Franchising may be an exciting process to start a business with a well-known brand, and in case you are interested in the Polar Bear franchise, one of the things you need to know is the Polar Bear franchise cost. The Polar Bear franchise is recognised by its special products and increasing popularity, making it a good choice for many entrepreneurs. Nonetheless, like any franchise, investing in a Polar Bear franchise requires being informed about the initial starting costs, operational costs, and other financial aspects to see whether it can fit into your budget and business objectives.
In this blog, we are going to deconstruct the various expenses that you can expect when it comes to the franchise the initial franchise fee, start-up costs, marketing fees, and others. This will help you make an informed decision with a clear understanding of what it will require to start and operate a successful franchise under this brand.
About Polar Bear
Polar Bears franchise (The Ice Cream Sundae Zone) is the largest brand of ice cream sundae in India, established in Bengaluru in 2008. It provides franchisees with a successful business model, good brand image, exclusive polar theme and creative flavours, and customer experiences. The franchise has a combination of company and franchise-operated stores, whereby there is full assistance in training, marketing, and operation, which makes the quality and service similar. The Polar Bear franchise has more than 160 stores in 25 cities and is known to be having a high customer loyalty, a strong support system, and good returns on investments to the franchise holder.
How Much does a Polar bear franchise cost?
The total cost of setting up a Polar bear ice cream franchise in India would range between ₹20 lakh and ₹50 lakh in accordance with the location, size and type of outlet. This is a table and a breakdown of the costs in points.
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 to ₹20 lakh (one-time fee to license brand name).
- Infrastructure & Arrangement ₹ 7.5 lakh to ₹50lakh (interiors, decor, signage, furniture).
- Machinery and equipment: ₹2-₹15 lakh (freezers, soft-serve machines, POS machines).
- Licenses & Permits: – ₹30, 000 to ₹1,000 (FSSAI, health, fire clearances).
- First Stock and inventory: ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh (ingredients, toppings, packaging).
- Advertisements and Grand opening: ₹1.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh (launch adverts, promotion).
- Working Capital ₹2 lakh ₹10 lakh (utilities, salaries, initial stocks movement).
- Minimal contingency: ₹1 to₹ 5 lakh (allowance).
- Royalty Fee: 5-7 per cent of the monthly gross sales (Continuing fee).
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (INR) | Details |
| Franchise Fee | ₹5,00,000 – 20,00,000 | One-time brand licensing |
| Infrastructure & Setup | ₹7,50,000 – 50,00,000 | Interiors, décor, furniture |
| Equipment & Machinery | ₹2,00,000 – 15,00,000 | Freezers, soft-serve machines, and POS |
| Licenses & Permits | ₹30,000 – 1,00,000 | FSSAI, health, fire clearances |
| Initial Stock & Inventory | ₹1,00,000 – 5,00,000 | Ingredients, toppings, packaging |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | ₹1,50,000 – 7,00,000 | Launch ads, promotions |
| Working Capital | ₹2,00,000 – 10,00,000 | Salaries, utilities, inventory |
| Contingency | ₹1,00,000 – 5,00,000 | Buffer for unexpected expenses |
| Total Estimated Investment | ₹20,00,000 – 1,00,00,000 | Varies by outlet size and location |
This is inclusive of the key costs associated with starting a Polar Bear franchise, with the usual investment range being ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh per outlet, and is more in case of a high-end location or a larger format.
How Profitable is a Polar Bear franchise?
The polar bear ice cream franchise is regarded as a very lucrative business in India, and most of the franchisees have shown positive returns and a growing trend.
Profit Margins and ROI
- The profit margin is usually between 20 and 35 per cent, and certain outlets have recorded up to 25 per cent upon subtracting all the expenses.
- The average break-even period is 12 to 18 months, and break-even is realised in a period of 1 to 3 years.
- The franchisee keeps approximately 93 per cent gross sales and the franchisee only pays 7 per cent royalty to the brand.
Investment and Costs
- Initial investment will be between ₹30-50 lakh, including franchise fee, set up, inventory and working capital.
- Franchise charges are between ₹5 lakhs and ₹10 lakhs, according to location.
- The majority of outlets need 700 to 1000 sq ft of space.
Additional Advantages
- The recognition of the brand and customer loyalty assist in gaining repeat business.
- Franchisees are given comprehensive assistance as well as site selection, marketing, and operations advice.
In general, a Polar Bear franchise is a solid proposal to entrepreneurs who want to possess a dessert business with good profitability and further support.
Requirements to open a Polar Bear franchise
In order to start a Polar Bear Ice Cream franchise in India, there are a few requirements on the part of investment, infrastructure, skills and documentation. The key requirements are:
Investment and Financial Requirement.
- You have to be willing to spend in a range of ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh or more, which will depend upon the location and the size of the outlet.
- You need to have adequate capital to finance the franchise fee, setting up of the store, equipment, opening inventory, licenses, and working capital.
- One has to be financially stable with a clean record.
Infrastructure and Location.
