The most trusted pharmacy chain in India is Apollo Pharmacy which is operated under the Apollo Hospitals Group. Apollo Pharmacy has over 5000 outlets in India and has become a household name. The franchise business model that they have established provides a lot of value to entrepreneurs.
There is no question that the retail healthcare industry is growing, but to become part of it, understanding the Apollo Pharmacy franchise cost, franchise fee, setup specifications, and profit margins is vital. This guide discusses the key information required for starting an Apollo Pharmacy franchise, like expenditure incurred, space requirement, projected revenue, etc.
About Apollo Pharmacy
Colonel Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, started the Apollo Hospitals Group and became the first Indian to set up a multi specialty hospital in India. They have been pioneers in the Health and Wellness sector in India ever since the company’s inception in 1987. They were the first to launch the Apollo Pharmacy chain of pharmacies, which has grown to become the largest retail pharmacy chain in the Apollo Hospitals Group and a dependable and all-inclusive supplier of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Customers depend on Apollo Pharmacy for their routine medicines, expert services, and round-the-clock pharmacies available in most areas. Most of its outlets are walk-in and delivery pharmacy centers, some of which also offer teleconsultation services. Customer retention and brand awareness have grown with Apollo’s loyalty programs, services offered online, and integration with the Apollo 24|7 app. Increasing health care requirements in India coupled with the increasing awareness for quality health care products makes Apollo Pharmacy a viable franchise proposition.
Capital Required for Setting Up an Apollo Pharmacy Franchise
- Franchise Fee: The Apollo Pharmacy franchise fee is estimated between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh based on city, type of location and prevailing market conditions. This amount is paid to access the rights to run a franchise, receive support and access centralized marketing and procurement systems.
- Setup Cost: To set up an Apollo Pharmacy store and make it operational, the estimated investment is ₹10 Lakh to ₹15 lakh. This includes interior fit-out, countertop pharmacy refrigerators, POS devices, racks for medicines, air conditioning, signage, and initial stock of wellness products, branded materials, and medications.
- Total Estimated Investment: To start an Apollo Pharmacy franchise, the total funds needed is approximately ₹15 Lakh to ₹20 lakh. This is the amount spent on franchise fees, stock, medical infrastructure, and working capital for at least three months of operations.
- Special Requirements: Apollo Pharmacy commonly requires a minimum of 300 to 500 square foot. of retail space in an area of high pedestrian traffic, such as in residential sections or next to hospitals, clinics, or other highly transited market centers. The primary site selection criteria which require visibility and access are also the approval standards for the pharmacy site.
- ROI And Profitability: Several factors contribute to the overall optimism of an Apollo pharmacy franchise, including its high brand trust and supply chain support which enables steady cash flow. ROI, based on sales volume, location, and operating efficiency, is optimistic given the payback period of 18-24 months. Relatively consistent and recurring revenue from medicine sales also allows monthly profit margins to fall between 15-25%.
Franchise Model Options
Apollo Pharmacy offers the following franchise model options:
1. Standalone Store Model – Focused on local regions, this model is best suited for new solo owners and comes with moderate funding requirements.
2. Hospital-based Store Model – Situated in clinics and hospitals, this model is set to fetch heavy pedestrian and urgent sales traffic.
3. Apollo Partner Store Open 24/7: With the help of Apollo’s comprehensive digital healthcare platform, franchisees may fulfill online orders and generate revenue through delivery.
Promotional Methods
- GMB Listing & Local SEO
- Register the franchise location on Google My Business using keywords such as “pharmacy near me,” “24×7 pharmacy,” or “+ [name of locality] Apollo Pharmacy.”
- Update listings with services, photos, and opening hours.
- SMS Alerts & WhatsApp Marketing
- Send reminders for prescription refills, seasonal health tips, and promotions using WhatsApp or SMS to maintain customer interest.
Health & Social Media Tips
- Post daily health tips, product advertisements that boost immunity, and health campaigns on social media websites like Facebook and Instagram.
- Clinics and Doctor Links
- Collaborate with nearby clinics and doctors to get patient referrals. Provide quick delivery of prescription medications.
- Loyalty and Referral Programs
- Encourage repeat business through loyalty points, discount coupons, and refer-and-earn rewards.
- Apollo is open 24 hours online.
Suggested Read: Zudio Franchise Cost in India
Business Objectives
- Break-even in 18–24 Months Time
- That is for full recovery of investment, and with standard sales, prescriptions, and good management, recovery must take 1.5 to 2 years.
- 10,000+ Customers in the First Year
- Use footfalls as well as digital channels such as Apollo 24|7, GMB, and local SEO to build a loyal base of over 10,000 customers within the first year.
- Maintain a 4.5+ Rating Online
- Service quality, timely delivery of medicine, and readiness to ensure high ratings on Google, JustDial, and Apollo app.
- Generate Monthly Revenues Amounting to ₹3–4 Lakhs
- A good-standing outlet in a decent location can manage to hit revenues to the tune of ₹3 to ₹4 lakh every month, subject to footfall and doctor and clinic tie-ups.
How to Get an Apollo Pharmacy Franchise
- Go to the Official Website
- Visit the Apollo Pharmacy franchise page at either the Apollo Pharmacy Website or Apollo Hospitals Group website.
Application Submission
- Fill in the franchise interest form with personal, location, and business experience information.
- First Discussion and Discussions
- Contacts will be made on provided details for further discussions, site visit, and business feasibility by an Apollo franchise team.
Site Inspection and Agreement
- Upon a successful site visit, terms will be agreed upon and franchise agreement signed.
Training and Setup Support
- Apollo provides end-to-end training in pharmacy operations, sales, POS, stock management, and customer service. Apollo also helps in the store establishment and medicine supply chain.
Conclusion
Opening an Apollo Pharmacy franchise in India is a great business opportunity for an entrepreneur willing to foray into the ever-growing healthcare and wellness sector. With a minimal Apollo Pharmacy franchise cost, franchisees benefit from high brand equity and full operational support to function within a recession-proof business.
Apollo Pharmacy gives a safe and lucrative retail opportunity to the medical professional as well as to the budding investor. With advertisements to back you, in-person training, and online integration, your pharmacy is set up for success in India’s urban and semi-urban regions. Start today and come aboard the Apollo ship to make healthcare affordable for every Indian.
FAQs
1. What does an Apollo Pharmacy franchise cost?
The investment amount is between ₹15 to ₹20 lakhs and is inclusive of franchise fee, opening expense, and stock.
2. Is experience needed to operate an Apollo Pharmacy?
Not necessarily. Apollo provides full training and operational support, though prior retail or medical exposure would be useful.
3. Does Apollo charge a royalty?
Yes. A small royalty is charged on sales, generally between 4% and 6%.
4. What is the least space required?
Minimum 300-500 sq. ft. and publicly visible in a high-traffic area with easy access.