“Franchising is a safe biz model”

Share your entrepreneurial journey. What motivated you to take franchise for the brand?

I have been associated with Baggit since 2003. I was a designer and merchandiser at Baggit. I had to go on sabbatical for personal reasons and instead of rejoining the company I decided to take the plunge and become an entrepreneur. Having already worked with Baggit and knowing first-hand what the company stood for it did not take me long to zero in on Baggit and renew my association with the company in the role of a franchisee. Baggit team takes up dedicated efforts to ensure that each member of their team grows with them. They value my feedback and always support and work with me to ensure we meet and beat our own sales target year on year.

According to you, what is the most important element to be a successful franchisee?

As a franchisee, I have been associated with brand since 2007. The success of a franchisee is the outcome of the kept brand promises and brand values coupled with relevant marketing campaigns to support it and make it a successful brand. A franchisee must function in line with the brand value, guidelines and philosophy. It is also important for a franchisee to understand the brand's history, important milestones, marketing initiatives and plans which results in the success of the franchisee. Also, the brand expects a franchisee to reflect the passion towards the brand, understanding the market needs, trends and insights.

Where do you see yourself five years down the line?

My experience with Baggit has been very positive and encouraging. I now have plans to continue further with the same brand as it grows by leaps and bounds in the coming years. I started with one franchise and within a few years have grown to three.

What kind of training and support does your franchisor offers you?

There are regular trainings such as IT training, front-end training, customer service, marketing and other structural trainings. Baggit as a franchisor from the fashion accessory vertical also provides more than the above regular trainings such as trend analysis, colour therapy, visual merchandising and product training. Baggit also shares the important market knowledge with franchisees which helps them to enhance the retail experience.

Any advice to budding entrepreneurs.

Indian women have a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship. I would encourage them to explore their potential and work for themselves. Franchising is a safe business and the risk cover is taken by the brand. So, just plan and go for it.

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