- The store would be 200 to 500 sq. ft., located in a high foot traffic location like a mall area, food court or busy street.
- It will need a special kitchen space; it will not be required to be seated.
- The store should be air-conditioned, have CCTV and a computer with an internet connection.
Skills and Experience
- Ideally, one should have previous experience in food and beverage, retail and service-based businesses.
- You have to be an active owner operator, must have good leadership, people management and communication skills.
- You are expected to be self-motivated, proactive and a self-starter to develop the business.
Documentation
Required documents include:
- Franchise agreement
- Aadhaar, PAN and TAN of the proprietor and a photo of the same.
- GST registration certificate.
- Evidence of ownership of the proprietor and shop.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) of the shop/unit.
These conditions will make sure that franchisees are highly equipped to operate a prosperous Polar Bear store with the assistance of the brand.
Read About More Franchise Options
How can I obtain a Polar Bear franchise?
In order to acquire a Polar Bear franchise, one has to pass through a simple application procedure, which starts by showing interest and placing your information via their formal avenues.
Application Steps
- Go to the official Polar Bear franchise website, and scroll down to find the Franchise or Apply Now section.
- Complete online franchise application form with personal, business and financial information.
- Send the form and wait until the Polar Bear team calls you to make a discovery call or to talk to you.
Requirements and Eligibility.
- Be prepared to invest on the tune of 20 50+ lakh as your own funds or loans.
- Given knowledge in the F&B, QSR, retail or service business is desirable not compulsory.
- Payment of legal compliance requires you to submit identification proof (Aadhaar, passport, etc.), address proof, GST license and FSSAI license.
Post Application Process.
- You might undergo financial verification and required to present an initial business plan in case you get shortlisted.
- The Polar bear team will help you in site decision, feasibility, and closing the franchise deal.
- Upon approval, you will sign the agreement, pay the franchise fee and then you will be set up with their assistance.
In case of direct enquiries you may approach Polar Bear either through phone (9108799890) or email as provided in their official site.
Is a Polar Bear franchise Worth the Investment?
The polar bear franchise is a good investment that can see entrepreneurs have an established brand in the ice cream and dessert market with a good support network and a history of quick payback.
Investment and Profitability.
- The initial investment of the Polar Bear franchise is 30-50 lakh as franchise fee, setup, equipment and working capital.
- A profit margin of approximately 25 per cent can be anticipated by franchisees, and often turnover will break even after 2 to 3 years, although some outlets are reporting 6 to 24 months payback based on location and performance.
- Royalties are normally 5-7 percent of gross sales in a month and this is used to support and promote.
Pros of Investing
- Well-established brand and strong brand awareness and customer base.
- Training and operational assistance such as site selection and marketing assistance.
- Scalable model that can be used in kiosks or single stores.
Cons and Risks
- Expensive initial cost and additional costs may arise above the estimates.
- Location sensitivity -performance is very much dependent on footfall and visibility.
- The marketing expenditure would require continuous investment to keep customers flowing.
- Competition in the market is stiff and it takes constant innovation in order to be outstanding.
A Polar Bear franchise has a good brand support and decent profit potential to those having the required capital and strategic location. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take financial planning into account and work hard on constant operation to achieve success.
Conclusion
Polar bear franchise in India can make a smart business to any individual who has interest in ice cream and dessert business because of its good brand reputation, loyal customers and full support system. The average investment is 30 to 50 lakh which includes the franchise fee, set up, equipment, initial inventory, marketing and working capital. The franchisees are required to pay franchise fee of 5-10 lakh and royalty of 5-7 per cent of monthly sales, but have a good profit margin of about 25 per cent, and will be able to break even in 2-3 years.
The brand provides continuous training, marketing support and site selection advice such that even the novice entrepreneurs have a chance to succeed without having any experience in the field of ice cream manufacturing. A Polar Bear franchise is a potential business with a proven business model, famous products, and up-to-date presence in South India, which can help an investor become profitable in the dessert business.
FAQs
Q.1 How Much Does it Cost to Invest in Polar Bear Franchise?
The investment of a Polar Bear franchise is normally in the range of 30-50 lakh rupee that covers the franchise fee, set up cost, equipment, opening inventory, working capital, etc.
Q.2 What is The Franchise Fee of Polar Bear?
Franchise fee of Polar bear is usually 5 to 10 lakh, however in a high-end area such as a premium location, it may reach 20 lakh.
Q.3 What is Included in The Investment?
The investment includes franchise fee, store establishment (interior, decor, signage) equipment (freezers, POS system), licenses and permits, first stock, promotions upon opening, working capital and contingency fund.
Q.4 What Size is Necessary to Place a Polar Bear Franchise Outlet?
The Polar Bear franchise outlet would also need a 700 to 1000 square feet area and this can be leased or owned.
Q.5 What is The Anticipated Profit Margin and ROI?
A Polar bear franchise is projected to have a profit margin of about 25 with the payback period typically coming after 2 to 3 years.
