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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Does franchising work in plumbing?
By Eamonn Ryan
Franchising would appear to be an ideal model for the
plumbing profession in South Africa – yet outside of retail, it
struggles. The retail component of plumbing franchising will be
covered in the May issue.
In a country where homeowners are nervous
about letting strangers into their homes and would
welcome reputable brand names, recognised
franchise plumbers should predominate. Then
again, plumbers would benefit from higher
levels of professionalism, systems and more exit
opportunities to sell their businesses.
Home services has been touted for some years now as one
of the growth sectors of franchising, and indeed it is rapidly
expanding in many countries. Jim’s Franchising in Australia
boasts more than 4 000 franchisees in all manner of home
services. The concept clearly works – so why not in South
Africa? A number of plumbing companies in South Africa
tried the franchising route without success. Successful South
African plumbing firms may be missing an opportunity.
Drain Surgeon CFO, Mark Pratt and group general manager, Louis Minnaar.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
@plumbingonline
@plumbingonline
In countries such as Australia, the US and UK, franchising
plays a major role in plumbing – yet not in South Africa.
Only two plumbing franchise businesses – Drain Surgeon
@PlumbingAfricaOnline
April 2020 Volume 26 I Number 02