Universal Paints Franchise Opportunity

ABOUT UNIVERSAL PAINTS

Universal Paints is a premium brand that manufactures quality-guaranteed paint developed by expert technical teams. The company began as a family business in 1982 and was acquired by Medu Capital in 2016. Since its inception, it has grown into one of the most highly trusted names in the paint industry. The brand boasts a rich heritage spanning decades of experience in manufacturing and production. It has established a strong reputation for offering superior quality products at affordable prices.

The company supplies and services a market segment that values quality, longevity, and expert service. Staff members are fully trained to provide both friendly customer service and technical support, including the ability to mix and match any colour sample brought into the stores. Universal Paints products are available exclusively through its dedicated direct outlets.

The target market comprises DIY enthusiasts, property developers, contractors, and professionals involved in both commercial and residential specification sectors.

The primary objective is to support business growth, enhance wealth creation, and improve returns on investment. Each retail environment is unique, and support is provided to assess business performance, identify opportunities, and implement store-specific growth plans, including local and community-based initiatives. Growth opportunities often arise from direct sales to contractors, developers, architectural projects, DIY markets, and other commercial or residential initiatives.

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to support you to grow and expand your business and to ensure that we create and enhance your wealth and achieve a better return on your investment.

While every retailer is different, we will assist you to assess your business and provide support as you identify initiatives and opportunities for your store-specific growth plan, including local store and community initiatives.

Your growth will come from identifying direct sales to contractors, developments, architectural specifications, DIY markets and other projects

BRAND PILLARS

Quality Guaranteed
Expert Paint Advice
Paint Mixing & Matching

The product range, developed and formulated by expert technical teams, enables the offering of a comprehensive solution within the decorative paint market. The business model allows for flexibility in complementary and associated product offerings, which may vary from one outlet to another.

Direct outlets offer high-quality complementary brands and associated products through affiliation with EST Africa (Elite Star Trading). In addition to the exclusive Universal Paints range, EST membership provides access to group pricing and additional suppliers for complementary, associated, and non-competing products at no extra cost to the direct outlet.

RETAIL MODEL

Universal Paints direct outlets operate under licence to individual owners and supply a complete range of products suitable for the decorative market. The model offers flexibility in providing complementary and associated products through partnerships with EST and other suppliers.

The only recurring fee is a minimal monthly marketing contribution. Unlike most franchise systems, there are no joining fees, royalties, or ongoing management fees. Revenue earned remains with the outlet operator.

BECOME A FRANCHISEE

Estimated establishment costs include an owner’s contribution of R100,000 (excluding VAT) towards the marketing launch, which the factory matches.

Universal Paints does not profit from store builds and provides ongoing support throughout the setup process. The factory offers assistance to facilitate the establishment of new outlets.

Lease negotiations
Design and layout
Signage, branding and marketing collateral
Equipment and point of sale
Shopfitting and store fit-out
Recommended opening stock orders
Technical & operational support
Execution of the marketing launch plan

ESTABLISHMENT COSTS

➔ Average Monthly Turnover:

R850,000 – R2,500,000 depending on store size and location

➔ Achievable Gross Margins:

24% - 27% depending on the sales mix

➔ Average Setup Cost

R600,000 + Stock R1.000,000 (excluding working capital)

➔ Initial Franchise Fee:

None

➔ Royalty:

None

➔ Marketing Fees:

R10,000 p.m. including 15% VAT

WHY UNIVERSAL PAINTS?

40 YEARS OF PROVEN HISTORY

Turnkey paint business operation
Exclusive and premium product offering
Quality guaranteed products, locally produced
Stock protection and fast delivery
Strong margins with an excellent return on investment
Low overheads and low set up costs
Expert technical and operational support
Assistance with projects and specifications
Direct involvement and support with leasing, store design and local store marketing
Mass brand advertising with direct access to our marketing team
Training for Owners and Staff
Beneficial trading hours

FRANCHISOR SUPPORT

Initial training – provide a manual with information and 3 days of full-time training
The franchisor will assist with the sourcing and appointment of staff
Technical support 5 days a week
Support from the head office, as they have a dedicated person calling on architects and contractors. If leads originate in the franchisee area, they will be given to the franchisee.
Internal support and advice on pricing, quoting, and specifications.
Back-office support on admin and financial

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

National

UNIVERSAL PAINTS CARES & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

At Universal Paints we believe in giving back and having strong ties to the communities we serve. We take Social Responsibility seriously under the banner of our Universal Paints CARES program established in 2017.

We encourage our local communities to participate in the Universal Paints CARES campaigns that support the less fortunate by donating to local charities and other worthy causes.

Importantly, the CARES initiative is not intended to be a self-promoting project by Universal Paints, but rather a community cause that is merely facilitated by Universal Paints, who provide an accessible way for others to do good.