Owning a franchise can be a great way for aspiring entrepreneurs to step into the world of business. Franchises come with a proven business model, established brand reputation, and ongoing support from the parent company, which makes it ideal for beginners. In India, the franchise industry is booming across various sectors, from food and retail to education and wellness. If you’re a first-time business owner looking to invest in a franchise, this guide will help you navigate some of the best franchises to own in India for beginners.

Why Consider Owning a Franchise?

For beginners, owning a franchise provides several advantages:

Established Brand: You don’t have to build a brand from scratch.
Proven Business Model: A franchise offers a well-established model that has been tested for success.
Training and Support: Most franchises provide training, marketing, and operational support, which is helpful for those new to the business world.
Lower Risk: Franchises typically have a lower failure rate compared to independent businesses due to their established systems and brand recognition.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Franchise

Before jumping into a franchise investment, there are a few important considerations:

Initial Investment: How much capital do you need to start? Some franchises require a high initial investment, while others are more affordable for beginners.
Franchise Fees and Royalties: Know what percentage of your revenue goes to the franchisor.
Brand Reputation: Research the franchise’s reputation and market presence.
Ongoing Support: Check the level of ongoing training, marketing, and operational support the franchise provides.
Location: Certain franchises thrive in particular regions. Make sure the franchise you choose suits your local market.

Best Franchises to Own for Beginners in India

1. Domino’s Pizza

Industry: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR)
Initial Investment: ₹30 – ₹50 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹10 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: Domino’s has strong brand recognition, extensive training, and ongoing operational support. As a food franchise, it benefits from high demand in urban and semi-urban areas in India. For beginners in the food industry, Domino’s provides a proven and successful model.

2. FirstCry

Industry: Retail (Baby and Kids Products)
Initial Investment: ₹20 – ₹30 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: FirstCry is a leader in the baby products industry, which has a growing demand in India. They offer a low-risk franchise model with extensive support in product sourcing, inventory management, and marketing. It’s ideal for first-time business owners interested in retail.

3. Dr. Batra’s Clinic

Industry: Healthcare and Wellness
Initial Investment: ₹20 – ₹30 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹5 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: Dr. Batra’s is a trusted name in the healthcare and homeopathy sectors in India. With growing awareness about holistic wellness and alternative medicine, this franchise offers a great entry point for entrepreneurs passionate about healthcare.

4. Lenskart

Industry: Retail (Eyewear)
Initial Investment: ₹30 – ₹35 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: Lenskart has revolutionized the eyewear industry in India with its combination of offline and online business models. The company offers excellent training and marketing support, making it easy for beginners to tap into the profitable eyewear market.

5. Kidzee

Industry: Education (Preschool)
Initial Investment: ₹12 – ₹15 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹1.5 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: Kidzee is one of India’s largest preschool chains and has a strong reputation in the education sector. As a low-investment franchise, it is ideal for those looking to get into the education business. Kidzee provides extensive training, curriculum support, and administrative assistance, making it an attractive option for beginners.

6. Urban Company

Industry: Home Services
Initial Investment: ₹10 – ₹12 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap) is a leader in the home services industry, offering everything from cleaning to beauty services. With a relatively low investment and high demand for home services, this franchise is an excellent option for first-time entrepreneurs. It also offers substantial training and support.

7. KFC

Industry: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR)
Initial Investment: ₹1 – ₹2 Crores
Franchise Fee: ₹36 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: KFC is a globally recognized brand with a well-established business model. While the investment required is high, the returns can be substantial. KFC’s franchising model offers strong operational support, ensuring that even beginners can run a successful fast-food outlet.

8. DTDC Courier and Cargo Ltd.

Industry: Logistics and Courier
Initial Investment: ₹1.5 – ₹2 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹1 Lakh
Why It’s Good for Beginners: With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, the logistics industry is booming in India. DTDC is one of the country’s largest courier companies, offering a low-investment and low-risk franchise model. Their comprehensive training and easy operational processes make it a great entry-level franchise for beginners.

9. Naturals Salon & Spa

Industry: Beauty and Wellness
Initial Investment: ₹50 – ₹60 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: ₹5 Lakhs
Why It’s Good for Beginners: Naturals is one of India’s leading salon chains with a strong reputation in the beauty and wellness industry. They offer an extensive training program and operational support, making it a good choice for first-time franchise owners interested in the beauty sector.

10. Amul Ice Cream

Industry: Dairy and Food
Initial Investment: ₹2 – ₹5 Lakhs
Franchise Fee: None (Amul follows a no-franchise fee model)
Why It’s Good for Beginners: Amul, a well-known dairy brand, offers franchise opportunities for its ice cream and other dairy products. The investment is relatively low, and Amul’s strong brand presence ensures steady customer flow. It’s perfect for beginners looking to start with a low-cost, low-risk business.

For beginners, owning a franchise can be a highly rewarding venture. The key is to choose a franchise that aligns with your interests, skill set, and budget. The franchises mentioned above offer a range of investment options, extensive training, and ongoing support, making them ideal for first-time business owners in India. Be sure to research each option thoroughly, consider your local market, and evaluate the franchise’s growth potential before making a decision.

By selecting the right franchise, you can significantly reduce the risk of business failure while enjoying the benefits of being part of a well-established brand.

Best Franchises to own for beginners in India