Supermarket Franchise Models in India: The Complete Guide
Supermarket franchise models in India are growing at a rapid speed by making their way into tier-2 & even tier-3 cities. Though COVID-19 seriously slowed down the speed of the Indian market, things are quite well going now. The tier-2 & tier-3 people are now becoming more choosy about their grocery items. Packaged food is becoming more popular and therefore opening the doors of supermarket and franchise businesses to enter. It’s the perfect time to start an organized retail & supermarket chain in India when so many opportunities are coming for new businesses. Looking to start a franchise business? You must understand the franchise models to choose the right one for the targeted market and to make it work in your favour. What is the Supermarket Franchise Model? A supermarket franchise model refers to a chain of stores which uses the same trademark as the parent store or company. This business model allows other store owners to work under the brand name of a business, trademark, brand, or business system which holds the whole trade system and ownership. In exchange, the franchisees pay a certain amount of fees based on their sales or a fixed amount to the franchisor. This model allows the store franchisees to enjoy the benefits of an established brand instead of going through complex legal procedures for starting a brand. An established brand, business operational system, and enterprise-level support system let franchisors get the best deals in the market and have a chance to expand business diversity as well as make more profit. Types of Supermarket Franchise Models: We can divide supermarket franchise models into four major categories. Most of the businesses that are currently tapping into the franchise market select one of the below-listed types. 1. Franchise Owned Franchise Operated (FOFO) This model allows franchisors to make decisions on the local level, making the store in an area dependent on strategies while benefiting from brand value. Localized decisions help the franchise take and curate their strategies around marketing & sales for their businesses. Examples of major chains: Subway, KFCs, Burger King Dunkin Pros: Franchises allow you to make decisions based on local circumstances. It allows the franchise to leverage established brand recognition and equity from the market. The store owners are allowed to gain benefits from the brand’s system and guidance in the business. Offers flexibility to tailor marketing strategies for the local areas. Provide access to franchise best practices and knowledge to the business. Cons: Lack of control can bring havoc in individual franchise centres. The success of the overall brand is dependent on franchise success, where freedom of localisation can be a risk. Standard training can be challenging to offer to each franchisee. High royalty fees may affect the overall profitability of the individual franchisees. Franchise models generally have a standard product list. This, despite offering local curation, mainly limits the innovative ideas in products. Legal issues can arise between the two parties. There is a risk to the brand image of the business. Also Read: What to Look for in a Supermarket Franchise Agreement? 2. Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) Company-owned company operated model of franchise business refers to a business system where the owner or the brand has complete control over its outlets and stores in a wide area. The brand decides on marketing strategies, products & services as well as curates opportunities and strategies according to local market circumstances. Example of major chains: Apple Stores Starbucks Zara (Inditex) McDonald’s Tesla Pros: Offer better quality control over operations, professionalism and quality. Maintains a uniform brand image and customer experience regardless of location. Offer better control on profits, leading to better financial potential for reinvestment. The franchisor operates the stores directly. The franchisor has complete control over everyday operations. The franchisor is directly accountable for everything. Cons: Need high investment to set up and run the outlets all by franchisor. It offers limited expansion speed, which may slow business comparatively. Managing too many outlets directly can cause havoc and may require strong infrastructure. Offers limited understanding of and opportunities from the local market and limits adaptability. There is a challenge to operations across all outlets, posing a higher risk. 3. Company Owned Franchise Operated (COFO) In this business model, the franchisor owns a store but appoints a franchise to maintain the decorum and business operations. All the operations and business strategies are under the control of the franchisor, which offers real brand recognition and direct control, but a franchise is there to operate everything on the ground. Example major chains: Call centre franchises work on this model. Pros: The store is completely operational under the franchisor. The franchise is there to maintain the day-to-day operations. Franchisees invest in the business. Offer zero operational expenses as there are entrepreneurs to do so. Franchise operators on the franchisor’s guidelines and system. Offer the benefit of a franchisor’s brand image and recognition in the market. The franchisor offers support training and operational guidelines to face any situations in business. Cons: There is a potential conflict of interest between the franchisor & the franchisees. Franchisees might feel over-controlled by the owner. Offering consistent brand standards and excellent customer experience at all places can be challenging. The owner may face difficulties in allocating resources effectively in different outlets. Inconsistent practices may harm the brand image. Also Read: An Ultimate Guide: How to Open a Kirana Store 4. Franchise Owned Company Operated (COFO) The old company-operated franchise model refers to a system where the franchise owns the store as well as oversees day-to-day operations. Franchisees invest in the business and enjoy the benefits from pre-established recognition of the brand while the franchisor controls the business operations. Example Major Chains: Ferns & Petals. ClearDekho Kalyan Jewellers McDonald’s 7Heven Pros: Offers the stores to enjoy brand recognition and early trust companionship. Franchise managers do the day-to-day operations, so the franchise doesn’t have much to worry about. Ensures brand standards or operational consistency throughout all the brand outlets. The franchisor provides
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