The Indian franchise market is growing quickly and is expected to reach about USD 140-150 billion by the end of 2025—a big increase from the USD 98 billion seen in 2020, according to a report by Franchise India. One area that is seeing a lot of growth is the service sector, which includes businesses like laundry and dry cleaning.
Tumbledry, India’s largest laundry and dry clean chain, is a major player in this growing sector. With over 1,100 stores across more than 400 cities, Tumbledry has rapidly expanded its footprint nationwide. Founded with the mission to transform the traditionally unorganized laundry sector into a professionally managed service, the brand has become a go-to name for both entrepreneurs and customers seeking reliability, hygiene, and convenience.
Currently, the organized laundry market in India is worth around INR 5,000–6,000 crore (USD 600–720 million) and is projected to grow at a rate of 15–20% each year over the next five years. This growth is driven by more people moving to cities, an increasing number of working individuals who have less time for chores, and a greater focus on cleanliness and convenience.
Franchise models are becoming more popular in this sector, making up about 30–40% of the organized laundry market. This popularity stems from strong brand recognition, operational support, and proven business models that franchises like Tumbledry offer. These factors make franchises especially appealing to both aspiring business owners and customers alike.
This article will explore Tumble Dry Franchise Cost in India, including a detailed look at the investments, the factors influencing these costs, financing options, and how to apply.
Why Invest in a Tumble Dry Franchise?
The Indian laundry market which has been mainly run by local dhobis is changing a lot. Many factors are helping organized laundry services especially those that follow the franchise model to grow. Here are the quick reasons of investing in this franchise:
- India’s Top Laundry Brand: Tumbledry is India’s largest dry cleaning and laundry chain, with more than 1,100 outlets across 400+ cities. The brand has transformed the otherwise unorganized laundry industry by providing uniform, professional, and technology-enabled services that align with the expectations of today’s consumers.
- A Rapidly Growing, Unpenetrated Market: India’s laundry industry is the world’s seventh-largest service sector and larger than the beauty, wellness, and restaurant chains. 96% of the market remains unorganized and hence presents staggering growth opportunities. As more Indians reside in urban areas and maintain dual-income lifestyles, demand for hassle-free, trustworthy laundry facilities is growing aggressively.
- High Returns and Quick Break-Even: Tumbledry provides an average ROI of 80% per annum, which is among the highest returns on Tumble Dry Franchise Cost in India. Due to a tested business model and growing demand in urban and semi-urban locations, most franchisees achieve profitability within a mere three months.
- Strong Franchise Support: From initial store setup and staff training to marketing and technology integration, Tumbledry offers complete end-to-end support to its partners. Franchisees also enjoy the brand’s digital-first strategy, including mobile apps, online booking, and order tracking, which increase operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Trusted, Award-Winning, and Scalable: PTC Awards’ Best Laundry Franchise, Tumbledry’s credibility builds customer trust and franchise attractiveness. With 45+ stores opening each month, its scalable and sustainable growth strategy demonstrates that it’s not merely a good opportunity—it’s a future-proof business.
Tumble Dry: A Quick Overview
Tumble Dry is a modern laundry and dry-cleaning franchise aimed at offering high-quality convenient and advanced services. It seeks to update the traditional laundry experience by using the latest equipment, eco-friendly methods and a focus on customers. Tumble Dry plans to provide a wide range of services including washing, drying, ironing dry cleaning and possibly special treatments to meet the needs of busy city residents who want dependable and efficient care for their clothes.
Leadership Team
- Gaurav Nigam (Co-Founder): Brings 17+ years of experience from LAVA and Airtel in consumer durables and telecom.
- Navin Chawla (Co-Founder): A seasoned leader with 25+ years across Airtel, Britannia, Reliance, and LAVA, with expertise in FMCG and telecom.
- Gaurav Teotia (Co-Founder & Business Head): An IIM Ahmedabad rank holder and IIT Dhanbad gold medalist, with a strong background in strategy and sales.
- Tarun Arora (Co-Founder & Head – Franchise Network): Expert in franchise development, having built extensive networks for Airtel and Reliance Jio over 16+ years.
- Anuj Gupta (Co-Founder & Head – Brand & Digital): Specializes in digital strategy and franchise planning, with prior roles at LAVA and Infosys.
Understanding Tumble Dry Franchise Model
Tumble Dry has two main franchise options to fit different investment styles and levels of involvement:
1- FOFO (Franchise Owned Franchise Operated):
In this option the franchisee puts in all the money needed to start the Tumble Dry store. This includes buying or renting the location, getting equipment and any other necessary items. The franchisee also runs the store every day and manages all operations. This model allows the franchisee to have more control over the business and the chance to earn more money but it requires more hands-on work.
2- FOCO (Franchise Owned Company Operated):
In the FOCO model the franchisee also invests in the store’s setup and assets just like in FOFO. The big difference is that Tumble Dry (the franchisor) handles the daily operations including staffing marketing and overall management. This option is appealing for investors who may not have the time or skills to manage a business themselves but still want to benefit from the brand’s success. The profits made are usually split between the franchisee who owns the assets and the franchisor who operates the store based on their agreement.
