How to Open an Apollo Pharmacy Franchise: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Apollo Pharmacy is a household name in India, trusted by millions for quality medicines and healthcare services. With over 5,000 outlets nationwide, the brand has established a strong footprint in both metro and tier-II cities. If you’re an entrepreneur or investor looking to enter the pharmacy business, opening an Apollo Pharmacy franchise can be a lucrative and rewarding decision.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about opening an Apollo Pharmacy—from investment requirements to application process, eligibility criteria, documents needed, expected profits, and expert tips for success.
🚀 Why Choose Apollo Pharmacy?
Before diving into the franchise process, let’s understand why Apollo Pharmacy is such a powerful business opportunity:
✅ Brand Trust
Apollo Pharmacy is part of Apollo Hospitals—the largest healthcare group in Asia. This association alone brings massive credibility and customer trust.
✅ Nationwide Presence
With 5000+ outlets across the country, Apollo has an expansive supply chain, logistics network, and customer base.
✅ Technology-Driven
Apollo uses modern ERP systems, app-based medicine ordering, teleconsultation, and online inventory tracking to stay ahead in the game.
✅ Product Variety
Apollo stocks over 5000+ medicines and personal care items, covering everything from prescription medicines to wellness products.
🧾 Eligibility Criteria to Open an Apollo Pharmacy Franchise
Before you apply, make sure you meet the following eligibility conditions:
1. Educational Qualification
You must have at least a 12th-grade (HSC) pass. A pharmacy degree (B.Pharm or D.Pharm) is an added advantage.
2. Pharmacist on Board
You must have a registered pharmacist in your store (mandatory as per Indian laws).
3. Space Requirements
Minimum area of 120–150 sq. ft. in a prominent location with good footfall.
4. Investment Capacity
Initial investment of around ₹10–15 lakhs including franchise fee, interior setup, inventory, and equipment.
5. Business Mindset
You must be passionate about healthcare, customer service, and basic retail operations.
💰 How Much Investment is Required?
Here is a typical cost breakdown to open an Apollo Pharmacy franchise:
| Expense Category | Approximate Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Store Interiors | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Initial Inventory | ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Billing System & Software | ₹50,000 – ₹75,000 |
| Miscellaneous Licenses | ₹50,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | ₹10 – ₹15 Lakhs |
📄 Documents Required
You will need the following documents while applying and setting up:
Business-Related:
- PAN Card
- GST Registration Certificate
- Shop and Establishment License
- Drug License (Retail License in Form 20 and Form 21)
- Trade License
Personal:
- Aadhaar Card
- Address Proof
- Passport-size Photographs
- Educational Certificates (for pharmacist)
Property:
- Rent Agreement/Ownership Papers
- NOC from property owner (if rented)
📝 How to Apply for Apollo Pharmacy Franchise
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to apply for the franchise:
Step 1: Submit Franchise Enquiry Form
Visit the official Apollo Pharmacy website: https://www.apollopharmacy.in
Look for the “Franchise” section and fill out the application form with your details such as:
- Name
- Location preference
- Contact information
- Investment capacity
- Business experience
Step 2: Initial Telephonic Screening
You will receive a call from the Apollo franchise team to understand your profile and evaluate if you meet their eligibility.
Step 3: Proposal Discussion & Location Visit
Once shortlisted, the team will visit your proposed location to assess its commercial potential.
Step 4: Sign Franchise Agreement
After location approval and document verification, you’ll sign a franchise agreement outlining roles, revenue sharing, branding, and renewal terms.
Step 5: Store Setup
Apollo will help you with:
- Store design
- Signage and branding
- Inventory software setup
- Training for staff and pharmacist
Step 6: Launch and Marketing
Soft opening followed by a grand launch. Apollo provides marketing material and online support.
💼 Roles and Responsibilities as a Franchise Owner
As a franchisee, you will be responsible for:
- Store operations and hygiene
- Stock management and reordering
- Employing a qualified pharmacist
- Daily sales reporting
- Customer satisfaction and service
- Local marketing and promotions
Apollo helps with training, audit support, backend logistics, and digital tools.
📊 Expected Profit & Return on Investment (ROI)
Apollo Pharmacy is a low-risk, high-footfall business with consistent demand. Here’s an estimated income and profit calculation:
Monthly Revenue:
- Average daily sales: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
- Monthly sales: ₹6 – ₹15 lakhs
Gross Profit Margin:
- Medicines: 10–20%
- Wellness & OTC: 30–40%
Net Monthly Profit:
- After expenses (rent, salary, utilities): ₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000
ROI Period:
- Usually 12–18 months
🌟 Benefits of Owning an Apollo Pharmacy Franchise
1. Reputed Brand Name
No need to build a brand from scratch—Apollo’s reputation drives automatic customer flow.
2. Operational Support
Get complete backend support, inventory updates, customer analytics, and sales tracking tools.
3. Marketing & Promotions
Leverage Apollo’s digital and offline marketing campaigns.
4. Digital Integration
Access to Apollo 24/7 platform, app-based orders, and customer loyalty programs.
5. Training and HR Support
Staff and pharmacist receive structured training, SOP manuals, and customer handling guides.
🏥 How Apollo Pharmacy is Different from Others
| Feature | Apollo Pharmacy | Local Pharmacy Shops |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Trust | High | Low to medium |
| Range of Products | 5000+ SKUs | Limited |
| Technology Integration | Yes (app, ERP, POS) | Mostly manual |
| Centralized Inventory | Yes | No |
| Digital Orders | Yes | No |
| Healthcare Ecosystem | Integrated with Apollo Hospitals | Not available |
🛡️ Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
1. High Competition
Solution: Focus on excellent customer service, free home delivery, and stock availability.
2. Licensing Delays
Solution: Work with experienced consultants or Apollo’s legal team to speed up the process.
3. Inventory Management
Solution: Use Apollo’s automated ERP system for efficient stock reordering.
4. Staff Turnover
Solution: Offer basic incentives and training to retain good pharmacists and sales executives.
🔑 Tips to Run a Successful Apollo Pharmacy Store
- Choose a strategic location: Near hospitals, residential colonies, or marketplaces.
- Hire qualified staff: A good pharmacist builds trust.
- Maintain hygiene: Clean environment adds to customer confidence.
- Offer additional services: Free BP/sugar tests, first aid kits, etc.
- Ensure product availability: Never run out of high-demand medicines.
- Engage with customers: Personalized care, discounts, and loyalty cards.
📌 Conclusion
Opening an Apollo Pharmacy is not just a business—it’s a step into the future of healthcare retail. With India’s growing demand for medical and wellness products, having a trusted brand like Apollo backing you offers stability, scalability, and profitability.
By following the steps mentioned above, you can start your journey with confidence. Ensure you meet the eligibility, complete the documentation, find a good location, and deliver great customer service. In return, you’ll get the backing of a leading healthcare brand and a loyal customer base.
🔗 FAQs About Opening Apollo Pharmacy Franchise
Q1. Is Apollo Pharmacy franchise profitable?
Yes, it offers stable profits with monthly earnings between ₹70,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs based on sales.
Q2. Can I open it in a small town?
Yes, Apollo is expanding to tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Your town must have enough population and demand.
Q3. Do I need to be a pharmacist?
Not personally, but your store must employ a certified pharmacist full-time.
Q4. How long is the franchise agreement?
Typically, 5 years, renewable based on performance.
Q5. Will Apollo provide software and billing systems?
Yes, complete POS software and ERP training is included.
If you’re serious about entering the booming healthcare sector, Apollo Pharmacy is your gateway to success. Ready to start? Fill out the franchise form today and take your first step toward building a profitable business.