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The 2009 Opportunities Lucky Packet

By: Sarah Billimore
Date: 2009/01/19

As the new year begins, the www.SABizops.co.za takes stock of South Africa’s franchise opportunities, new business trends and other exciting investment sectors, examines how they fared last year and shortlists those earmarked for growth in 2009.

1) Health and Beauty

Vanity never goes out of fashion, and this billion-dollar industry gets bigger each year. We have seen a host of new direct selling and multi-level marketing systems enter the market over the last while. Wellness and nutritional systems are also pegged to do well in 2009, attracting interest for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to cash in on the health-consciousness of greater South Africa.

Conventional beauty treatment centres and salons, including hairdressing salons, have also enjoyed consistent growth, and are big money-makers in this area. “Simply put, (they) are big business,” explains a commercial finance broker for LAS Finance, which specialises in financing all types of commercial equipment. “They are becoming increasingly popular, and so it’s hardly surprising that people are turning this popularity into a reliable source of income.”

In all, health and beauty systems make up for 26% of franchises in South Africa, according to the results of the latest Standard Bank Franchise Survey, which was conducted by Franchize Directions.

2) Vending

Vending – our favourite this year. Product innovation has led the way, and the rate of product and technical innovation is staggering. From hot chips to DVDs and single cigarettes, this 24 hour-a-day sales system will work if you secure profitable sites and have the capital for multiple vending machines.

With low barriers to entry, there is something for everyone.

For an in-depth look at South Africa’s vending industry, visit http://www.sabizops.co.za/bizops_vending.asp

3) Quick-Service Restaurants (Fast Food)

From Kentucky Fried Chicken to hotdog stands, it’s all happening. The burgeoning South African middle class just can’t get enough. Time to don that apron and get in front of that till. It’s ringing…

The 2006 results of the Franchise Factor Survey showed phenomenal growth from 2004, with over 1000 new establishments opening. The 2008 results however showed a dip in the total number of quick service establishments, down from 4633 to 4558. What is interesting to note, as Franchize Directions’ Bendeta Gordon, who conducted the survey, pointed out at her media briefing on the results, was that this industry, while down in numbers, had shown a marked increase in the number of South Africans it employed. This, she explained, was the flip side of the coin. She also suggested that the dip in numbers reflected the closure of weaker systems.

The success of the quick service industry is not limited to South Africa, with over 97 franchise systems operating in greater Africa, according to the survey.

The average upfront fee required for a quick-service or fast-food franchise, as it is more commonly referred to, is R72 865, providing opportunities for almost every budget.

4) Internet Publishing

With advertising revenue climbing at over 200% per annum, it’s all happening in cyberspace. Just imagine a business with no print bill and rising advertising sales potential.

“Your web site is probably set up to promote your products or services, or to sell merchandise. If you're attracting a significant number of visitors, you might be able to further "monetise" your site by selling advertising,” explains Lawrence J. Magid in an article published in the Los Angles Times (© 2000).

“A number of companies can help you sell advertising space. Some charge fees, but there are plenty that will do it on a percentage basis – they collect a fee from the advertiser and pay you a percentage of what they collect,” he explains.

“DoubleClick is the 800-pound gorilla of online advertising, and it's a great choice for large advertisers who want to hook up with high-traffic web sites. However, there are other agencies that specialise in small and up-and-coming sites,” he suggests.

There are additional ways to earn revenue from your website, such as joining an affiliate programme like Amazon.com. “Amazon.com allows you to create your own online bookstore, and pays you a commission for every book sold,” adds Lawrence. Visit www.top-affiliate-programs.com for more options.

“Before you join any affiliate program or start taking advertising on your site, consider its potential impact on your business,” warns Lawrence, citing a slow site and offensive material as potential visitor killers.

To learn more about the options available to you and how to get started, visit http://www.pcanswer.com/articles/sb_selladds.htm

5) Business Services

As business functionality moves more and more into the digital era, there is a host of services that all businesses need. Every small business wants to look and feel like a big business. So, from digital printing to web services and graphic design, now is the ideal opportunity to go solo or join a franchise system that caters for small and big businesses alike.

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