If you’re looking to get into entrepreneurship, an easy way to do so is to buy a franchise. Franchise businesses are well-known brands, so marketing is not a problem. Instead, you can focus on running the business. Before entering franchising, take a look at the cheapest franchises in South Africa.
A franchise is a business where you buy the licence to operate the business. Included in the sale is the brand’s products, branding and knowledge. The money you pay is called a franchise fee.
In South Africa, the franchise industry is overseen by the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA). The organisation is responsible for the roll-out of franchising in South Africa.
In this article, we look at the 10 cheapest franchises in South Africa. We will look at their pricing and what you need to purchase one.
1. Kumon Education
Kumon Education is an educational organisation which offers a range of systems. These systems help improve the Maths and English of children of any age or ability. The company has Kumon Education facilities established in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia and Zambia.
If you are interested in purchasing a Kumon franchise, you will need start-up capital of approximately R 60 000 – R 100 000. The costs of the franchise depend on location, choice, preparation needed for the venue and market conditions.
The amount you pay for the franchise includes the licence fee to operate a Kumon facility. Any additional working capital will depend on what you need to ensure financial stability while growing your Kumon business.
For more information, fill in the online form and a Kumon consultant will get back to you.
2. Eazi-Apps
Eazi-Apps is part of the Eazi-Business network. The company specialises in providing a range of technology solutions to local businesses. These solutions are usually mobile apps, digital marketing solutions, business websites and delivery solutions amongst others.
One of the advantages of the Eazi-Apps franchise is that it does not require a physical business location. You can work from and build things such as apps for local businesses. Also, you do not need to know how to code to purchase the franchise.
If you are interested in purchasing an Eazi-Apps franchise, you will need a minimum capital investment of R 185 000. During the preparation for your business, the company offers you the following:
- A two-day live training programme.
- A comprehensive marketing pack to help you launch your business.
- Training on how to generate revenue while building apps (no coding skills required).
- Training on how to generate upfront fees and ongoing residual income.
The franchise provides sales support, an online academy, partner sessions, a promotional website, and design services, among other benefits.
For more information on how to get an Eazi-Apps franchise, you can request a call back from Eazi-Apps.
3. Chip ‘n Dip
Chip ‘n Dip is a fast-food restaurant founded in Cape Town. The restaurant is most known for its chips that are served in a cone and smothered in a range of delicious sauces. Currently, the company has over 100 franchises in South Africa.
If you are interested in purchasing a Chip ‘n Dip franchise, you will need an initial investment between R 24 000 and R 299 000. The initial investment depends on what kind of franchise you want to purchase.
The organisation offers the following franchising options:
- Chip ‘n Dip Mobile – R 217 000.
- Chip ‘n Dip Gazebo – R 101 500.
- Chip ‘n Dip Store – R 505 000.
- Chip ‘n Dip Co-branded Store – R 50 000.
Note: The company also has other franchising offers related to its other brands. These brands include Chip Twister, Dancing Doughnut Factory, Doughnut Pop, and Hot Dippety Dog.
4. Curves
Curves is a global brand which focuses on women’s fitness. The company has 3 500 Curves centres in 50 countries. The brand has a strong focus on providing a safe space for women to exercise and achieve their health goals.
If you are interested in purchasing a Curves franchise, the company will give you the following support:
- A guided and detailed sales process.
- Mentorship from the Curves Foundation specialists.
- You will receive your own Business Development Manager.
- Regular training opportunities and updates.
- Marketing support and marketing materials such as digital advertising on the Curves social media pages).
- Robust online support.
- Access to proven business KPIs.
For more information on how to purchase a Curves franchise, e-mail the company at sales@curvesafrica.eu. Alternatively, you can complete the online form and the company will get back to you.
5. Naked Coffee
Naked Coffee started with an idea that linked Victor Barbosa’s clothing business with a new coffee shop concept. Currently, there are 5 Naked Coffee shops in South Africa (4 in Gauteng and 1 in the Western Cape).
To purchase a Naked Coffee franchise, you need to decide between two formats which are:
Model A – Mall location stores/High Street store
Size: 100 m2 – 150 m2
Cost: R 5 million setup costs (Shopfitting only).
Initial fee: R 250 000.
Model B – Mall locations
Size: 60 m2 – 100m2
Format: Mall pop-up or small store.
Cost: R 2,5 million set up costs (Shopfitting only).
Initial fee: R 180 000.
If you purchase a Naked Coffee, there are benefits that you will receive, including:
- Assistance with determining your franchise location.
- Project management of your franchise launch (assistance with store design and lease negotiation).
