Offering both domestic and international services, Forun Express Courier & Cargo Ltd, established in 2011, is one of the fastest growing express courier companies in India today. In an interview, R K Adhwani, Chairman of
Forun Express Courier & Cargo Ltd shares company's expansion plans through franchising.
Priyanka Rai (PR): Share with us the inception, growth and success of Forun Express Courier & Cargo Ltd. How has been your experience in the entrepreneurial world so far?
R K Adhwani (RKA): Forun Express Courier & Cargo Ltd was incorporated in 2011. Within its first year of operations in India, the company has established a large delivery network across the country and abroad to provide the best services to its customers. My entrepreneurial experience has been overwhelming in courier Industry. Service and customer satisfaction is primary responsibility which is possible by customised deliver.
PR: What is the USP of Forun Express that makes it different from other courier and cargo services? What inspired the brand to take the franchise route?
RKA: Catering to domestic and international market, we offer customised services in which some are delivered in short period of time i.e. one day to three or four days (depending upon the delivery location), its our USP. A courier company is recognised only due to its punctual and fast service. We are also known for transferring goods from one place to another safely. Our industry runs on basis of maximum reach of a company's network and franchise model is the easiest way for expansion. Today, we are operating successfully and we understand we can extend our presence by signing franchise contracts in number of cities, therefore, we decided to take the franchise route in 2012.
PR: Presently, how many franchise centres do you have? Brief us on the future plans regarding franchise expansion of Forun Express?
RKA: Forun Express has spread their wings in northern India with the help of different modules with almost 600 franchises in our network there. We are seeking expansion in southern India as well. Currently, we are running successful modules like Booking counter franchise and District franchise. In the coming days , we plan to bring revolutionary changes in our business by launching several other franchise modules like sub-district, booking franchise, metro hub, master franchise etc.
PR: What strategies has the Forun Express adopted to deal with the competition in the market?
RKA: We offer services such as holiday and Sunday pickup delivery, weather proof container vehicles as a safety package, tamper and full proof transit, E-billing and E-POD , a comprehensive 24x7 customer care centre that provides support for every query.
Moreover, Forun Express plans to come up with exciting and lucrative franchise opportunity that provide maximum ROI to the franchise partner. We will adopt strategies like profit sharing and servicing the corporate to enhance earnings. The company will allocate managers to some of the franchisees who will work on behalf of franchise owner.
PR: What according to you is the scope for aspiring franchisees in this business?
RKA: Our fruitful ROI structure is a major attraction for a potential franchise seeker. Other than this, new plans and special services like student express service, festival scheme and cargo scheme also add to business potential. The future of our partners will be bright in coming years because with time they will gain more industry learning, earnings and growth.
PR: What are the qualities and qualifications that you seek for in your franchisees? How much investment is required by aspiring franchisees?
RKA: Forun Express works on business ethics and we as management seek franchisees based on some parameters. He should be financially strong with basic minimum education as 12th standard besides who can be liable and responsible for the point of delivery and pick up. Also, he should be knowledgeable about this industry and market and can easily handle the client. The investment needed to partner with us ranges between Rs 50,000 to 5 lakh.
PR: Share with us the challenges that can be faced by the franchisees? How can these be overcome?
RKA: The franchisee may face the challenges mostly related to retention of the client. He needs to be active for getting business these are competitive times. Cracking a new client and corporate can be tough sometimes. We can overcome these challenges by providing quick and satisfactory services to win the trust of our clients. We offer training sessions to the franchisees to prepare them to deal with such challenges, delivery profit, pick up profit, fulfill the commitment are the positive things which differentiate us from others.
