FirstCry Franchise Cost in India: Model, ROI, Eligibility & Steps to Apply

FirstCry, founded in 2010, has become India’s largest omni-channel retailer for baby and kids’ products. With over 1,000+ physical stores and presence in 400+ cities, the company blends e-commerce with offline retail through a franchise system.

The brand offers a FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated) model, giving entrepreneurs full control over store operations while leveraging FirstCry’s logistics, tech, and brand equity.

1. 💸 Investment Breakdown

Starting a FirstCry franchise requires a comprehensive investment across several categories. Here’s a detailed cost table based on trustworthy sources:

Expense Category	Typical Investment (INR)
Franchise Fee	₹2–5 L
Store Setup & Interiors	₹8–15 L
Initial Inventory	₹8–20 L
Branding & Signage	₹1–2 L
Working Capital	₹5 L
Licenses & Miscellaneous	₹1–4 L
Total Initial Investment	₹25–50 L, depending on location & size

Additionally, estimates vary:

• Tier‑1 cities often hit ₹30–50 L.
• Tier‑2/3 might start closer to ₹20–30 L.

Area Requirements:

• 1,000–2,000 sq ft.

2. 🔁 Franchise Model & Fees

FirstCry employs a FOFO format with the following features:

• Franchise Fee: ₹2–5 L one-time.
• Margins & Revenue Share:
  • One source reports a flat 6% revenue share.
  • Another claims FOFO with zero royalty, high margin = revenue share with brand deals.
• Agreement Duration: Usually 5 years, extendable .
• Support Provided:
  • Store layout, tech systems (POS, CRM), staff training
  • Inventory management & logistics
  • Marketing campaigns (digital + in-store)

3. 📈 ROI & Profitability

FirstCry franchises typically deliver solid financial metrics:

• Gross Margin: 30–45%.
• Net Profit Margin: 15–20% after costs.
• Monthly Revenue: ₹10–20 L.
• Monthly Profit: Could be ₹1.5–3 L/net.
• Break-even Timeline: 18–24 months.
• ROI: Estimated at 30–45% annually .

Some variations suggest:

In Tier‑1 cities, total cost ~₹45–65 L yields breakeven in ~2 years.

4. ✅ Eligibility Criteria

The ideal franchisee should:

• Be ≥ 21 years old, with clean legal standing.
• Have ₹25–50 L readily investable capital.
• Secure a commercial space of 1,000–2,000 sq ft, in a high-footfall location.
• Maintain 6–8 employees, including store manager & customer personnel.
• Possess retail/business experience—preferred but not mandatory.
• Comply legally—GST, trade license, FSSAI, etc. .
• Be entrepreneurially committed—daily store-managed operations are required.

5. 🛠️ How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Submit Enquiry: Fill out the franchise form at FirstCry’s official partner portal.
• Preliminary Screening: FirstCry’s team reviews credentials & location feasibility.
• Site Visit: Brand representatives inspect your proposed site.
• Documentation: Submit ID (Aadhar/PAN), GST, lease documents, bank statements, etc.
• Agreement: Sign a 5-year franchise contract.
• Payment & Setup: Pay franchise fee and set up the store with approved contractors and POS systems.
• Training: Attend onboarding programs for staff and management.
• Inventory Ordering: Place the initial stock order through brand backend.
• Launch: Soft launch with local support, followed by grand opening.
• Ongoing Support: Receive marketing, tech, and operational assistance.

⚠️ Risks & Reddit Insights

Franchises in general—and FirstCry included—are not guaranteed win-wins:

“Franchise is risky… managing […] staff jumpers… every brand cornering margins.”

On FirstCry operations:

“I once asked franchise for FirstCry in a tier‑3 municipality total quote came to about 80 L (40 L stock). […] Keep 6 months working capital.”

Customer grievances occasionally surface:

Reports of fake/duplicate baby products, non-returnable skincare, and misleading pricing.

These issues show:

Quality checks and transparent billing are vital.

Strong customer service protocols are essential.

Maintain buffer working capital (~6 months) to manage volatility.

✅ Final Verdict

A FirstCry franchise is a compelling, scalable opportunity in India’s booming baby care market. Start-up investment ranges from ₹25–50 L, with expected profit margins of 15–20% and breakeven in 1.5–2 years, giving potential ROI of 30–45% annually under ideal conditions.

Why it appeals:

• Strong brand equity and market leadership
• Full franchisee control with company support
• Omnichannel presence gives access to both online and offline customers

However, be cautious:

• High investment in inventory and setup
• Requires strong location, staff management, and discipline
• Maintain operational excellence to avoid quality/complaint issues

📌 Next Steps

• Finalize high-footfall location (Delhi/NCR advice available)
• Build a 3-year P&L model reflecting store dynamics
• Prepare a working capital buffer of ~₹15–30 L
• Connect with current franchisees to gather on-ground insights
• Reach out via official FirstCry partner portal to begin application