Tumble Dry Franchise Cost Breakdown
Starting a Tumbledry franchise requires a total investment of ₹18–25 lakhs, depending on the location. Typically, Tier 1 cities will require closer to ₹25 lakhs, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns may need around ₹18 lakhs.
Franchise Fee
This is a one-time fee paid to Tumbledry to use their brand and operating model.
Estimated Cost: Included in total investment (typically within ₹18–25 lakhs)
Store Setup (Infrastructure Costs)
This includes interior design, branding, basic furniture, plumbing, and electrical fittings.
Estimated Cost: ₹5,00,000
Marketing & Promotions
For the initial launch, Tumbledry provides support for local marketing campaigns and branding materials.
Estimated Cost: ₹2,00,000
Working Capital
To cover operational costs for the first few months (salaries, utilities, consumables, etc.).
Estimated Cost: ₹2,00,000
Laundry Equipment
Professional-grade machinery is provided as part of the setup. The cost is bundled into the total investment and includes:
- Industrial washing machines
- Industrial dryers
- Dry cleaning machine
- Ironing and finishing equipment
- Packaging and sorting setup
Included in Total Investment
Technology Fees
Tumbledry offers a tech-enabled experience with an app, CRM, and digital order tracking.
Estimated Cost: ₹5,000–₹15,000 per month, depending on the service plan.
Royalty Fees
Franchise partners are charged a 6% royalty fee on gross monthly sales. This is a recurring fee and is not part of the initial setup cost.
Other Possible Expenses
These may include:
- Insurance
- Legal consultation for reviewing the franchise agreement
- Travel and lodging for training
Estimated Cost: ₹35,000
Quick Facts:
- Break-even Period: ~3 months
- ROI: Up to 80% annually
- Franchise Success Rate: 95% of stores become profitable within 3 months
- Support: End-to-end assistance from location selection to staff training
- Presence: Over 1,100 stores across 360+ cities
Factors Influencing Franchise Costs
The overall cost of a “Tumble Dry” franchise can be affected by several things:
- Location: The place where the shop is located greatly affects the rent. Shops in major cities and busy business areas have much higher rent compared to those in smaller cities or residential neighborhoods. The size of the city and the specific area within it matter a lot. For example a “Tumble Dry” shop in an upscale part of Mumbai will likely have much higher rent than one in a growing area of Lucknow. Data from real estate websites in early 2025 shows that commercial rent in prime areas of Tier 1 cities can be 2-4% per year while in Tier 2 cities it may be 3-5% per year highlighting the larger initial costs in Tier 1 locations.
- Size of the Outlet: A bigger shop with more machines and a larger waiting area will naturally have higher costs for setup and equipment. The franchisor might offer different franchise options with varying sizes each with its own cost. For instance a small “Tumble Dry Express” model which focuses on basic washing and drying might need less equipment and space compared to a full-service “Tumble Dry Signature” shop that provides dry cleaning and specialized services. Data shows that the average size of a successful laundry franchise shop in India ranges from 800 to 1200 square feet.
- Equipment Specifications: The type and brand of laundry machines you choose will affect the overall cost. If you pick top-quality energy-saving machines from well-known international brands it will cost more than buying from local companies. However better machines may save you money in the long run because they work more efficiently and last longer. A survey of laundry business owners in 2024 showed that about 40% of the start-up costs usually go toward buying equipment.
- Level of Support from Franchisor: Franchisors that provide more help such as in-depth training marketing support and ongoing guidance often charge higher franchise fees. This support is valuable and can greatly affect how successful the franchisee is. Franchises with strong support systems usually have a higher satisfaction rate among franchisees with over 85% feeling pleased based on industry reports.
- Local Market Conditions: The cost of labor raw materials (like detergents and solvents) and other expenses can change based on local market conditions. For example labor costs in big cities are usually higher than in smaller towns. According to the Labour Bureau of India the average monthly pay for semi-skilled workers in the service industry in major cities was about INR 18,000-22,000 in early 2025.
- Negotiation with Franchisor: Sometimes franchisees with strong business skills or those opening several locations may have some chance to negotiate certain costs with the franchisor. However the main franchise fee is usually fixed.
- Financing Options: The availability and terms of financing options can also affect the total cost indirectly. If a franchisee needs to borrow money the interest on that loan will add to the overall investment cost over time. In early 2025 interest rates for business loans from banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India ranged from 10% to 15% per year depending on the borrower’s credit score and the amount borrowed.
Financing Options and ROI
Getting enough money is an important step in starting a “Tumble Dry” franchise. In India there are several ways to find the money you need:
- Personal Savings: Many franchise owners use their own savings to help fund their business.
