OzSpy

{{Short description|Australian electronic security chain}}

{{Use Australian English|date=June 2020}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}

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| type = Franchise

| industry = Electronic security

| founded = {{start date and age|1998}} in Brisbane, Australia

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| website = {{URL|http://www.ozspy.com.au}}

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OzSpy is an Australian franchise chain specialising in electronic security. OzSpy has 10 stores throughout Australia, particularly in capital cities.

History

John Vlamis and Craig Mitchell founded the company in 1998, and began offering franchises in 2003.In 2007 OzSpy expanded to New Zealand, but withdrew soon after primarily due to lack of sales and distribution issues. The group now has 10 stores. The franchise administration office and warehouse is located on Queensland's Gold Coast.

It was the first store in Australia to make available to the general public surveillance devices of the type previously used only by private investigators.

In 2018 OzSpy introduced the mobile franchise offer allowing more flexibility and giving people the opportunity to work from home.

In 2018 OzSpy split the online stores into two separate entities to properly cater for both sides of the business and the new mobile division.

Concept

OzSpy founder Craig Mitchell initially based the concept on Spy Shops commonly found in the United States, and adapted it to suit the Australian market. By adding a full range of commercial security products and services that caters to the needs of business and industry they positioned stores and business model to meet the security needs of a nation experiencing an increase in crime.

Stores

OzSpy stores can be found in Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. The stores have a strong capital city emphasis with most outlets located in metropolitan areas. There are also mobile franchises that provide a low cost entry into the market.{{cn|date=April 2019}}

References

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{{refbegin|30em}}

  • {{cite news|last=MILLER|first=NICK|title=I spy a booming business in keeping an eye on the watchers|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/security/i-spy-a-booming-business-in-keeping-an-eye-on-the-watchers/2006/09/25/1159036469009.html|newspaper=The Age|date=September 26, 2006}} The Age September 26, 2006
  • {{cite web|url=http://www.franchise.net.au/news/ozspy-continues-expansion-in-vic|title=OzSpy continues expansion in VIC|work=Franchising|accessdate=9 March 2014}} Franchising 23 May 2011
  • {{cite news|last=Bayfield|first=Jessica|title=Slacks Creek spy shop hosts open day|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/logan/slacks-creek-spy-shop-hosts-open-day/story-fn8m0u8i-1226097038554|newspaper=Courier Mail|date=July 19, 2011}} Courier Mail July 19, 2011
  • [http://www.startupsmart.com.au/franchising/security-franchise-slashes-fees-by-50k-as-industry-struggles-continue/201110174210.html Security franchise slashes fees by $50k as industry struggles] Startupsmart Monday, 17 October 2011
  • [http://www.retailbiz.com.au/2011/10/28/article/OzSpy-relaunches-website/FYUOWXNQDV OzSpy relaunches website] Retail-Biz 28 October 2011
  • {{cite book|last=Michael|first=Katina|title=The social and behavioural implications of location-based services|year=2011|publisher=University of Wollongong|url=http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9867&context=infopapers}}
  • {{cite news|last=Tin|first=Jason|title=Bikies sweeping for police bugs|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/bikes-sweeping-for-police-bugs-taps/story-e6freuzr-1226397291669|newspaper=The Courier Mail|date=June 16, 2012}}
  • {{cite web|last=Stowe|first=Sarah|url=http://www.franchise.net.au/news/ozspy-adds-interactive-website-for-potential-franc|title=OzSpy adds interactive website for potential franchisees|work=franchise.net.au|publisher=Franchising|accessdate=9 March 2014}} Franchise 26 July 2012
  • {{cite web|last=Stowe|first=Sarah|title=Retail sales boost for OzSpy franchise chain|url=http://www.franchise.net.au/news/retail-sales-boost-for-ozspy-franchise-chain|work=franchise.net.au|date=28 October 2015 |publisher=Franchising}} Franchising 13 Feb 2013
  • [http://www.franchise.net.au/news/ozspy-adds-online-store-for-mobiles OzSpy adds online store for mobile customer]{{cite web|last=Stowe|first=Sarah|title=Reporter|url=http://www.franchise.net.au/news/ozspy-adds-online-store-for-mobiles|work=franchise.net.au|publisher=Franchising|accessdate=9 March 2014}} Franchising 10 February 2014
  • [http://www.franchise.net.au/news/ozspy-s-flat-pack-store-fit-out-here-to-stay OzSpy’s flat pack store fit out here to stay]{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Brea|title=Reporter|url=http://www.franchise.net.au/news/ozspy-s-flat-pack-store-fit-out-here-to-stay|work=franchise.net.au|publisher=Franchising|accessdate=9 March 2014}} Franchising 18 Feb 2014
  • [https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/logan/club-given-security-boost-after-string-of-robberies/news-story/d1d17ca9a24b333657549b631014d5ec]{{cite web|last=Buckley|first=Danielle|title=Club given security boost after string of robberies|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/logan/club-given-security-boost-after-string-of-robberies/news-story/d1d17ca9a24b333657549b631014d5ec|work=couriermail.com.au|publisher=Courier Mail|accessdate=2 October 2018}} Courier Mail October 2 2018
  • [https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/boss-of-spy-shop-chain-charged-with-drug-and-weapon-offences-20180807-p4zw1f.html]

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