When starting a business, opting for a franchise can be the safest bet. You not only get a
business model that is proven to work but also help with setting up the entire process.

How Fox in a Box Landed in Hong Kong

Fox in a Box Hong Kong stands as a testament to the potential success achievable through
strategic market research, customer-focused strategies, and resilience. Embracing the
advantages of franchising, the franchise has not only carved a niche in the escape room
industry but also offers aspiring entrepreneurs a blueprint for success within a supportive and
collaborative framework.

This is the story of how Fox in a Box took the Hong Kong escape room market by storm and has
continued to grow.

Researching the Escape Room Market in Hong Kong

Market research is imperative when it comes to making an educated decision whether or not to
start your business in a certain location. Having good market intelligence helps to minimize risks when making key business decisions.

So naturally, this was the first step for Fox in a Box Hong Kong. Josh, owner of Fox in a Box
Hong Kong, shared that the first thing they did was research the escape room market
extensively and closely followed all escape room competition. “This enabled us to
accurately forecast the demand in the market and create a few cash flow scenarios.” That way,
they could predict possible outcomes.

The main takeaway – The franchise identified a distinct market niche, recognizing the potential
for a high-quality escape room business that prioritized customer service and immersive
experiences.

Ensuring Transfer of Quality

Opening a franchise business at your location means that you need to take all the steps to
ensure the same level of quality that customers associate with that franchise while also
adjusting to the new market and preferences of potential customers. This was exactly the next
step for the Fox in a Box franchise owner in Hong Kong.

According to Josh, owner of Fox in a Box Hong Kong, the one thing that was important for them
was the reviews – “We focused on obtaining 5-star reviews through customer service”.
Previously, their largest competition had 150 Google reviews, of which half were negative. So
they made it a point to always provide the best customer experience and proactively ask for 5-
star reviews. Upon doing so, they experienced an uptick in their organic growth.

For the Fox in a Box franchise, it is important that their franchisees get all the necessary support when opening their business. That way, they can ensure the transfer of quality but also get help in the form of advice and marketing channels all the way to immersive training. There is a detailed success journey that each franchisee takes once they decide to partner with Fox in a Box.

The Asian Experience

This was the first time opening Fox in a Box in Asia, and given how well it went, Josh plans to expand in the region.

But were there obstacles? 

Like in any business, they first had to get to know their base. Most customers in Hong Kong have never played an escape room or were not impressed with the experience they had in the past. So, for Fox in a Box Hong Kong, this was a welcome challenge as they were determined to provide customers with top-level customer service as soon as they walked through the door and to deliver an unforgettable immersive game. And this is something that was made possible through the franchise support.

Josh shared that their first four months were challenging, “We were over budget upon opening and also started during COVID lockdowns. This came with stricter measures and a lot more adjustments.” To counter the challenge, with the few bookings they had, they went above and beyond to cater to all their customers. Even opening their escape room for a group that came at midnight. “But that is how we gained the trust of the local escape room enthusiasts, who in turn provided even more 5-star reviews and became our regulars.”

The main takeaway – A pivotal strategy for Fox in a Box Hong Kong was a relentless focus on obtaining 5-star reviews through exceptional customer service. This emphasis on positive customer experiences not only differentiated the franchise from competitors but also contributed to an uptick in organic growth.

Let’s Talk Growth Numbers

It is important to note that there is seasonality in this business, so we experience increased growth during the summer holidays, Christmas and New Year. Last year, we saw our growth monthly revenue double in summer, which contributed to our accelerated growth.

We can also see the clear indicators of growth and success in the fact that our number of customers keeps increasing month over month, excluding the seasonal spikes. This means that we are on a good trajectory.

The Importance of Company Culture

We have a small team and owners who are very involved in ensuring everything runs smoothly. This means that they work closely with their staff and always know what’s going on with the business.

Transparency is key with everything, and they try to regularly engage in team-building activities. It is essential the franchisees are fully present and engaged with the day-to-day business at their location. This will ensure that all possible issues or bumps in the road are dealt with promptly, thus ensuring long-term success.

As a franchisor, Fox in a Box seeks partners who align with our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and a collaborative approach. We value individuals eager to contribute to the success of the franchise and maintain the standards that define the Fox in a Box experience.

Plans for The Future

Growth, growth, and more growth. This is what Josh, owner of Fox in a Box Hong Kong, has in store for his business.

“We plan to broaden our offerings. Our number of rooms will increase from 4 to 8, and we’re excited to build on the success of the recently launched Fox Hunt – an innovative solution for team building and large groups. Since it’s a geo-location game played partially on mobile, it also serves as a fantastic option for outdoor experiences for anyone who loves to explore, including tourists.”

And the Fox in a Box franchise team will be with them every step of the way, providing insights and support.