Are you considering investing in a FirstCry franchise that promises steady growth and a strong brand presence? Look no further! FirstCry franchise is one of Asia’s largest online portals for baby and kids products, offering a diverse range of items including clothing, toys, books, and more. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Firstcry franchise cost, including its brand profile, investment details, profitability, requirements, and whether it’s worth your investment. The FirstCry franchise company‘s commitment to quality, convenience, and customer satisfaction has fueled its expansion, making it a household name in the baby and kids retail segment. Let’s dive in!
Table of the content:
- FirstCry Franchise Brand Profile
- About the Brand
- Brand Recognition
- Retail Presence
- Business Growth
- Things to Consider
- Support and Training
- FirstCry Franchise Investment Details Breakdown
- FirstCry Franchise shops Profitability
- Requirement to open FirstCry Franchise outlets in your locations:
- Space Requirements
- Agreement and Terms
- Business Experience and Skills
- Training and Support
- Documents Required for FirstCry Franchise Application
- What are the steps to start the Firstcry franchise:
- Is the Firstcry Franchise Worth the Investment?
- Advantages of Firstcry franchise outlets:
- Disadvantages of firstcry franchise outlets:
- Firstcry Franchicsee Reviews
- Conclusion
- FAQs:
FirstCry Franchise Brand Profile
| Brand Name: FirstCry |
| Founder Name: Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha |
| Founded Year: 2010 |
| Owned by: BabyOye, BabyOye owned by Mahindra |
| Total Outlets: Over 400 |
| Last Year Revenue: Approximately INR 1200 crore (USD 150 million) |
| Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Brand Ambassador: Amitabh Bachchan |
About the Brand
FirstCry franchise is an Indian e-commerce company specializing in baby and kid’s products. FirstCry Franchise was founded in 2010 by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha. The company operates both online and through physical retail stores, making it a significant player in the baby and kid’s product market in India. The brand’s strong online presence is complemented by a vast network of offline stores, ensuring that it caters to a broad customer base.
In 2016, FirstCry acquired BabyOye, owned by the Mahindra Group, for ₹362 crore (US$53.87 million)
What are the Products and Services: FirstCry Franchise offers a wide range of products, including clothing, toys, books, accessories, baby gear, and maternity products.
Brand Recognition
FirstCry is the largest online portal for baby and kid products in Asia, giving you brand recognition and potentially attracting customers. It stocks products from various well-known national and international brands.
Retail Presence
Online Store: You can shop from the comfort of your home with features like free shipping, cash on delivery, and same-day or next-day delivery options [Baby Products Online India: Newborn Baby Products & Kids Online Shopping at FirstCry.com].
Physical Store: Franchisees gain access to FirstCry’s brand recognition, product range, and support in areas like store setup, marketing, and choosing a location.
Business Growth
Expansion: FirstCry has been expanding rapidly, with a presence in numerous cities across India.
Market Position: It is one of the leading brands in the baby and kid’s products segment, known for its extensive product range and customer-centric approach.
Things to Consider
Investment: The initial investment can be significant.
Operational costs: You’ll need to factor in rent, staff salaries, and other ongoing operational costs.
Success depends on you: While the FirstCry brand helps, running a successful franchise requires your entrepreneurial skills and effort.
Support and Training
Training: Comprehensive training programs are provided for the franchisee and staff.
Marketing: Assistance with marketing and promotional activities to drive store traffic.
FirstCry Franchise Investment Details Breakdown
Starting a FirstCry franchise involves a detailed investment breakdown across various categories.
| Franchise Fee | Initial Setup Cost | Inventory Cost | Working Capital | Total Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INR 5 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs (USD 7,000 to USD 14,000) | INR 20 lakhs to INR 30 lakhs (USD 28,000 to USD 42,000) | INR 15 lakhs to 20 lakhs (USD 21,000 to USD 28,000) | INR 5 lakhs (USD 7,000) | INR 45 lakhs to INR 65 lakhs (USD 63,000 to USD 91,000) |
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FirstCry Franchise shops Profitability
Average Monthly Revenue: Depending on the location and size, a Firstcry franchise can generate an average monthly revenue of INR 10 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs (USD 14,000 to USD 21,000).
Profit Margin: The profit margin typically ranges from 15% to 20%, which can result in a monthly profit of INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 3 lakhs (USD 2,100 to USD 4,200).
Break-even Period: Franchisees can expect to break even within 18 to 24 months, depending on market conditions and operational efficiency.
