FRANCHISING OUT OF THE BOX

Ever heard of a franchise opportunity in the school photography business? Ever thought of associating with a pest control management company? Ever fancied partnering with a home fragrances firm? No? About time, you give such opportunities a serious thought. Because with changing times, new business concepts are hitting the market; creating a demand for the ideas they propagate. Sample these:

‘Picture perfect’ profits!

Turning a new leaf in the field of school photography, Kodak, the memory keeper for generations, is out with a new idea- Kodak Wonder Years Program.

With this, Kodak is foraying into school photography which has largely remained unchanged over the decades- just a class group picture. Kodak Wonder Years (KWY) Program aims to transform school photography in India by combining Kodak's expertise in digital image capture, unique software platform and latest printing technology. The brand aims to provide a range of personalised memory products through this venture.

With its extensive knowledge in portrait picture taking, workflow, imaging software and variable data digital printing, Kodak wants to offer high end packages that can be customised for each child and school. Parents will also have the option to buy additional products like ID pictures, photo merchandise and other image-based products that include portraits of their children.

KWY is associated with leading preschool chains, K-12 schools and institutions in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi, Pune and Ahmedabad; and has 8 franchise offices. Kodak Wonder Years Program seeks passionate partners to take their business to various parts of the country and promises adequate training and support to its franchisees.

“Kodak Wonder Years Program is looking for suitable franchisees as entry into schools needs local contacts. Local entrepreneurs having an existing school business can enable faster access to the institutions. The business is operationally intensive in nature and we feel having the right franchisees will make us competitive and nimble footed”, says PN Raghuvir, Country Business Manager-Consumer Photo Services, Kodak India. Franchisees can also look forward to benefiting from Kodak's rich heritage, goodwill, technology and consumer trust. The brand has been in India for the past 100 years and is synonymous with photography and memories.

‘Sweet smell’ of success

Exotic fragrances, straight from UK, are here to entice you. With an array of assorted fragrances in its portfolio and plans to let them waft through the country, Rosemoore is offering lucrative franchise opportunities. Providing 'luxury at an affordable price', Rosemoore is the first UK brand in this segment to have entered the Indian market. It is also the only brand in India that offers an array of fragrances across 12 products. Incepted in 2008, Rosemoore is a premium home fragrance company offering a new and holistic concept of fragrances at home to the Indians, first of its kind.

The fragrances, products and packaging are all designed in the UK. Already present in 31 countries, the company entered the Indian waters with lot of confidence and set base in the national capital of Delhi. With encouraging response to the 2 company owned outlets, the brand wants to expand further in the country, via franchising. “Our target is to open 200 outlets across India in next 2 years. It is only possible if we reach our target customers quickly. Franchising is the best way to reach out in the fastest possible manner, since company owned outlets require a lot of investment”, says Ankit Kansal, Managing Director, Rosemoore India.

For a fee of Rs 2 lakh, Rosemoore is offering franchise pan India, in both kiosk format and small-sized format. Investment required for these formats is Rs 10,00,000 and Rs 20,00,000 respectively.

‘Bug out’, profits in!

With a vision to provide a healthy and hygienic environment to its customers, ISS Hicare Pvt Ltd, one of India's largest organised pest management service provider, came into being in 2003. The brand started franchising 9 years back and boasts of over 50 service centers across India today (25 franchise units and 34 company owned outlets). It offers complete pest management solutions for commercial as well as residential premises.

Over the years, the brand has acquired a million customers across the country and takes pride in having served some of the most prestigious B2B clients in the F&B, hospitality, aviation and other sectors.The brand is offering franchise opportunity pan India, for a fee of Rs 5 lakh approximately. It promises full support and training to its franchise partners. Franchisees can look forward to benefiting from ISS Hicare's pan India presence and proven business practices. Low startup capital and the fact that services is one of the fastest growing sectors in India should also work in the favour of the franchisees.

“Being a local, franchisee understands the customers' requirements better and thereby, ensures a better customer experience. The franchisee model helps in a faster scale up of business and better expansion, across the country”, says Joydeep Sarkar, COO, ISS Hicare Pvt Ltd.

With receptivity towards out-of-the-box ideas and innovative concepts increasing, with Indian consumer shedding inhibition and gearing up to experiment with his/her choices, with specialisation becoming an indispensible ingredient for a successful business and convenience becoming the king; associating with such unique business opportunities can prove to be a prudent move. Franchisees can look forward to availing early bird advantages.

ISS Hicare franchise facts