26 Most Profitable Franchise Business Opportunities In India

The franchise industry in India has been witnessing significant growth, with over 300 new franchise companies starting up every year. According to industry statistics, the India franchise business is expected to reach USD 140-150 billion in the next five years. Multi-unit franchisees account for 53% of all franchises in the country.

The franchise business model has become a popular choice for brands looking to expand their operations in India, and there are numerous low-cost franchise opportunities available in the market. With its large consumer base, India offers immense potential for profitable franchise businesses, benefiting both franchisors and franchisees.

Currently, there are around 4,600 active franchisors operating across various sectors in India.

Many successful entrepreneurs have opted for the franchise model, which has enabled them to achieve their business goals and build thriving enterprises.

If you're wondering which franchises offer the most profitable returns, you may find it helpful to explore the 26 most profitable franchise options available in India, as outlined in our post.

What is a Franchise Business?
Best Low Cost Franchise Business Opportunities in India
Top 12 Profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India

1. Tumbledry
2. Subway
3. Giani’s
4. Jawed Habib Hair and Beauty Ltd.
5. InXpress
6. DTDC Courier And Cargo Ltd.
7. Lenskart
8. FabIndia
9. Pepperfry
10. Kake di Hatti
11. EuroKids
12. Affinity Salon
13. Kalyan Jewellers
14. Lakme
15. KFC
16. Jockey
17. Hero MotoCorp
18. Domino's
19. McDonald's
20. FirstCry
21. VLCC
22. Kathi Junction
23. Kidzee
24. Dr. Lal PathLabs
25. Amul
26. Delhivery

What is a Franchise Business?

Ever wondered why there are so many foreign brands in the Indian market? The answer is franchise business. It is one of the primary channels through which international businesses and brands have gained strength in the Indian market.

A franchise business is a type of business model in which an individual or company (known as the franchisor) grants the rights to use their business name, products, and services to another individual or company (known as the franchisee) in exchange for a fee and ongoing royalties.

The profits of owning and selling a franchise go both ways; the franchisor and franchisee reap benefits. Once the franchisee gets access to the brand’s loyal consumer base, creative support, legal counsel, and training support, the franchisor can further expand the business in untapped markets, thereby increasing the market share and revenues.

Before stepping into this model, it’s essential that investors and businesses thoroughly research their potential business partners before signing the dotted line. For investors, it is probably safer to stick to established names and brands.

There is a rumor that the franchise model requires a huge investment. Let's clear this misconception. Franchising is the most profitable and feasible form of business opportunity; one needs to know how to obtain a franchise. You can easily start a franchise for INR 1 lakh.

Best Low Cost Franchise Business Opportunities in India

Here are listed some of the most profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India (Under INR 10 Lakhs):

Profitable Franchise to apply for:

Top 12 Profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India

Tumbledry

Recognized among the "Top 10 Retail Start-Ups-2021" by CEO Insights, Tumbledry is the largest laundry and dry clean chain in India with 250+ stores across 75+ cities. Started by veteran industry experts with 25+ years of experience across reputed organizations like Airtel, Britannia, and Reliance, Tumbledry is an e-commerce organization founded with a mission to solve the laundry woes of half a billion urban Indians.

Laundry, a latent problem persisting for an extended period, has found a solution with Tumbledry, recognized as one of the the best franchise business. Opening live laundry stores, Tumbledry ensures world-class services within every 3km radius in urban India. The seamless integration of store operations with customer mobile apps enhances convenience. Tumbledry stores go beyond laundry, extending services to dry cleaning, shoe cleaning, shoe repair, bag cleaning, bag repair, and carpet cleaning, offering a comprehensive solution for various needs.

All You Need To Know About Franchising Your Business - Tips & Tricks

If you have an independent venture that can be effectively imitated, through this article we will tell you how to research a franchise effectively.

StartupTalkyAnkana Bhowmik

Subway

Subway is the largest sub-sandwich chain in the world. Subway was started by Fred DeLucea in 1965 to help pay his college tuition fees. Subway's mission is to provide service of the highest quality to its customers at affordable prices, something that every brand abides by nowadays.

