Admit it. You’re probably itching to start a business. And if you are, you’ve probably considered taking the franchising route. Who wouldn’t, given the upsides of such a move?
But before you get your feet wet, it’s vital to research your prospects to understand what you’re getting into. And if ice cream is your thing, you might want to check out Naturals Ice Cream. That aside, finding a good ice cream franchise shouldn’t be a matter of chance. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know when seeking a Naturals franchise opportunity – how to get in on the action in 2022. But before we delve deeper…
Some Background Info
Naturals are one of India’s most popular ice cream brands and started operations in Bengaluru in 1984. The company now has 135+ outlets across the country serving more than 100 ice cream flavors crafted from real fresh fruits. Their other selling points include affordable pricing. They also use in-season fruits at different times of the year to keep costs low.
Naturals also boast of transparent operations, which means being forthright about what they put in their products and how they run the business. And if your customers are screaming for ice cream, you can satisfy their sweet tooth by offering cups, cones, or boxes of their favorite Naturals Ice Cream flavor.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door
Generally, every franchise has a list of requirements you need to fulfill before they allow you into their network. The same case applies to Naturals, but they’ve made it easy for potential franchisees. Let’s split these requirements into two, as detailed below:
- Space
To operate a commercial brick-and-mortar business, it goes without saying that you need a physical space. Naturals prefer between 200 and 500 sq. ft. to set up the store. Ideally, it would help if you locate your business in a retail or prime spot with good foot traffic. Preferably, a location close to your target consumers, such as in a shopping mall, college campus, or high street, would be ideal.
- Documentation
When a franchisor considers awarding a franchise to a potential franchisee, they request certain documentation to help them make an informed decision. Such documentation usually varies from one franchisor to the next. But ideally, the franchisor wants to see that the franchisee clearly knows what they are doing and has the financial means to support the franchise.
The franchisor may also avail documentation to qualified candidates. Generally, you’ll need the following documents before rolling out your operations:
- FSSAI copy: This is a must-have for a food-related business. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body that regulates and supervises food safety in the country. If you meet the selection criteria, Natural’s will grant you a copy of the certification to streamline your operations.
- GST registration: GST is a value-added tax levied on manufacturing, selling, and consuming goods and services in India. All businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs 20 lakhs must register for GST. Fortunately, Naturals can help with registration once they select you as a franchisee. You can apply for registration on the GST portal.
- Aadhaar card and PAN: You’ll need to provide a self-attested photocopy of your PAN and Aadhaar card. These documents are necessary for the KYC process.
- Rental agreement: If you’re renting the space for your outlet, Naturals will need to see a copy of your rental agreement.
- Franchise agreement: After fulfilling the abovementioned requirements, you and the franchisor can sign a franchise agreement. This document stipulates the terms of the relationship between you and the franchisor. It also outlines both parties’ duties, expectations, and roles to ensure a smooth-sailing relationship.
Application
The best way to start the process is by filling out an application form on the Naturals official website. You may also contact the firm by emailing them.
Once you’re on the site, select the clickable ‘Franchise Enquiry’ text. The franchise application form will appear. Then, key in your company or personal information, experience, and other nitty gritty. Include all the relevant information to help the firm’s representatives assess your viability as a franchisee. Once you do, you can hit the submit button.
After evaluating your application, the franchisor’s team will notify you if you qualify for the next stage. The subsequent round entails an interview with the franchisor’s team to better know you and your business goals. And if all goes well, you’ll be one step closer to establishing a Naturals franchise outlet.
Clearly, the application process is the easy part. Note that you need to meet the firm’s financial requirements – a topic we can explore some other time, perhaps? All the same, a Naturals Ice Cream franchise opportunity could be the break you need.