Franchising: More Than Just Fast Food and Retail Chains

When most people think of franchising, their minds jump straight to food chains, coffee shops, and retail stores. And while these industries have produced some of the most well-known franchises, the idea that franchising is best suited to retail and food businesses is a complete myth.

In reality, trades and service-based businesses are some of the best industries for franchising. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical services, home maintenance, automotive repair, or even business consulting, service franchises offer enormous potential for both franchisors and franchisees.

If you’ve ever thought, “My business isn’t suited to franchising because I don’t sell products in a shopfront,” it’s time to rethink what’s possible.

Why Trades and Services Are Ideal for Franchising

Unlike retail and food businesses, which often require significant overheads in terms of commercial leases, fit-outs, and stock, service-based businesses operate on a leaner, more scalable model. Here’s why they’re a great fit for franchising:

1. Lower Start-Up and Operating Costs
Retail and food franchises typically require major upfront investments in real estate, fit-outs, stock, and staffing. A trade or service-based franchise, on the other hand, can often be operated as a mobile business with just a vehicle, tools, and equipment.

This makes it significantly more affordable for franchisees to get started while keeping the franchisor’s financial exposure low. It also means a faster return on investment, as franchisees can start generating revenue almost immediately.

2. Huge Market Demand
Trades and services aren’t dependent on foot traffic or consumer trends the way retail and food businesses are. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical, pest control, or professional cleaning, these services are always in demand—regardless of economic conditions.

Food and retail businesses often experience seasonal fluctuations or market saturation, but service businesses tend to be essential, recurring, and recession-resistant. This gives franchisees a much stronger foundation for long-term success.

3. Simple, Repeatable Business Models
A strong franchise model is built on systemisation and repeatability—and trades and services fit this perfectly. Once the right systems are in place (from customer acquisition to job scheduling and service delivery), the business can be easily replicated across different locations.

With clear processes, structured training, and ongoing support, franchisees don’t need to be industry veterans to succeed. They simply need to follow the system.

4. Faster Scalability for Franchisors
Because service-based franchises have lower overheads and less reliance on physical locations, they can expand more quickly. Unlike retail businesses, which require securing and fitting out new premises, service businesses can grow with fewer logistical hurdles.

A franchisor can establish a strong network of franchisees operating in different territories much faster than a retail brand rolling out new locations.

5. Less Staffing and Wage Pressure
Retail and food franchises often require large teams of employees to manage daily operations. This comes with the added challenge of managing wages, rosters, and high staff turnover.

In contrast, many service-based franchises can operate with smaller teams—or even as owner-operator models—reducing the complexity and cost of staffing.

Success Stories: Thriving Service-Based Franchises

Many of the fastest-growing franchise brands in Australia and New Zealand aren’t food or retail—they’re in home services, trade businesses, and professional services.

Industries such as:

• Electrical and plumbing franchises (demand-driven, essential services)
• Cleaning franchises (both residential and commercial cleaning have strong, repeat business)
• Pest control and home maintenance (high-demand, specialist skills)
• Automotive services (mobile car detailing, windscreen repair, and mechanical services)
• B2B consulting and professional services (business coaching, marketing, IT services)

These businesses thrive as franchises because they deliver essential, repeatable services that customers need—and they can do so at a fraction of the cost of traditional retail or food franchises.

The Future of Franchising: Moving Beyond Retail and Food

The franchise industry is evolving, and service-based franchises are at the forefront of this growth. For franchisors, this means a huge opportunity to scale their business efficiently without the risks and costs associated with retail expansion.

For franchisees, it means the chance to own a business in a high-demand industry without needing a massive capital investment or retail experience.

So, if you own a service-based business and have been holding off on franchising because it “doesn’t fit the typical franchise model,” think again. The real question isn’t whether franchising works for your industry—it’s whether you’re ready to take your business to the next level.