Today, Subway is one of the few mainstream fast-food joints that thrive on the promotion of a range of healthy food options. With salads and endless sandwich combinations on a variety of breads such as whole wheat, multigrain, and gluten-free variants, Subway has created a loyal customer base in the process. Today, it is recognized in the beverage and food segment as one of the best franchise businesses in India.

List of Top Bakery/Cake Franchises in India

The bakery business in India is highly profitable. Here is a cake/bakery franchise list for you to check out.

StartupTalkyVibhavari Madki

Giani’s

Giani’s is one of the oldest ice cream parlors in India. It was founded by Giani Gurcharan Singh in 1956. When he launched Giani di Hatti amidst the bazaars of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, it only had rabri, faluda, and mango shake, which won countless hearts at that time. Giani's has become unstoppable since then.

Giani’s went on to launch several company-owned and franchise outlets in Northern India and experienced big returns on its investment. Today, It is among the best franchises to own in India that offers huge returns on a relatively small investment in the Beverages and Food segment.

Best Ice Cream Franchise Businesses in India for 2021

Wondering how to start an ice-cream business in India or want to explore ice cream franchises. Here is a list to get an overview to help you choose from.

StartupTalkySarika Anand

Jawed Habib Hair and Beauty Ltd.

'Jawed Habib' is a hair grooming and wellness brand founded by Jawed Habib. Jawed comes from a family of barbers; thus, haircutting was not new to him. His grandfather was the barber of famous dignitaries such as Lord Mountbatten and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Following their legacy, Jawed’s father was appointed as Rashtrapati Bhawan's official hairstylist.

However, Jawed Habib had different plans and wanted to establish his brand nationwide. He succeeded in his entrepreneurial endeavors and also played a crucial role in changing the paradigmatic view of a barber. Jawed transformed the image of an ordinary barber into that of a glamorous hairdresser.

Top 15 Salon Franchise in India you should consider in 2022

Salon franchise is one of the most profitable businesses in India. If you want to start a franchise here are Top 15 Salon Franchises to consider.

StartupTalkyPooja Uniyal

InXpress

InXpress has partnerships with world-class carriers that handle pick-ups and deliveries. InXpress determines the right carrier and service option for customers' requirements at economical prices. The brand gives entrepreneurs the setup to build a flexible business with the support of a global franchise system and is also among the low-cost franchise businesses.

Best Courier & Delivery Franchise Businesses in India 2021

Ecommerce shipping is a booming business opportunity. Check out the Top Courier and Delivery Franchise Business in India 2021!

StartupTalkySouvik Dey

DTDC Courier And Cargo Ltd.

Subhashish Chakraborty is the founder, chairman, and managing director of DTDC Courier and Cargo Ltd. The brand came into being in Bangalore in 1990 and has over 1000 franchise units in India today, bringing a wonderful franchise business opportunity for the enthusiasts out there. DTDC pioneered the franchise-based model in the express industry and is still deemed as the company with the top franchise opportunities.

Lenskart

Lenskart is one of the fastest-growing eyewear brands in India. It operates both online and offline. Lenskart was founded by Peyush Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi as an online portal for contact lenses in 2010. In 2011, eyeglasses and sunglasses were also added to the range. The brand didn’t stop there; it ventured into launching offline stores to expand its retail footprint.

As of now, the expansion plan is focused on increasing the number of offline outlets to 500 from the existing 330 outlets. With the demand for vision correction that Lenskart brings to the scene, the company is thus aiming to be one of the highest-profit franchises.

FabIndia

FabIndia was founded by John Bissell in 1960 and has become a household name today. It is loved by all age groups alike. FabIndia has crossed the INR 1,000 crore sales mark to become the largest retail apparel brand in India; it is significantly ahead of competitors like Zara and Levi’s India. The brand stays true to its original essence of embracing and propagating Indian culture through apparel and other products. FabIndia has been adding new categories of products consistently.

Top 15 Clothing Franchise Businesses in India in 2021

Clothing franchise is one of the most lucrative franchise business in India, So here are Top 15 Clothing Franchise Businesses in India you must consider.

