Introduction

This report is submitted to Ms Wendy Barker in fulfilment of the contract to conduct a survey of Figure 8 Bodychain clients.

The principal researcher is Ms  Ella Henry, Senior Lecturer AUT University, who holds a Master of Philosophy from Auckland University, where she majored in Management Studies and Labour Relations. Ms Henry has a strong background in pure and applied business research, and has published numerous chapters, case studies and research on a range of business fields including women in management, Maori economic, business and social development and business ethics.

The Figure 8 Bodychain is a beauty aid that has been designed, and patented by Ms Barker, to encourage the wearer to focus on their body weight and to motivate them to control their appetite.

Methodology

A survey instrument was designed to elicit responses from the  fifty-two people who have purchased a Figure 8 Bodychain in the last two years

The surveys were posted to all clients, and received a response rate of 78%, which is statistically significant response rate, and allows us to generalise comments and feedback.

Respondents were given the opportunity to make qualitative comments about the Figure 8 Bodychain

Conclusions

This study has provided a comprehensive insight into the background, feelings and beliefs of forty-one of the fifty-two people who have purchased the Figure 8 Bodychain since it became available in 2001 and have been wearing it for 12 months or more.

The respondents were overwhelmingly female, the majority were aged between thirty and fifty years. Most respondents had children and grandchildren, most were employed or self-employed and the majority had no formal qualifications.

The vast majority of Figure 8 Bodychain owners feel very positively about it, the most prevalent feelings being that it is attractive, is easy to wear, is good value for money and they would recommend it to others.

A large proportion of respondents felt the Figure 8 Bodychain helps them control their diet, and have lost weight since wearing the Bodychain. They feel better about their body since wearing the Bodychain, have improved their overall well-being, and have not put on new weight since wearing it. Many wear the Bodychain all of the time.

It is hoped by the researchers that this Report proves to be of value for the Figure 8 Bodychain. It is our belief that this product has been proven to be useful, attractive and valuable to the people who have taken the time and resources to purchase one, and to respond to this survey.