Franchising is a popular way of starting a business in India, as it allows entrepreneurs to leverage the brand recognition, reputation, and support of an established company. Franchising also reduces the risk and investment involved in setting up a new venture from scratch.
However, not all franchises are related to food and beverages. Many other sectors offer lucrative and low-cost franchise opportunities in India, such as retail, education, health care, beauty, and more. In this blog post, we will explore 10 of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India that you can consider in 2024.
1. Lenskart
Lenskart is India’s largest online retailer of eyewear, offering a wide range of products such as glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and accessories. Also operates over 600 offline stores across the country, providing customers with free eye check-ups, home trials, and doorstep delivery.
Lenskart is one of the fastest-growing and most profitable franchises in India, with a low investment and high returns. The company offers two types of franchise models: Lenskart Lite and Lenskart Studio. Lenskart Lite is a kiosk format that requires an investment of Rs 10 to 15 lakhs and a floor area of 100 to 150 sq.ft. Lenskart Studio is a store format that requires an investment of Rs 25 to 35 lakhs and a floor area of 300 to 500 sq.ft.
Lenskart provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, inventory, and technology. Lenskart also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
2. DTDC
DTDC is India’s leading express delivery and logistics company, with a network of over 10,000 franchise outlets across the country. DTDC offers a range of services such as domestic and international courier, cargo, e-commerce, and supply chain solutions.
DTDC is a low-cost and high-reward franchise opportunity in India, as it requires minimal investment and infrastructure. The company offers three types of franchise models: Super Franchise, Master Franchise, and Unit Franchise. Super Franchise is a regional level franchise that requires an investment of Rs 5 to 10 lakhs and a floor area of 750 to 1500 sq.ft. Master Franchise is a district level franchise that requires an investment of Rs 2 to 5 lakhs and a floor area of 250 to 500 sq.ft. Unit Franchise is a local level franchise that requires an investment of Rs 50,000 to 2 lakhs and a floor area of 100 to 250 sq.ft.
DTDC provides franchisees with comprehensive support in terms of training, marketing, operations, and technology. DTDC also offers attractive commissions and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
3. MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip is India’s leading online travel company, offering a wide range of products and services such as flights, hotels, holidays, buses, trains, cabs, visas, and more. MakeMyTrip also operates over 100 offline stores across the country, providing customers with personalized and customized travel solutions.
MakeMyTrip is a lucrative and low-risk franchise opportunity in India, as it requires moderate investment and infrastructure. The company offers two types of franchise models: MakeMyTrip Holiday Expert and MakeMyTrip Franchise Outlet. MakeMyTrip Holiday Expert is a home-based franchise that requires an investment of Rs 25,000 and a laptop with internet connection. MakeMyTrip Franchise Outlet is a store-based franchise that requires an investment of Rs 15 to 20 lakhs and a floor area of 300 to 500 sq.ft.
MakeMyTrip provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, operations, and technology. MakeMyTrip also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
4. Kalyan Jewellers
Kalyan Jewellers is India’s largest jewellery retailer, offering a wide range of products such as gold, diamond, platinum, and silver jewellery. Kalyan Jewellers also operates over 140 stores across India and the Middle East, providing customers with trust, transparency, and quality.
Kalyan Jewellers is a high-potential and high-investment franchise opportunity in India, as it requires substantial investment and infrastructure. The company offers only one type of franchise model: Kalyan Jewellers Franchise Outlet. Kalyan Jewellers Franchise Outlet requires an investment of Rs 10 to 15 crores and a floor area of 3000 to 5000 sq.ft.
Kalyan Jewellers provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, inventory, and technology. Kalyan Jewellers also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
5. FirstCry
FirstCry is India’s largest online retailer of baby and kids products, offering a wide range of products such as apparel, footwear, toys, books, diapers, feeding, and nursing. FirstCry also operates over 400 offline stores across the country, providing customers with convenience, variety, and quality.
FirstCry is a fast-growing and low-investment franchise opportunity in India, as it requires minimal investment and infrastructure. The company offers only one type of franchise model: FirstCry Franchise Outlet. FirstCry Franchise Outlet requires an investment of Rs 15 to 20 lakhs and a floor area of 1000 to 1500 sq.ft.
FirstCry provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, inventory, and technology. FirstCry also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
6. VLCC
VLCC is India’s leading beauty and wellness company, offering a wide range of products and services such as skin care, hair care, slimming, fitness, and spa. VLCC also operates over 300 outlets across India and 14 other countries, providing customers with holistic and personalized solutions.
VLCC is a profitable and moderate-investment franchise opportunity in India, as it requires moderate investment and infrastructure. The company offers two types of franchise models: VLCC Wellness Center and VLCC Slimming, Beauty & Fitness Center. VLCC Wellness Center is a premium franchise that requires an investment of Rs 50 to 60 lakhs and a floor area of 2000 to 3000 sq.ft. VLCC Slimming, Beauty & Fitness Center is a standard franchise that requires an investment of Rs 35 to 40 lakhs and a floor area of 1200 to 1500 sq.ft.
