FAQ's
Q1. What is a SOTC franchisee?
A franchisee is a partnership wherein the franchisor (SOTC)will grant the franchisee (you), the license to own & operate the franchisor business format using the SOTC trademark. SOTC will help you start & operate the business. Franchisee is the best way to become your own boss taking advantage of the brand equity of the largest holiday brand in India SOTC. Hence minimum risk & maximum business.
Q2. Why should I become a franchisee of SOTC?
With the Indian economy firmly on growth & with higher disposable incomes now available in hands of the Indian consumer, travel is the sun rise industry poised to grow in double digit. And the best way to take advantage of this growth is to associate with India's largest holiday brand SOTC. By associating with SOTC, you get immediate brand recall, a large assortment of travel services to sell, a huge customer demand and the opportunity to earn healthy profits without spending the time & money on building your own brand.
Q3. I do not have any experience in travel industry. Can I still become a franchisee of SOTC?
SOTC is looking out for entrepreneurs who have the passion for travel, high on integrity and willing to putting in effort to grow their business. Having experience in travel industry is not prerequisite. SOTC will train you on how to manage aworld class holiday brand outlet.
Q4. What can I sell from the SOTC franchisee office?
Being part of India's largest travel company Kuoni travel group, SOTC franchisee will have a large assortment of products to sell. The product assortment includes Group tours (World Famous Tours, BhramanMandal and Gurjarvishwadarshan), FIT Holidays (Do-It-Yourself Holidays), Domestic holidays (Holidays of India), MICE (Incentive groups), Trade fairs, Sport abroad, Kuoni academy Study courses, School tours (Kuoni Outlearn), Visa Processing and Marhaba Services though DVMS*, Star Cruises, RCCL Cruise, Louis cruise, Rail Europe, Globus, Cosmos & Avalon waterways, Club Med packages, Hotel accommodation from various online engines, Disneyland & other park tickets, Foreign exchange.
Q5. What is my role as a franchisee?
A franchisee will have to select the right outlet, furnish it, manage opex including rental, telephone charges, conveyance etc, appoint staff and pay for their salaries. Franchisee will have to ensure smooth financial functioning of the outlet. And achieve sales target with help of sales staff.
Q6. What is my total investment?Howmuch return on investment will I get?
Total investment and Return on investment can be projected on basis of your city & location of your outlet. This will be discussed on your meet with SOTC team.
Q7. Howmuch is the Franchise Fee?
There is standard Franchise fee for being an SOTC Kuoni Franchise and this has been based on the town potential and recommended size of the outlet.
Q8. Why is SOTC charging franchisee fees?
Franchisee fees is non refundable brand fees. Franchise fee is also collected to provide marketing support to your outlet. Marketing support will be given over a period of 4 years for generating additional leads.
Q9. What are the benefits of being a SOTC Franchisee?
- Associate with the leading & award winning holiday brand and operate a profit generating business
- Opportunity to sell a range of the best holiday products and Travel related services
- One SOTC incharge who will support you on managing the business. SOTC incharge will be on SOTC employee rolls
- Provision of PCs / Laptops
- IT-enabled services for the outlet to dispense services with faster turn-around to customers
- Marketing support to create awareness & generate enquiries
- Staff Training from the masters of holiday trade - SOTC
- Planning support for set up of outlet to offer convenience & experience to customers
- Continuous monitoring of performance of the locations by SOTC and deploy effective strategies
- Regular communication updating partner about holiday market trends & events
Q10. What is the validity period of Franchise Agreement?
Franchise agreement with SOTC is valid for 4 years.
Q11. Howmany employees need to be hired on my payroll?
There would be one branch incharge from SOTC. Based on the area potential, SOTCwould recommend your team size. Accordingly the balance number of team members to be hired on your payroll.
Q12. Will the staff on my rolls be trained by SOTC?
Yes. The staff would trained by experienced professionals on all the products, IT systems and processes of SOTC.
Q13. Can I give discounts on the pricing tomy customer?
Any Discounts to be given to customers is to be inline with the recommendations received from SOTC corporate office in Mumbai. Any exceptions would be allowed subject to approval from respective Business Head.
Q14. Whomdo I need to send the filled up Franchise application form?
Please send your filled up form to: The Distribution Team, SOTC, 4th Floor, RNA Corporate Park, Old Kala Mandir,Near Collector's Office, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400 051. Email : franchisee@sotc.in
Q15. Can I carry outmarketing and advertising exercise in my local area?
Yes you may carry out Marketing and Advertising activities in the area demarcated in the Agreement with SOTC. All the marketing and advertising material need to be prior approved by the respective SOTC business heads.
Q16. Whenwould I receive my commission payment?
The commission payouts will be made in the following month once the customer departs on his holiday. There would be a fixed date as per the agreement.