StartupTalkyPooja Uniyal

Pepperfry

Established in 2011, Pepperfry is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, as an online furniture business that operates 60+ physical stores or Pepperfry studios spread across 28+ cities, along with operating as an online e-commerce store. The company launched its Franchisee Program in September 2017 and is currently operating 20+ FOFO Studios across many Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mysore, Hubbali, Indore, Goa, Lucknow, and more.

Kake di Hatti

Kake di Hatti is an inter-generational restaurant that has been running successfully for more than seven decades. It began as a small shop in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk in 1942 and soon turned into a household name. Kake di Hatti has garnered loyal customers due to its high-quality eatables. Kake di Hatti gives out franchise licenses only after ensuring that the franchise owner will be able to maintain the high-quality standards for which the restaurant is known.

EuroKids

EuroKids is one of the most prominent preschool chains in India and has also grown to be among the best franchises with low investment. It was founded by Prajodh Rajan and Vikas Phadnis in 2001, and it was their ‘child first’ ideology that led to the success of EuroKids. EuroKids has come a long way from being a publishing company to a full-fledged playschool chain that parents nationwide have bestowed their trust in. With over 1000 preschool centers in more than 350 cities across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the brand has created a stellar reputation for itself as a perfect place for nurturing young minds. It endeavors to fully utilize this growth by investing INR 500 crores in setting up nearly 2,000 more schools in many more cities.

The preschool sector in India has witnessed steady growth over the years and is expected to grow at a compound rate of approximately 32% in the next 3-4 years.

Top 10 School Franchise Businesses in India in 2021

If you are planning to invest in a school franchise or starting your own. Here are Top 10 School Franchise in India.

StartupTalkyPooja Uniyal

Affinity Salon

Vishal Sharma founded the Affinity Salon group in 1992. Sophisticated and experienced staff coupled with luxurious, upmarket interiors and an international range of beauty products distinguish Affinity Salon from its competitors. The brand has also secured a place among the Top 100 Best Salons of the World in the Salon Red Book.

The unisex salon franchise has set a benchmark for delivering global standards of hair care and beauty services in the country. Affinity Salon has seen steady growth and maintains nearly one hundred outlets in India. It plans to expand its outreach to many other Indian cities due to the increasing demand for unisex salons.

Kalyan Jewellers

Established by T.S. Kalyanaraman in 1993, Kalyan Jewellers stands as a shining testament to trust and craftsmanship in India. With over 235 showrooms across India and the Middle East, this jewelry giant offers a captivating array of gold, diamond, and precious stone ornaments for various occasions. Beyond its expansive reach, Kalyan Jewellers embodies a narrative of forging lasting connections grounded in core values of transparency, authenticity, and fair pricing. Originating from humble roots in Thrissur, Kerala, Kalyan Jewellers has evolved into a reputable destination for commemorating life's significant moments, leaving a radiant legacy that extends beyond the borders of India.

Lakme

Lakmé, an iconic Indian beauty brand, has a rich heritage linked to Hindustan Unilever, but it doesn't have a single founder. Since its launch in 1956, Lakmé has transformed into a multifaceted powerhouse, offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare products, and salon services.

Lakmé has over 350+ franchised salons spread across India, offering a haven for beauty enthusiasts who seek expert care and pampering. This vast network is a testament to the brand's successful franchise business model, where passionate entrepreneurs partner with Lakmé to bring its signature experience to local communities.

KFC

KFC, the Colonel's finger-lickin' good empire, owes its beginnings to Harland Sanders, a man who turned his love for the fried chicken into a global phenomenon. Colonel Sanders, with his iconic white suit and goatee, started KFC in 1930 in Corbin, Kentucky, and it has since become a fast-food icon with over 800 outlets in India alone.

KFC's franchise model, recognized as the most profitable franchise in India, is a major driver of its success. The company operates through a mix of company-owned and franchised outlets, with the majority being franchised. This allows KFC to expand rapidly and tap into local expertise while mitigating risks associated with running its own stores. The franchise model has also been instrumental in bringing KFC's signature fried chicken to every corner of India, making it a beloved part of the country's culinary landscape.

Biggest Fast-Food Restaurant Chains in the World

Restaurant Chains offer quality food & ambiance to attract consumers. Here is the list of popular and biggest restaurant chains in the world.