VLCC provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, operations, and technology. VLCC also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
7. Dr Lal PathLabs
Dr Lal PathLabs is India’s leading diagnostic and healthcare company, offering a wide range of tests and services such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, ECG, MRI, CT scans, and more. Dr Lal PathLabs also operates over 200 labs and 2500 collection centers across the country, providing customers with accuracy, reliability, and convenience.
Dr Lal PathLabs is a low-cost and high-return franchise opportunity in India, as it requires minimal investment and infrastructure. The company offers two types of franchise models: Dr Lal PathLabs Lab Franchise and Dr Lal PathLabs Collection Center Franchise. Dr Lal PathLabs Lab Franchise is a lab-based franchise that requires an investment of Rs 10 to 15 lakhs and a floor area of 800 to 1000 sq.ft. Dr Lal PathLabs Collection Center Franchise is a collection-based franchise that requires an investment of Rs 2 to 3 lakhs and a floor area of 100 to 150 sq.ft.
Dr Lal PathLabs provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, operations, and technology. Dr Lal PathLabs also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
8. Hero MotoCorp
Hero MotoCorp is India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, offering a wide range of products such as motorcycles, scooters, electric vehicles, and accessories. Hero MotoCorp also operates over 6000 dealerships and service centers across the country, providing customers with quality, performance, and service.
Hero MotoCorp is a high-demand and high-investment franchise opportunity in India, as it requires substantial investment and infrastructure. The company offers only one type of franchise model: Hero MotoCorp Dealership. Hero MotoCorp Dealership requires an investment of Rs 50 to 60 lakhs and a floor area of 4000 to 5000 sq.ft.
Hero MotoCorp provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, inventory, and technology. Hero MotoCorp also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
9. Patanjali Ayurved
Patanjali Ayurved is India’s leading FMCG and ayurvedic company, offering a wide range of products such as food, beverages, personal care, health care, home care, and more. Patanjali Ayurved also operates over 5000 outlets across the country, providing customers with natural, organic, and quality products
It is a prominent Indian consumer goods and healthcare company founded by yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. It has gained significant popularity for promoting natural and Ayurvedic products. Patanjali Ayurveda offers a wide range of products including food items, herbal supplements, personal care products, and more.
Franchise opportunities are available for individuals interested in becoming authorized distributors or retailers of Patanjali products. The company’s franchise models may vary, including Patanjali Mega Store, Patanjali Chikitsalaya (clinics), and Patanjali Arogya Kendra (wellness centers).
10. Eurokids
Eurokids is India’s leading preschool chain, offering a range of programs such as playgroup, nursery, kindergarten, and after-school activities. Also operates over 1000 centers across the country, providing children with a safe, fun, and stimulating learning environment.
It is a low-investment and high-growth franchise opportunity in India, as it requires minimal investment and infrastructure. The company offers only one type of franchise model: Franchise Center. It Franchise Center requires an investment of Rs 10 to 15 lakhs and a floor area of 1500 to 2000 sq. ft.
It provides franchisees with complete support in terms of training, marketing, curriculum, and technology. Also offers attractive margins and incentives to its franchise partners, making it one of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India.
Consider Building Your Own Online Brand
While franchising offers many benefits, it might not be the right fit for everyone. If you’re interested in creating your own brand and having more control over your business, consider using an eCommerce store builder like OrderZ.
It offers a user-friendly platform that allows you to create a professional online store without any coding knowledge. With OrderZ, you can:
- Choose from a wide range of templates and customize your store’s design to match your brand.
- Add a variety of products to your store, including physical and digital goods.
- Manage your inventory, orders, and shipping easily.
- Accept payments from customers securely.
- Track your store’s performance and gain valuable insights.
Conclusion
These are some of the best non-food franchise opportunities in India that you can explore in 2024. However, before you decide to invest in any of these franchises, you should do your own research and due diligence. You should also consult with a franchise expert or a lawyer to understand the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement. Franchising is a rewarding and challenging way of doing business, but it also involves risks and responsibilities. Therefore, you should be prepared to work hard and smart to make your franchise a success.
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of opening a non-food franchise in India?
The blog post highlights several benefits of non-food franchises in India, including:
- Reduced risk and involvement compared to starting a business from scratch
- Leverage established brand name and reputation
- Access to training, marketing support, and technology from the franchisor
- Potentially lower investment compared to some food franchises
2. What are some of the key factors to consider before choosing a non-food franchise in India?
The blog post doesn’t delve into specific factors, but common considerations for any franchise include:
- Your budget and risk tolerance
- The franchise brand’s reputation and track record
- The demand for the franchise’s products or services in your target market
- The terms of the franchise agreement, including fees, royalties, and restrictions
- The level of support provided by the franchisor
3. Are there any non-food franchise opportunities suitable for home-based businesses?
The blog post mentions one example: MakeMyTrip Holiday Expert, which can be operated from a home office with a laptop and internet connection. However, most franchises require a physical storefront or outlet to operate.
4. What are some alternatives to franchising for starting a non-food business in India?
The blog post briefly mentions building your own online brand using an eCommerce platform like OrderZ. This allows for more control over your business but requires effort in brand building, marketing, and technology. Other alternatives could include starting a local, independent business or seeking a business loan to launch a new venture.