The franchise industry in India offers plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to start their businesses. There is a franchise opportunity to suit every interest and investment capacity in food and beverage, retail, education, etc. Anyone can launch a business venture by partnering with established brands and leveraging their support and expertise. In this article, our business experts have listed the best franchise opportunities in India that can be started with low and medium investment.
What is a Franchise Business?
A franchise is a type of business model where a franchisor gives a franchisee the permission to utilise its name, operating procedures, and business model in exchange for recurring fees and royalties. To put it another way, it’s a collaboration between the franchisor, who owns the brand, and the franchisee, who pays for the privileges.
Under a franchise agreement, the franchisor gives the franchisee access to suppliers, marketing materials, training, and assistance in order to enable them to successfully copy the business model. In response, the franchisee uses the franchisor’s systems, trademarks, and brand name to run their business while abiding by the rules and regulations that the franchisor has established.
Benefits of Buying a Franchise in India
Buying a franchise business in India offers numerous benefits for aspiring entrepreneurs, making it an attractive option for those looking to start their own venture. Here are some key benefits of buying a franchise business in India:
Proven Business Model
One of the significant advantages of buying a franchise is that you’re investing in a business model that has already been tested and proven successful. Franchise brands have established systems and processes in place, reducing the risk associated with starting a new business from scratch.
Established Brand Recognition
Franchise businesses often operate under well-known and trusted brand names, which can significantly impact customer trust and loyalty. By aligning with a recognized brand, franchisees benefit from existing customer awareness and a built-in customer base.
Training and Support
Franchise companies typically provide comprehensive training programs to ensure that franchisees understand how to operate the business successfully. From initial training on business operations to ongoing support in areas such as marketing, sales, and customer service, franchisees receive valuable guidance and assistance throughout their journey.
Marketing and Advertising
Franchise brands often invest in national or regional marketing and advertising campaigns to promote their products or services. As a franchisee, you can benefit from these marketing efforts, leveraging the brand’s advertising strategies to attract customers and drive sales locally.
Access to Suppliers and Resources
Franchise businesses usually have established relationships with suppliers and access to preferred vendors, enabling franchisees to benefit from bulk purchasing discounts and streamlined supply chains. This can result in cost savings and improved profitability for franchise owners.
Lower Risk of Failure
Compared to starting a new independent business, buying a franchise offers a lower risk of failure. With a proven business model, established brand recognition, and ongoing support from the franchisor, franchisees are better positioned to succeed and thrive in their chosen industry.
Easier Financing
Obtaining financing for a franchise business is often easier than securing funding for a new independent venture. Banks and financial institutions are typically more willing to lend to franchisees due to the lower risk associated with established franchise brands.
Faster Return on Investment
Franchise businesses often have a shorter ramp-up time compared to independent startups, allowing franchisees to start generating revenue and turning a profit more quickly. With a proven business model and established customer base, franchisees can achieve a faster return on their investment.
List of 15 Franchise in India
1. AMUL Parlour Franchise
Amul, India’s leading dairy brand, established in 1946 offers low-cost franchise opportunities in India. Parlours of Amul serves as a retail outlet that exclusively sells a wide range of Amul dairy products. It includes milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, and more. With over 10,000 Amul Parlours across India, the franchise has established a strong presence in both urban and rural markets. Compared to many other franchise opportunities, the initial investment required for an Amul Parlour franchise is relatively low, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. Read More…
- Category: Food & Beverage
- Investment Range: Rs. 5 Lacs to 10 Lacs
- Area Required: 200 sq. ft
2. Subway
Subway, established in 1965 is a globally recognized brand known for its fresh ingredients and customizable sandwiches. In India, the brand has established a strong presence and enjoys high brand awareness among consumers. Eversub India Pvt Limited (EIPL), a fully owned subsidiary of Culinary Brands Private Limited has the master franchise rights to open and operate Subway restaurants in India. Franchisees benefit from Subway’s brand recognition, marketing campaigns, and promotional activities, driving customer traffic to their outlets and facilitating business growth. Read More…
- Category: Food & Beverage
- Investment Range: Rs. 50 Lacs to 1 Crore
- Area Required: 300 sq. ft Onwards
3. Lakme
Lakmé is India’s leading beauty brand. This iconic brand has been a pioneer in the country’s cosmetics and skincare industry for decades. Lakmé salons offer a comprehensive range of beauty and grooming services, including hair care, skincare, makeup, bridal packages, and spa treatments. The diverse service menu caters to different age groups, skin types, and beauty preferences. The brand’s strong reputation and heritage attract a loyal customer base, driving footfall and business growth at Lakmé franchise outlets. Read More…