The initial investment required to open a Firstcry franchise can be significant. This includes the FirstCry Franchise fee, the cost of inventory, and the cost of built-out for the store. The business of selling baby and children’s products is competitive. There are other national and regional chains, as well as independent stores, that you will be competing with for customers.
Requirement to open FirstCry Franchise outlets in your locations:
Space Requirements
Retail Space: A FirstCry franchise store generally requires a retail space of about 1000 to 2000 square feet. The location should be in a prime area, such as a shopping mall or a busy market area, to attract a high footfall of customers.
Agreement and Terms
- Franchise Agreement: Signing a franchise agreement with FirstCry is mandatory. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions, including the duration of the franchise (usually 5 years), renewal options, and other legalities.
- Adherence to Guidelines: Franchisees must adhere to FirstCry’s operational guidelines, including store layout, branding, product display, and customer service standards.
Business Experience and Skills
- Experience: While not always mandatory, having prior experience in retail or the baby and kids’ products industry can be advantageous.
- Skills: Strong business acumen, management skills, and the ability to understand the local market dynamics are essential.
Training and Support
- Initial Training: FirstCry provides initial training to franchisees and their staff. This covers various aspects such as product knowledge, sales techniques, inventory management, and customer service.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous support is provided in areas like marketing, advertising, and supply chain management to ensure the franchisee operates successfully.
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Documents Required for FirstCry Franchise Application
- Identity Proof (Aadhar card, PAN card)
- Address Proof (electricity bill, rental agreement)
- Business Plan should outline your plan for running the franchise, including your marketing strategy, staffing plans, and financial projections.
- Bank Statement (last 6 months)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Property document for the proposed store location
- Personal Details includes your name, contact information, educational background, and business experience
What are the steps to start the Firstcry franchise:
- Initial Research and Contact
Visit the official FirstCry franchise page [FirstCry Franchise Information]. This provides a good overview of the opportunity.
- Fill the franchise applications forms:
Fill out the enquiry form available there. This expresses your interest and initiates contact with FirstCry representatives.
- Franchise Application and Approval:
You’ll then need to submit a formal franchise application which might involve providing details about your background, business experience, and financial resources and they will review your franchise applications forms
- Selection and Agreement
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited for further discussions and may need to attend presentations or interviews.
- Store Setup and Training
You’ll need to secure a suitable location for your store. FirstCry typically requires a space between 1000 to 2000 sq. ft. in a prime commercial location like a mall or high street.
- Store Launch and Ongoing Support
Once the store is set up, trained, and stocked, you’ll be ready for launch. FirstCry might offer assistance with marketing and promotional activities for the initial period.
Even after launch, FirstCry will likely provide ongoing support in areas like inventory management, marketing initiatives, and operational best practices.
Is the Firstcry Franchise Worth the Investment?
Advantages of Firstcry franchise outlets:
Strong Brand Recognition: FirstCry is a well-established brand in India, known for its wide variety of baby and kids products. This brand recognition can give your franchise a built-in customer base and credibility.
Large Product Range: FirstCry offers a vast selection of products for babies and children, including clothing, toys, feeding supplies, furniture, and more. This one-stop-shop approach can be attractive to customers who don’t want to visit multiple stores.
Technology & Supply Chain: Firstcry leverages advanced technology and supply chain management to ensure efficient operations for its franchisees. This can help streamline your business and reduce costs.
Disadvantages of firstcry franchise outlets:
High Initial Investment and Fees: Franchisees often face significant initial investment costs, including franchise fees, setup costs, and inventory purchase. This can be a financial burden, especially for small business owners.
Competition from Online Retailers: With the rise of e-commerce, physical retail stores face stiff competition from online platforms, including FirstCry’s own online store. This can impact foot traffic and sales in brick-and-mortar franchise locations.
Limited Control: As a franchisee, you have less control over pricing, product selection, and marketing compared to running an independent store.
Firstcry Franchicsee Reviews
Conclusion
Owning a FirstCry franchise offers a rewarding opportunity to cater to the needs of parents and children in your community.Owning a FirstCry franchise can be a profitable venture, especially in areas with high demand for baby products. The brand recognition and support from FirstCry can give you a head start. However, consider the investment costs and potential challenges of the retail market before deciding.
FAQs:
The total investment required ranges from INR 45 lakhs to INR 65 lakhs
Franchisees can typically expect to break even within 18 to 24 months.
Firstcry provides support in site selection, store setup, training, marketing, and inventory management.
While prior retail experience is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Firstcry provides comprehensive training to all franchisees.
The profit margins typically range from 15% to 20%.
As of now, Firstcry has over 400 outlets across India.