StartupTalkyMuskaan Kapoor

Jockey

Jockey, a household name in comfortable undergarments, traces its roots back to 1876 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA. Founded by Samuel W. Cooper, initially as a hosiery manufacturer, Jockey revolutionized undergarments with the introduction of its groundbreaking Y-front fit for men's briefs in 1938. Today, Jockey boasts over 50,000 retail outlets globally, but interestingly, it doesn't operate any of them itself! Jockey primarily operates through a robust franchisee model, partnering with experienced retailers to bring its renowned comfort to customers worldwide. This approach has not only fueled its global expansion but also fostered strong local connections in diverse markets.

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp, the king of Indian two-wheelers, traces its roots back to 1984 with the vision of Brijmohan Lall Munjal. Today, it reigns supreme with over 6,000 dealerships and service points across the country, a far cry from its humble beginnings. While Hero doesn't operate a traditional franchisee model, it boasts a vast network of authorized dealerships that bring its iconic Splendors, Xtremes, and Passions to every corner of India, making personal mobility a reality for millions.

Domino's

Dominos, the pizza empire synonymous with speedy delivery, owes its origin to Tom Monaghan and James Monaghan, brothers who bought a single store in 1960. Today, it boasts over 12,000 franchise units, a staggering legacy built on franchising. This model, where Dominos partners with local entrepreneurs, has fueled its global expansion, allowing it to tap into diverse tastes and preferences while maintaining its core promise of hot, delicious pizzas in minutes. So, next time you bite into a Domino's slice, remember, it's not just a pizza; it's a testament to the power of franchising and the shared dream of two brothers.

How to Start a Domino’s Franchise in India? Its Requirements?

Domino’s franchise is one of the most successful franchises in India. Learn how to start a Domino’s franchise, its benefits and requirements.

StartupTalkyAnanya Mukherjee

McDonald's

While most associate McDonald's with the iconic Ray Kroc, who transformed it into a global behemoth, the foundation was laid by the McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice. In 1940, they revolutionized fast food with their streamlined operation in San Bernardino, California. Today, McDonald's boasts a staggering 40,275 restaurants in over 119 countries, with a fascinating franchise model. While McDonald's owns some locations, a whopping 93% are franchised, offering entrepreneurs a proven system and brand recognition in exchange for fees and royalties. This network of independent franchisees fuels McDonald's immense global reach and success. It is one of the top franchise in India to run.

FirstCry

FirstCry, the leading kid and baby care retail giant in India is the brainchild of Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha, who launched it in 2010. Today, it boasts over 900 stores, including both FirstCry and BabyHug brands, across the country. Their franchisee business offers entrepreneurs a chance to tap into this booming market, with over 350 FirstCry franchise stores dotting over 125 Indian cities. This hybrid model, combining online and offline presence, coupled with their unique "FirstCry Box" program reaching new parents in hospitals, has solidified FirstCry's position as the go-to destination for all things baby and kid in India.

VLCC

Founded by Vandana Luthra in 1989, VLCC has transformed from a single beauty center into the best franchise business in India and a wellness empire with over 330 outlets across 150 cities in 14 countries. This sprawling network, supported by over 3,000 skilled professionals, thrives on a franchisee model, empowering individuals to bring VLCC's signature blend of skincare, beauty, and fitness services to their communities. With its dedication to scientific innovations and affordable solutions, VLCC continues to empower its franchisees and customers to embrace a more fulfilling, beautiful life.

Kathi Junction

Founded in 2009 by a passionate foodie, Kathi Junction has sizzled into becoming India's largest Kathi roll and shawarma chain, with over 160 outlets across 22 states. This quick-service giant, also recognized as a small franchise business in India, built its empire on delectable "Kathi Rolls" - a delicious fusion of traditional recipes and modern twists. But Kathi Junction doesn't stop there; it embraces the entrepreneurial spirit by offering franchise opportunities, allowing food enthusiasts to become part of its flavorful journey, and spreading the magic of Kathi rolls nationwide.

Kidzee

Founded by a visionary educator in 2003, Kidzee has blossomed into the largest preschool chain in Asia, boasting over 1,900 vibrant centers in 750+ Indian and Nepalese cities. Its "Interactive ILLUME" pedagogy nurtures young minds, while its franchisee model empowering entrepreneurs nationwide has made quality early childhood education accessible to over 1.4 million children. Kidzee shines as a testament to both educational excellence and inclusive franchise success.