- Category: Beauty & Healthcare
- Investment Range: Rs. 50 Lacs to 1 Crore
- Area Required: 800 sq. ft Onwards
4. DTDC Courier and Cargo Ltd.
DTDC is a trusted and recognized brand in India’s logistics industry and has been serving for the last three decades. It is known for its timely deliveries, wide service coverage, and customer-centric approach. DTDC offers a comprehensive range of courier and cargo services, including domestic and international parcel delivery, express courier, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions, and e-commerce logistics. Franchisees have access to a wide range of service options, catering to individual customers, businesses, e-commerce platforms, and corporate clients, generating multiple revenue streams and business opportunities. Read More…
- Category: Business Services
- Investment Range: Rs. 50K to 2 Lacs
- Area Required: 200 sq. ft Onwards
5. Kidzee
Kidzee, a flagship brand of Zee Learn Ltd., is one of India’s largest preschool chains, dedicated to providing quality early childhood education to children aged 1.5 to 6 years. The company has a network of over 1900 centers across India and international presence in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Gulf countries. Kidzee Early Childhood Education Program (KECPE) is focused on enhancing children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Franchisees will have access to Kidzee’s proprietary teaching-learning materials, educational resources, and curriculum support and thereby ensuring high-quality education delivery and student engagement.
- Category: Education
- Investment Range: Rs. 15 Lacs to 20 Lacs
- Area Required: 2000 sq. ft Onwards
6. Patanjali
Patanjali Ayurved Limited, founded by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna in the year 2006, has emerged as a leading player in India’s ayurvedic and natural products market. The company offers franchise opportunities through its extensive network of Patanjali Mega Stores, Chikitsalayas (clinics), Arogya Kendras (health centers), and Swadeshi Kendras (outlets). The herbal and ayurvedic items are the company’s initial product line. With a vast network of loyal customers and growing demand for Ayurvedic products, Patanjali franchisees benefit from a ready market for their offerings. Read More…
- Category: Ayurvedic
- Investment Range: Rs. 10 Lacs Onwards
- Area Required: 100 sq. ft Onwards
7. Hero Moto Corp
Hero Moto Corps, formerly known as Hero Honda Motors Limited is the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers. The company offers franchise opportunities through its extensive network of dealerships and authorized service centers. As the market leader in the two-wheeler segment, Hero MotoCorp benefits from economies of scale, brand loyalty, and extensive distribution reach, enhancing its competitive edge in the market. Read More…
- Category: Automobile
- Investment Range: Rs. 10 Lacs Onwards
- Area Required: 2000 Sq. ft Onwards
8. Dr Lal Path Labs
Dr Lal PathLabs is one of India’s leading diagnostic chains, offering 5000+ pathology and radiology services. It includes blood tests, imaging, and specialized diagnostics. The company operates a network of laboratories and collection centers across India, providing franchise opportunities for individuals looking to enter the healthcare sector. Diagnostic services generate recurring revenue streams, as patients require regular tests for monitoring chronic conditions, preventive care, and health check-ups, ensuring a steady flow of customers and revenue for franchise outlets. Read More…
- Category: Beauty & Health
- Investment Range: Rs. 3 Lacs to 5 Lacs
- Area Required: 200 Sq. ft Onwards
9. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza, present in over 85 countries is known for its delicious pizzas, efficient delivery service, and innovative marketing strategies. It was started in the year 1960 and is headquartered in Michigan in the United States. Domino’s offers flexible franchise models, including traditional dine-in restaurants, delivery/carryout outlets, and non-traditional locations. It includes kiosks, food courts, and college campuses, catering to diverse market segments and real estate opportunities. In India, Jubilant Foodworks has the exclusive master franchise rights to grow and expand Domino’s Pizza Restaurants. Read More…
