Apply only through the brand's own website, and only after three of its existing franchisees have told you how it goes.

A franchise is a proven store design, supply and brand paid for with a fee, a royalty and the whole fit-out; Amul puts its setup at Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh excluding property. Fake franchise offers are common, so use official routes such as Zudio's Retail Business Associate form. Read the royalty, territory, stock and exit clauses, and judge the location hardest.