- Training for you and your staff.
- Marketing launch of your new franchise (content, media and launch event).
Ongoing support includes:
- Access to operations support.
- Continuous training for you and your staff.
- Quality checks (mystery shopper and customer surveys).
For more information, request info from the Franchiseek South Africa website.
6. Kota Spot
Kota Spot is a new franchise business. The business was founded in 2024 by Terence Leluma and is most prominent in townships around South Africa.
If you are interested in becoming a Kota Spot franchisee, the establishment costs are as follows:
Diner
Size: 60 m2 – 100m2.
Cost: R 950 000.
Upfront fee: R 75 000.
Kiosk
Size: 40 m2 – 60 m2.
Cost: R 650 000.
Upfront fee: R 50 000.
Container
Cost: R 550 000.
Upfront fee: R 50 000.
Additional costs include royalty fees (5% of monthly net sales) and marketing fees (2% of monthly net sales).
To find out more information on how to become a Kota Spot franchisee, request a free quote from Franchiseek South Africa.
7. Titan Electrical
Titan Electrical is a global organisation that provides electrical installation and repair services. In 2015, the rights to trade as Mr Electric were purchased from the Dwyer Group. In 2023, the company rebranded to Titan Electrical.
A Titan Electrical franchise does not require any physical premises. To become a franchisee of Titan Electrical you will need a panel van and an electrician (if you aren’t one) with a 3-phase wireman’s license.
To become a Titan Electrical franchisee, you will need the following:
- R 330 000 working capital balance.
- R 70 000 upfront franchise fee.
- R 671 000 total investment capital.
Additional costs include royalty fees (percentage is calculated according to your turnover) and marketing fees (3% of monthly turnover capped at R10 000 per month).
Note: When you purchase a Titan Electrical franchise, you can choose the location of the business, you receive full training for you and your electrician, and the Titan Electrical team will support you with weekly reports.
For more information, send an e-mail to sales@infinitybrands.co.za or simply complete the online form and a consultant will get back to you.
8. Martin’s Funerals
Established in 1989, Martin’s Funerals has been operating for 35 years. The company currently has approximately 104 offices all over South Africa.
The franchising opportunity at Martin’s Funerals includes the following costs:
- Franchises begin at R 1 million up to R 2,4 million.
- The upfront fee is set at R 200 350,89.
- Total investment is dependent on the area, size of the area and the type of franchise you purchase.
- The royalty fee is 7% plus VAT (determined by total monthly revenue).
- Marketing costs are 3% of the monthly royalty fee (maximum R 20 000).
The company has a list of areas which it deems as best for a Martin’s Funerals franchise.
For more information on a Martin’s Funerals franchise, fill in the online form and a consultant will get back to you. Alternatively, you can call the company on 0860 911 777 or send them an email at info@martinsdirect.com.
9. Pie City
Pie City has been operating in South Africa since 1994. With 30 years of operation, the company has gained a respected reputation in South Africa. Currently, there are over 70 Pie City stores in South Africa. The company also has stores in Botswana and Zambia.
To become a Pie City franchisee, it will cost you between R250 000 to R750 000.
The outlined costs are as follows:
- Belly Bag and Bike operators: R 2 500 to R 30 000 in establishment costs.
- Full store format: R 250 000 to R 750 000 in establishment costs.
- Recommended working capital is R 150 000 (depending on your business).
- Royalty fee is 8% of turnover.
Note: The upfront fees are calculated once you have confirmed what type of store you want to purchase. Additionally, Pie City stores/franchises are done as a partnership agreement.
For more information, fill-in the online form and a Pie City consultant will get in touch with you. Alternatively, e-mail Pie City at info@piecity.co.za or call (+27)11 452 4885.
10. InXpress
InXpress is a UK-based company founded in 1999. The company specialises in cost-effective international express shipping services for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
InXpress is a business-to-business (B2B) franchise. As the franchisee, you will become a reseller of shipping services and partners with carriers such as DHL, UPS and FedEx.
To own an InXpress franchise, it will cost you as follows:
- Establishment costs are R 287 500.
- Recommended working capital is R 212 500.
- Total investment amount is R 500 000.
- Royalty fees are 30% of the gross margin.
Note: There are no marketing costs, however you must have the recommended working capital. The company will provide you with training.
For more information, fill-in the online form. Alternatively, contact InXpress at info@inxpress.com.
These are just a few of the affordable franchises available in South Africa. If you want a franchise with a bigger brand, you can look into brands like KFC, McDonald’s and Food Lovers Market.
For more information on franchising, read the article about franchising opportunities.