- Category: Beauty & Health
- Investment Range: Rs. 30 Lacs to 50 Lacs
- Area Required: 1500 Sq. ft Onwards
10. KFC Franchise
Founded in the year 1939, Kentucky Fried Chicken, popularly known as KFC is an American Chicken restaurant chain headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. It is known for its secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices and its commitment to quality and flavour. KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands. This company develops and manages other reputed food restaurants Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, etc. ]In India, KFC has established a strong presence, offering franchise opportunities for individuals looking to join the thriving fast-food industry. Read more…
- Category: Food & Beverage
- Investment Range: Rs. 1 Cr. to 2 Crores
- Area Required: 1000 Sq. ft Onwards
11. Green Trends
Green Trends is a renowned salon chain in India. The company offers a wide range of beauty and grooming services for men and women. Green Trends has carved a niche for itself in the competitive salon industry, with a focus on quality service, trendy styles, and customer satisfaction. The brand offers franchise opportunities for individuals looking to capitalize on the growing demand for professional beauty services. Read More…
- Category: Health & Beauty
- Investment Range: Rs. 30 Lacs to 50 Lacs
- Area Required: 250 Sq. ft Onwards
12. 3M Car Care
3M Car Care is the market leader in the Car Care segment. They are spread across over 25 cities with more than 80 stores across India. 3M Car Care is the market leader with more than 55% market share. 3M Car Care operates three different formats of car detailing services. There are 3M Car Care Standalone stores, 3M Car Care Mobile Detailing Units, and 3M Car Care Fuel Station Outlets. The brand offers franchise opportunities for individuals looking to tap into the growing demand for professional car detailing and maintenance services.
- Category: Automobile
- Investment Range: Rs. 30 Lacs to 50 Lacs
- Area Required: 1000 Sq. ft Onwards
Related: How To Start a Car Wash Business
13. Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd (MFCWL) is India’s number one multi-brand certified used car player with 1700+ stores in 810+ cities. It is part of the $US 20.7 billion Mahindra Group. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s market reach and customer awareness, driving footfall and business growth at their service centers. The minimum age to be eligible to become a franchise is 21 years. Read More…
- Category: Automobile
- Investment Range: Rs. 30 Lacs to 50 Lacs
- Area Required: 1500 Sq. ft Onwards
14. Kumon
Kumon is a renowned global education franchise offering supplemental learning programs for children in math and reading. Founded in Japan in 1958, Kumon has expanded worldwide, empowering students with self-learning skills and academic excellence through its personalized approach. While Kumon offers a relatively low-cost franchise opportunity compared to other education franchises, franchisees still need to make a significant upfront investment in franchise fees, initial setup costs, and ongoing operational expenses.
- Category: Education
- Investment Range: Rs. 5 Lacs to 10 Lacs
- Area Required: 300 Sq. ft Onwards
15. Lenskart
Lenskart is one of India’s leading eyewear brands, offering a wide range of eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and eyewear accessories. The company provides training and support to its franchise partners to help them set up and operate their franchise locations successfully. This may include assistance with store setup, inventory management, marketing, and sales techniques. The company has expanded rapidly in recent years and has been actively seeking franchise partners to further extend its reach across India.
