How much it costs to open a petrol station franchise in South Africa
Following reports that the retail fuel sector is one of the best franchising opportunities in the country, Absa’s franchising department explored what you need to know before opening your own petrol station.
Absa based its findings on a recent report by the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) which found that the sector (as a whole) contributes in excess of 6% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supports employment of over 100,000 people directly or indirectly.
The report noted that there are approximately 4,600 service stations (owned or controlled by oil companies and operated by fuel retailers) that pump on average 300,000 litres of fuel per month.
Investing
According to Absa there are currently three different ways to open a petrol station in the country:
- Investing in the physical building, land and associated assets (prop-co).
- Purchase of the business operation only (op-co).
- Purchase of both (prop-co / op-co).
“To date, the asking price of a service station business can vary from R1 million to R35 million. In addition, the average working capital requirement of a service station can fluctuate between R1.2 million and R1.5 million,” noted Absa.
If, however, you want to develop a service station from the ground up, your physical set-up costs could range anywhere from R10 million to R100 million – with highway sites commanding the greatest capital spend.
“The cost of these investments are based on the usual appraisal criteria of a commercial property such as the profitability of the operation and the evaluation of the physical real-estate, including its assets and location.”
Red tape
Absa noted that unlike most businesses there is also a natural amount of red-tape franchise owners would have to contend with before opening a station.
“In some cases this can take up to 10 years to finalise,” it warned.
“This includes establishing land use rights for the purpose of a service station through the local authorities, conducting environmental impact assessments and applying for site and retail licenses through the Department of Energy.”
“While the investment from a time and financial perspective is immense, service stations are still regarded as a profitable business opportunity. Operators can maximise revenues through the addition of alternate profit centers to the forecourts, such as quick-service restaurants, convenience stores and car washes, it noted.
“Although fuel margins are lower, fuel sales remain the primary income of a business, accounting for approximately 80% of an operation’s turnover and usually delivering greater profit than the other goods and services.”
Franchise versus independent
Absa noted that there were both pros and cons in deciding whether to go it alone. Notably as part of a franchise you immediately adopt the brand’s reputation, the parent company provides tried-and-tested concepts, along with marketing and buying support and a degree of business guidance and mentorship.
All you will need to do is staff the business and maintain your service station based on the oil company’s criteria.
“On the other hand, if you’re interested in exploring the independent route, you will be afforded the freedom and flexibility to run your own operation as you wish, from the services you offer to the hours that your station is open,” said Absa.
And when you are ready to sell your business, you can sell it to whomever you like without input or oversight from the parent company.
Going semi-independent
Absa also noted that a third option was rapidly developing, which could allow you to both open your station and still benefit from having a recognised company attached.
“Making strides, particularly in the rural areas of Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, is the forging of partnerships between independent service stations and big fuel wholesaler brands.”
“While non-refinery wholesalers such as Puma Energy cannot legally hold a retail license in South Africa, this ‘flexible’ agreement enables the independent owner to enjoy the benefits of being associated with a big national brand―with the provision of branding and signage―while at the same time, giving the owner the freedom to operate their businesses on their own terms.”
Absa also pointed out that this less restrictive relationship was not only confined to non-refinery wholesalers, but was also being rolled out by smaller up and coming petroleum retail brands like Viva Oil, MBT Petroleum, Quest Petroleum and Elegant Fuel.