- Bank Loans: Both national and private banks provide loans for individuals and small businesses including franchises. To qualify for these loans you usually need a good credit score, a solid business plan and enough collateral. Interest rates can vary. According to the Reserve Bank of India the average interest rate on loans for small and medium businesses was around 11-13% in the last quarter of 2024-
- Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): NBFCs also lend money for businesses and might have easier qualifications but their interest rates may be a bit higher than banks. Recently NBFCs have been responsible for about 25-30% of the total loans given to small businesses.
- Government Schemes: The Indian government has several programs to help new businesses like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) and the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). These programs can help you get loans with good terms and extra security. By early 2024 over 35 crore loans were approved under the PMMY showing its popularity.
- Franchisor Financing: Sometimes the franchise company can provide some funding or help you get loans from banks. This isn’t very common but it’s something to consider.
- Angel Investors and Venture Capital: If you are starting a larger franchise or have a strong growth plan you might look for investment from angel investors or venture capital firms. However this is usually more relevant for the franchise company itself rather than individual franchise owners.
Return on Investment (ROI):
To estimate the return on investment (ROI) for a Tumble Dry franchise cost you need to look at how much money the business can make and what it will cost to run it. This analysis depends on several factors including the location of customer traffic, pricing choices and how efficiently the business operates.
- Revenue: The money the tumble dry franchise makes will come from the different laundry and dry-cleaning services it provides. The average amount customers spend and the number of customers each day are important for calculating revenue. For example if a “Tumble Dry” location serves about 30 to 40 customers each day with each customer spending around INR 400 the daily revenue could be between INR 12,000 and INR 16,000.
- Operating Expenses: These tumble dry franchise costs include rent, utilities, employee salaries, materials, royalty fees, marketing and maintenance. Based on the initial investment and usual costs for running a laundry business the monthly operating expenses might be between INR 1,50,000 and INR 2,50,000.
To accurately predict the return on investment (ROI) a detailed financial plan that includes a break-even analysis is needed. However looking at industry averages for laundry franchises in India a well-run “Tumble Dry” franchise in a good spot could likely reach its break-even point in 18 to 36 months. After that it might provide an ROI of 15% to 25% each year.
Keep in mind this is just a general estimate and actual returns can differ a lot. Reports from the franchise industry in 2024 indicated that the typical payback period for service-based franchises in India was about 2 to 3 years.
The Tumble Dry Franchise Application Process
The usual steps to apply for a “Tumble Dry” franchise are as follows:
- Initial Inquiry: People interested in opening a franchise usually contact the franchisor through their website or other ways to show their interest.
- Application Submission: Prospective franchise owners must complete a detailed application form that asks for information about their background financial situation, business experience and preferred location.
- Due Diligence: The franchisor will carefully review the application which includes background checks and financial evaluations. The applicant may also have to go through an interview.
- Franchise Agreement Review: The franchisor will send the franchise agreement to the applicant for them to read. It’s strongly advised that the applicant talks to a lawyer to understand the terms and conditions before they sign. In India franchise agreements usually last between 5 to 10 years with options to renew.
- Franchise Fee Payment: If the applicant decides to go ahead they will need to pay the initial franchise fee as stated in the agreement.
- Location Selection and Setup: The franchisor will help the franchisee choose a good location for the store based on market research and guidelines. The franchisee will then be responsible for renting the space and setting up the store according to the franchisor’s requirements. The franchisor may offer support during this process. It typically takes about 3 to 6 months to open the store after signing the franchise agreement in India.
- Grand Opening: The franchisor may assist in planning and carrying out the grand opening of the new Tumble Dry franchise store.
Conclusion
Investing in a “Tumble Dry” franchise in India in 2025 offers a great chance in the fast-growing organized laundry market. Although the initial investment is quite high estimated at around INR 19 lakhs to 25 Lakh in the potential for good returns combined with the support and brand recognition from a franchise makes it an appealing choice for new business owners. The actual costs can vary a lot depending on factors like location size of the shop and equipment choices.
It’s important for anyone thinking about this opportunity to do thorough research, plan their finances carefully and fully understand the franchise agreement. The booming Indian laundry market fueled by changing lifestyles and rising incomes creates a good chance for success for well-run and customer-focused laundry franchises like “Tumble Dry. ” By evaluating tumble dry franchise costs, understanding the franchise model and securing enough financing entrepreneurs can enter this growing market and create a successful business.
Explore More Franchise Opportunities:
FAQs
What is the estimated initial investment for a Tumble Dry franchise in India in 2025?
The estimated initial investment is around INR 19 lakhs to 25 lakh for a Tier 2 city, but this can vary based on location and other factors.
What are the ongoing fees for a Tumble Dry franchise?
Ongoing fees typically include a royalty fee (estimated at 6% of gross revenue) and potentially a technology fee (estimated at INR 5,000 to INR 15,000 per month).
What factors can influence the total cost of a Tumble Dry franchise?
Key factors include the location of the outlet, the size of the outlet, the quality of equipment, and the level of support provided by the franchisor.
What is the typical ROI for a laundry franchise in India?
A well-managed laundry franchise in India can potentially achieve an ROI of 15-25% per annum after a break-even period of 18-36 months, but this can vary.