- Category: Retail
- Investment Range: Rs. 30 Lacs to 50 Lacs
- Area Required: 300 Sq. ft Onwards
Most Profitable Franchise Opportunities in India (Categorywise):
Food and Beverage Franchises
From popular fast-food chains to speciality restaurants, the food and beverage industry offers a wide range of franchise opportunities with high earning potential. Brands like McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Subway, KFC, and Café Coffee Day are well-established in India and continue to attract customers with their quality offerings.
Retail Franchises
Retail franchises encompass a variety of sectors, including apparel, footwear, electronics, and convenience stores. Brands like Reliance Digital, Titan Eyeplus, Raymond, and Bata offer lucrative franchise opportunities with strong brand recognition and consumer demand.
Education and Training Franchises
There is a growing demand for quality education and skill development in India. As a result, education and training franchises have become increasingly popular in India. Franchises like Aptech, NIIT, TIME, and Kidzee provide franchisees with the opportunity to enter the lucrative education sector and make a positive impact on students’ lives.
Health and Wellness Franchises
The health and wellness industry is booming in India, creating ample opportunities for franchise businesses. Gym and fitness franchises like Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and Cult.fit, as well as beauty and wellness franchises like VLCC, Naturals, and Lakmé Salon, offer attractive earning potential for franchisees.
Automotive Franchises
With the rising demand for automotive services and products, automotive franchises are another lucrative option for investors. Franchises like Maruti Suzuki True Value, Mahindra First Choice Wheels, and Hero MotoCorp offer dealership and service center opportunities with significant earning potential.
Real Estate Franchises
Real estate franchises cater to the growing demand for property buying, selling, and leasing services in India. Brands like RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21 provide franchisees with the opportunity to capitalize on the booming real estate market and earn substantial commissions.
Healthcare Franchises
Healthcare franchises, including diagnostic centers, pharmacies, and specialty clinics, offer promising earning potential in India’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Franchises like Apollo Clinic, MedPlus, and Dr. Batra’s provide franchisees with the opportunity to deliver essential healthcare services to their communities while generating significant revenue.
Hospitality Franchises
With India emerging as a popular tourist destination, hospitality franchises present lucrative opportunities for investors. Hotel and resort franchises like Taj Hotels, Marriott International, and AccorHotels offer franchisees the chance to capitalize on the growing tourism industry and earn substantial returns on their investment.
Technology and IT Franchises
As India continues to embrace digital transformation, technology and IT franchises are in high demand. Franchises like Apple, HP, and Dell offer opportunities to become authorized resellers or service providers, tapping into the country’s growing appetite for technology products and solutions.
How to Start a Franchise Business in India
Here is a step-by-step process for starting a franchise business in India:
Choose the Right Franchise
Selecting the right franchise opportunity is crucial for your success as a franchisee. Evaluate various franchise brands based on factors such as brand reputation, product or service offerings, franchise fees, royalty structure, training and support, and market potential. Narrow down your options to franchises that align with your interests, skills, and investment budget.
Review Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
Once you’ve shortlisted potential franchise opportunities, review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provided by the franchisor. The FDD contains essential information about the franchise system, including financial performance, legal obligations, franchise fees, territory rights, and other terms and conditions. Seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that you fully understand the terms of the franchise agreement.
Secure Financing
Determine the initial investment required to purchase the franchise and operate the business successfully. Assess your financial resources and explore financing options such as bank loans, small business grants, or investment partnerships to fund your franchise venture. Prepare a detailed business plan and financial projections to present to potential lenders or investors.
Attend Franchise Discovery Day
Many franchisors host Discovery Days or information sessions for prospective franchisees to learn more about the franchise opportunity and meet with key members of the franchisor’s team. Attend these events to ask questions, tour existing franchise locations, and gain insights into the franchise system’s culture, values, and support network.
Sign Franchise Agreement
Once you’ve completed your due diligence and are ready to move forward, sign the franchise agreement with the franchisor. The franchise agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including the terms of the franchise, territorial rights, training requirements, operational guidelines, and fee structure. Review the agreement carefully and seek legal advice if needed before signing.
