6 Unique Franchise Businesses in South Africa

Starting a franchise business is great for entrepreneurs who want to enter a tried and true model. This cuts out the time required to build a business from scratch. But, what if you don’t want to buy a typical retail or food franchise? How about a unique franchise business…

Luckily, there are various unique franchise businesses you can invest in that will set you apart. Buying a unique franchise, as opposed to a typical retail or food franchise, offers several advantages. These unique franchises often tap into niche markets or offer specialised services, which can set you apart from the competition and attract a loyal customer base.

In this article, you’ll find 6 unique franchise businesses you can start in South Africa.

1. The Little Gym

If you’re on the lookout for a franchise that has an impact on the lives of children, this is for you. The Little Gym franchise offers a non-competitive fitness center for children aged 4 months to 12 years.

The program focuses on mental and physical development in a fun, safe environment. With over 4 decades in business, and 400 locations globally, the Little Gym has proven to be a solid business model.

The program’s diverse classes help children build confidence and fine motor skills, preparing them for the various stages of childhood development. The curriculum ensures emotional, intellectual, and social growth through three core dimensions, including physical activity, cognitive programs, and life skills development.

The Little Gym franchise fees are R 600 000. The company calculates estimated start-up costs to be from R 1,25 million to R 1,4 million. Recommended liquid capital is between R 700 000 and R 1,7 million.

2. DURAWASH

If you’re looking for a hybrid franchise model, DURAWASH offers an affordable mobile car wash franchise opportunity for under R 50 000 including VAT. They provide franchisees with eco-friendly methodologies that prioritise a waterless wash and wax car care solution.

A standard Durawash franchise includes elements such as limited co-branded naming rights, training, support, branding, corporate identity, and a professional image for eco-friendly car care.

With this business, you can target a broad range of clientele in areas such as townhouse complexes, cluster homes, house calls, office parks, factories, hospitals, malls, events, hotels, and more.

3. ActionCoach

If you’ve been wondering how to launch an executive coaching business, joining a franchise like ActionCoach could be the perfect way to start. ActionCoach is a business coaching business that motivates specialists to guide and train fellow entrepreneurs within their local areas to develop successful businesses.

As one of the world’s largest business coaching franchise models, operating in over 80 countries, you would be buying into a proven business with a largely recognisable name.

As a franchisee, you’ll receive support, coach training courses, marketing material, sales strategies, and IT guidance.

The initial franchise fee is R 595 000 excluding VAT, with a mandatory 7-year term agreement.

4. Maid4U

Maid4U is another one of the hot franchises to look out for. They are a premier domestic worker, nanny, au pair, and cleaner recruitment agency. They also handle the training of these workers. Maid4U places screened and trained staff in households, SMMEs, and retirement homes.

For franchisees, Maid4U ensures a comprehensive support system that includes business setup assistance, marketing tools, access to a pool of trained candidates, and operational training.

Franchisees benefit from the company’s well-established brand reputation and a highly successful management model.

Investment into this franchise will cost approximately R350 000, of which R65 000 is a required own contribution. The monthly royalty fee is 10% of the franchise’s revenue. Currently, there are opportunities in all the provinces.

5. Tutor Doctor

If you’re passionate about education and want to make a difference, Tutor Doctor could be the right fit. This home-based franchise connects students with qualified tutors who offer personalised, one-on-one support across a wide range of subjects.

The franchise model is flexible, as there’s no need to rent office space or hire a big team. The business works by matching students with tutors based on their unique learning styles. Tutor Doctor has a strong local and international presence.

Franchisees get to benefit from a limited overhead cost as there isn’t inventory, office space, or permanent staff members. Additionally, franchisees receive training and launch support, software, and marketing support.

6. Ultimate Pet Care

Pet grooming is in high demand, and the popularity of pet grooming services suggests that a pet grooming franchise could attract numerous customers. Ultimate Pet Care (UPC) is a mobile dog grooming company.

Franchisees benefit from the established brand, a proven business model and business equipment like a grooming unit that’s fully equipped with a bath, hot water, a gas geyser, electric clippers, and all the other necessary grooming accessories. Additionally, UPC provides comprehensive training and ongoing support. Initial investment costs R 450 000.

Investing in one of these unique franchises can be the start of your new entrepreneurial journey. Backed by the support and the footprint of an already successful business, franchising might be one of the best routes to success.