Dr. Lal PathLabs

Lal PathLabs, a pioneer in India's diagnostic scene, was founded in 1949 by Dr. S.K. Lal with a mission to provide accurate and timely test results. Today, it's a sprawling network of 4500+ patient service centers and 10,000+ hospital and clinical partners, offering a comprehensive range of tests from blood and urine analysis to pathology and imaging. While Dr. Lal PathLabs primarily operates through its own centers, it also has a franchisee model, allowing entrepreneurs to leverage their brand and expertise. This hybrid approach has fueled their impressive growth and reach, making them a trusted healthcare partner for millions across India.

Amul

Amul, a household name synonymous with dairy goodness, owes its origins to the cooperative spirit of Tribhuvandas Patel in 1946. While its iconic "Amul the Butter Girl" graces over 6,000 retail outlets and franchise businesses in India, its true reach extends far beyond. Through a vast network of 10,000+ village milk cooperatives, it empowers millions of farmers, and its franchisee model offers opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to run over 12,000 "Amul Parlours," bringing its delectable dairy delights to every corner of the country. Amul's success lies not just in its products, but in its commitment to farmer welfare and empowering local businesses, making it a true champion of cooperative success.

Top 10 Leading Diary Startups In India in 2022

The dairy industry in India is one of the most profitable industries. So, here’s a look at dairy startups that are leading the industry.

StartupTalkyRoshni Tamta

Delhivery

Founded in 2011 by Sahil Barua, Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani, Suraj Saharan and Kapil Bharati, Delhivery has grown into India's largest e-commerce logistics player, boasting over 1800 retail partner outlets and handling 3 lakh+ shipments daily. While they don't operate a traditional franchise model, they offer unique partnerships with merchants and retailers, providing last-mile delivery solutions and integrated logistics services. So, while you won't find standalone "Delhivery stores," their extensive network seamlessly connects customers and sellers across the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the franchise industry in India is booming, and there are numerous profitable franchise opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, before investing in any franchise, it is essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that you make an informed decision. By selecting the right franchise and following a proven business model, you can enjoy financial stability and success in your entrepreneurial journey. So, if you have the passion and drive to succeed, start exploring the exciting world of franchising today!

FAQs

What is a franchise?

A franchise is one such business which is authorized to allow others, known as "franchisors," to distribute their products and services. Franchise businesses are generally larger businesses/companies empowering their franchisors with numerous business opportunities. In technical terms, the term 'franchise' means the contract that binds the franchisor and the franchisee.

How much does a franchise cost?

When it comes to setting up a franchise in India, one can look for a range between Rs. 1 lakh and 10 lakh, which he/she would need in order to set up a franchise. If you are wondering about low-cost franchises, then you can easily set them up by investing under Rs 2 lakhs. However, a majority of these franchises would be typically home-based. Some of them can be mobile but would be limited to small-scale operations.

What is franchising?

Franchising is the process of marketing and distribution of products and services for a brand/franchise. Franchising includes two levels of people:

• A franchisor
• A franchisee

Which franchise is most profitable in India?

There are numerous franchises in India and around the world that are quite profitable. However, profitability varies from time to time. In the current market scenario, the most profitable ones are:

• Tumbledry
• Subway
• Giani’s
• Jawed Habib Hair and Beauty Ltd.
• InXpress
• DTDC Courier And Cargo Ltd.
• Lenskart
• FabIndia
• Pepperfry
• Kake di Hatti
• EuroKids
• Affinity Salon
• Dr. Lal Pathlabs
• Amul

Which franchise business can I start with INR 20 lakhs in India?

Rs 20 lakhs can be a good amount of money to start a franchise business in India. There is a wide range of sectors that you can check with for the same, including the trading sector, service sector, and more.

Which are the profitable sectors for franchise business in India?

Profitable sectors for franchise business in India are:

• Retail
• Food Service
• Beauty & Wellness
• Healthcare

How is the growth of the franchise industry in India?

The Franchise industry in India is valued at $47 billion. It is expected to reach 140 billion in 2027.