Set Up Your Franchise Location
Work closely with the franchisor to set up your franchise location according to brand standards and specifications. Secure a suitable commercial space, obtain necessary permits and licenses, and invest in equipment, inventory, and signage as required. Follow the franchisor’s guidelines for store layout, decor, and branding to ensure consistency with other franchise locations.
Receive Training and Support
Take advantage of the training and support provided by the franchisor to get your franchise business up and running smoothly. Attend initial training programs covering various aspects of business operations, including sales and marketing, customer service, inventory management, and financial management. Stay connected with the franchisor’s support team for ongoing assistance, guidance, and resources.
Launch Your Franchise
Plan a grand opening event or marketing campaign to launch your franchise and attract customers to your location. Leverage the franchisor’s marketing materials, promotional strategies, and brand assets to generate buzz and drive foot traffic. Build relationships with the local community, network with other business owners, and actively promote your franchise to maximize visibility and sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of investing in a franchise business?
Franchising offers several benefits. It includes access to a proven business model, established brand recognition, training and support from the franchisor, marketing assistance, and reduced risk compared to starting a new venture from scratch.
How do I choose the right franchise opportunity?
When selecting a franchise, consider factors such as your interests, skills, investment budget, market demand, competition, franchise fees, royalty structure, training and support, and growth potential. Research multiple franchise options and conduct due diligence before making a decision.
What types of franchise opportunities are available in India?
There are various types of franchise opportunities available in India across industries such as food and beverage, retail, education, healthcare, beauty, fitness, automotive, real estate, and more. Franchise options range from fast-food restaurants and retail stores to service-based businesses like education centers and fitness studios.
How much does it cost to buy a franchise in India?
The cost of buying a franchise in India can vary widely depending on the industry, brand, location, and size of the franchise. Initial investment requirements typically include franchise fees, equipment costs, leasehold improvements, inventory, working capital, and other startup expenses. Franchise fees can range from a few lakhs to crores of rupees, depending on the brand’s popularity and market demand.
Is Franchise Business Profitable in India?
Yes, a franchise business can be highly profitable, provided you select the right brand and properly analyze the local demand. As per this report, the Indian franchise industry is valued at around Rs 800 billion and is expected to continue growing in the coming years at a rate of 30 to 35 per cent per annum,
What are the ongoing fees associated with owning a franchise?
In addition to the initial investment, franchisees are usually required to pay ongoing fees to the franchisor, such as royalty fees (a percentage of sales) and marketing or advertising fees. These fees contribute to ongoing support, brand promotion, and the overall growth of the franchise system.
Do I need prior experience or industry knowledge to buy a franchise?
While prior experience or industry knowledge can be beneficial, many franchisors provide comprehensive training and support to franchisees, regardless of their background. Franchisees are often required to undergo training programs covering various aspects of business operations, including sales, marketing, operations, and customer service.
Can I operate a franchise business part-time or remotely?
While some franchise opportunities may offer flexibility in terms of hours and location, many franchises require full-time commitment and on-site management, especially in the initial stages. Before investing in a franchise, consider your availability, lifestyle, and willingness to devote time and effort to the business.
What support does the franchisor provide to franchisees?
Franchisors typically provide ongoing support to franchisees, including training programs, operational guidance, marketing assistance, product or service updates, and access to proprietary systems and technology. Franchisees can also benefit from networking opportunities, peer support, and collaboration within the franchise network.
How can I research and find the best franchise opportunities in India?
Researching and finding the best franchise opportunities in India involves exploring franchise directories, attending franchise exhibitions and seminars, consulting with franchise consultants or brokers, networking with existing franchisees, and conducting online research on reputable franchise brands. Evaluate franchise options based on your interests, goals, and investment criteria to find the right fit for your entrepreneurial journey.
