The Area Franchisor also acts as a business mentor to the Photographer Franchisees, assists them in developing their business, conducts regular training and meetings.
The Photographer Franchisee is the Professional Photographer performing the actual photo shoots and other related services that include posting the images on the web site. The Photographer Franchisee will also develop relationships with Real Estate Agents in their territory to expand their business.
11. Do I need a retail storefront or office location?
No. A home office is sufficient. The primary Open2view office is the Open2view van.
12. Will other services be added in the future?
New and improved services are on the drawing board. There will be a constant stream of enhancements available to Open2view Franchisees.
Contact Open2view Australasia Ltd
Tel: 0405 556 704
Fax: +64 7859 2320
