Education & Training
The Elefant: Where Play Meets Profits
Parina Sood, TFW Bureau
Nov 26, 2024 - 3 min read
After his stint at EY & Chai Point, Sourabh Jain, a CA by qualification, redefined the concept of toy libraries in the country with 'The EleFant'. A golden opportunity for women entrepreneurs, read to know how you can benefit from it.
- What prompted you to start the EleFant? When did you start and how has the experience been so far?
EleFant was inspired by my daughter and the joy I saw in her when she discovered new toys—real, screen-free playtime that sparked her imagination. I wanted to create a sustainable way for parents to provide this same joy without waste, clutter, or reliance on screens.
- What are the EleFant’s expansion plans for FY25?
For FY25, we’re focusing on expanding our franchise model further into tier II and III cities across India. Our goal is to have a presence in 25 cities, making EleFant accessible to more families. We’re also enhancing our tech platform to streamline operations, improve the user experience, and support our franchisees more effectively.
- How do you differentiate your brand from others?
At EleFant Toy Library, we stand out as India’s first app-based toy library, offering parents the convenience to browse and manage their child’s playtime. Beyond toys, we aim to build a vibrant community through many activities. Our focus on sustainability, premium curated toys and hassle-free services with home delivery sets us apart making playtime eco-friendly, easy and a learning experience. We’re redefining how children play and parents engage. Members with us get access to my entire toy inventory with free delivery and pick up. We do not rent per toy or per delivery. We currently have 650+ varieties of toys from the top 70+ brands in the country, including only BIS certified brands.
- How have you integrated technology for your brand’s growth and expansion?
Technology is at the heart of EleFant’s operations. Our mobile app is designed to make the toy subscription experience as easy and convenient as possible. We also use data analytics to understand customer preferences and improve inventory management. Additionally, technology enables us to provide seamless support to our franchisees, from order management to tracking performance.
- How does EleFant support its franchisees?
We believe we are creating a community of Librarians, who believe in the same mission and vision. Librarians are the literal backbone and support system that helps us expand and grow in territories around the country. The EleFant is committed to the success of its librarian partners. Library owners receive continuous training, marketing, and branding support, along with logistics assistance from the EleFant team. From setting up a dedicated space for the toy library to managing orders and promoting services, library owners will have the guidance they need at every step. This support especially empowers women entrepreneurs to confidently grow their business while contributing to a meaningful service. Designed with busy schedules in mind, the EleFant franchise is ideal for women who want to contribute to their family's income without stepping out of their homes.
- Quick facts:
- Area required: 10 x 5 Sq Ft .
- Franchise fee: Starting at ₹7,50,000
- RoI: 122%
- Break-even period: 11 months
