Profitable home care biz

Homegenie, a joint initiative of Rosebys Interiors India Ltd and Cartel Infotech Ltd came into existence to offer standard home care services to its consumers. In an interview, Amit Roy, CEO, Homegenie shares the future plans of his company.

Abha Garyali (AG): When did Homegenie come into existence? What motivated the company to opt for franchise route for expansion?

Amit Roy (AR): We started our journey in September, 2010 in Noida. Having spent almost a year in understanding the real needs of house hold, we came into this space. As we felt that in today’s hectic life, time is ripe for specialised and professional services in home chore facilities. Thus, we came up with a one-stop-shop for all the worries of daily home chores. We are easily accessible with our unique number, and you can be rest assured of quality, timely and reliable home care services.

AG: Do you face competition from other organised players in this sector? What strategies have you employed for handling the competition?

AR: At this point of time, there is no organised player in this particular sector. Our quality, training and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) support 24X7 is a prominent differentiator and I do not see any competition threat. Even if there is a possibility of competition we are all prepared for it.

AG: Do you think franchising has played an important role in the growth and success of ‘Homegenie’ as a brand?

AR: We realised that home care service is a latent need of every household and market penetration is an important factor in order to cater to the household needs. In order to catch-up with the demand, we need to have good partners to carry on the baton, hence realised the need to grow with the franchisee.

AG: What are your future expansion plans in terms of franchising?

AR: To start with, we are aiming at 100 franchisees for NCR.

AG: What is the minimum criterion for the selection of your prospective franchisees?

AR: Anyone with very small capital base and good business acumen can become our franchisee.

AG: How will the company support and train its franchisees?

AR: Company will provide training and impart refresher training time to time. We will also provide dresses to our service providers and support for the promotional and awareness activities.

AG: What are the challenges that can be faced by franchisees in your company? How can these challenges be overcome?

AR: We do not see any challenges, as far as franchisee is concerned except good service providers and their retention.