Over 200 Sorbet stores dot South Africa’s landscape, a testament to a brand that’s turned beauty into a booming franchise empire since 2005. For entrepreneurs eyeing this market, one question looms large: what’s Sorbet’s franchise price in 2025? This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding the investment, the process, and the potential. Sorbet offers a range of store types, each with distinct costs and opportunities. From sleek salons to specialized Sorbet Man outlets, the price tag varies, but the promise of joining a trusted name remains constant. This guide breaks it down, step by step, with hard figures and clear advice for professionals ready to take the plunge.
The Sorbet Group, now under the Clicks Group umbrella since 2023, blends service excellence with a franchise-first mindset. Whether opening a new location or buying an existing one, franchisees step into a system built on support and scale. Costs start at around R2 million and climb depending on the model. Curious? Let’s unpack the details.
What Is Sorbet’s Franchise Price in 2025?
Sorbet’s franchise price hinges on the store type. Four options dominate: the classic Salon, the versatile Hybrid, the focused Hairbar, and the men’s grooming haven, Sorbet Man. Each comes with a unique setup cost, driven by factors like size, equipment, and location needs. Based on the latest available data, adjusted for inflation and market trends as of March 26, 2025, here’s the breakdown.
- Salon (90m²): Total investment lands at R1,592,500. Add VAT (R240,000), a lease deposit (R140,000), and working capital (R100,000), and the cash requirement hits R2,072,500. Half of that—R1,000,000—must be unencumbered cash.
- Hybrid (150m²): Bigger space, bigger price. Setup costs reach R2,330,500, with extras pushing the total cash needed to R3,000,500. Unencumbered cash? R1,500,000.
- Hairbar (90m²): Slightly pricier than the Salon at R1,697,500 for setup, totaling R2,192,500 with add-ons. Unencumbered cash sits at R1,100,000.
- Sorbet Man (75m²): Setup is R1,647,500, with a total cash requirement of R2,137,500. You’ll need R1,065,000 in unencumbered funds.
These figures exclude air-conditioning, sprinklers, shop fronts, CCTV, and alarms—costs that vary by site. Prices aren’t locked in stone; they can shift with market conditions. Franchisees must verify current estimates with Sorbet directly.
Breaking Down the Costs
Every rand counts. Here’s what goes into each store type’s setup, straight from the cost table.
- Design & Shopfitting: Ranges from R310,000 (Salon) to R550,000 (Hybrid). Larger spaces demand more.
- Construction: R230,000 for Sorbet Man, up to R310,000 for Hybrid. Site prep isn’t cheap.
- Electrical: Sorbet Man starts at R150,000; Hybrid jumps to R220,000. Wiring a beauty space adds up.
- Plumbing: Excludes A/C, but still hits R55,000 (Salon) to R120,000 (Hybrid).
- Signage & Graphics: R35,000 to R75,000. Branding matters.
- Equipment & Sundries: R300,000 (Hairbar) to R380,000 (Hybrid). Tools of the trade.
- Stock: Professional and retail products range from R310,000 (Hairbar) to R490,000 (Hybrid).
- Franchise Fee: R132,500 for most, R185,500 for Hybrid. Training’s included.
Add VAT, deposits, and working capital, and the full picture emerges. Hybrid’s the priciest; Sorbet Man’s the leanest. Choose wisely.
Why the Unencumbered Cash Rule?
Sorbet demands 50% of the total cash requirement upfront, no loans attached. Why? Stability. A franchisee with R1 million to R1.5 million in liquid funds signals commitment and resilience. Banks might cover the rest, but Sorbet wants skin in the game. For a Salon, that’s R1,000,000 cash on hand. Hybrid? R1,500,000. It’s a high bar, but it filters for serious players. Proof of funding—bank statements or investment records—is non-negotiable before approval.
The Sorbet Story
Founded in 2005 by Ian Fuhr, Sorbet grew from a single salon to a network spanning cities and towns. Today, over 200 locations offer manicures, facials, haircuts, and more. The Clicks Group acquisition in June 2023 cemented its status, tying it to a retail giant with over 850 stores. Franchisees don’t just buy a business—they join a legacy. Sorbet Salons, Nailbars, Hairbars, and Sorbet Man cater to diverse needs, all under one brand. Service isn’t a buzzword here; it’s the pulse.
Franchise Models Explained
Four paths, four vibes. The Salon (90m²) is the all-rounder—nails, hair, waxing, the works. Hybrid (150m²) scales it up, blending services for higher traffic. Hairbar (90m²) zeroes in on hair and nails, a niche play. Sorbet Man (75m²) targets men with grooming tailored to beards and buzzcuts. Each model fits different markets. Urban hubs might crave Hybrids; suburbs might lean toward Salons or Sorbet Man. Location drives the choice.
Beyond the Initial Price
Setup’s just the start. Lease deposits fluctuate—R140,000 to R170,000—based on site and landlord terms. Working capital (R100,000–R150,000) keeps the lights on until revenue flows. Then there’s VAT, a non-negotiable 15% chunk. Ongoing costs like royalties or marketing fees aren’t detailed in the table, but industry norms suggest 5–10% of turnover. Web searches hint Sorbet aligns with this, though exact rates require a franchise agreement. Factor these in.
Financing the Dream
Got R1 million cash? Great. The rest can come from loans. Banks like Standard Bank or Nedbank offer franchise financing, often covering 50–70% of costs if credit’s solid. Sorbet’s partnership with Bidvest Bank, via the Sorbet-Preneur program, offers another route for staff-turned-owners, blending loans and grants. Interest rates hover around 10–12% in 2025, per South African Reserve Bank trends. Crunch the numbers: a R1 million loan at 11% over five years adds R26,000 monthly. Can the store handle it?
Location Matters
A prime spot in Sandton costs more than a quiet mall in Bloemfontein. Lease deposits and excluded costs (A/C, sprinklers) spike in high-rent zones. Sorbet helps with site selection, but franchisees must scout too. Foot traffic, parking, and visibility dictate success. A 75m² Sorbet Man in a bustling center might outperform a 150m² Hybrid in a sleepy town. Research local demand—Stats SA pegs urban beauty spending at 8% annual growth.
The Application Process
Ready to commit? Start with Sorbet’s “New Franchise Application” online. It’s a questionnaire probing finances, experience, and goals. Submit it, and expect an invite to a franchise presentation. These sessions, hosted by Sorbet’s team, unpack costs, support, and timelines. Bring questions—clarity’s free. Post-presentation, funding proof triggers final approval. It’s thorough, not rushed.
Training and Support
The franchise fee (R132,500–R185,500) isn’t just a toll—it buys training. Sorbet drills staff in service standards, from mani-pedis to client chats. Franchisees get business coaching too—site setup, staffing, inventory. Continuous development keeps the edge sharp. With Clicks backing, expect retail synergies, like selling Sorbet products in-store. It’s a system, not a solo gig.
Loyalty Program Impact
Sorbet Society boasts 600,000+ members. That’s a built-in customer base. Guests earn points at Salons, Nailbars, Hairbars, and Sorbet Man, redeemable for services or products. For franchisees, it’s a revenue booster—loyalty drives repeat visits. Clicks ClubCard integration adds another layer, tapping into a wider pool. Data from 2023 shows 3.6 million annual treatments across the network. Divide that by 200 stores, and each averages 18,000 visits yearly. Solid traffic.
Market Potential
South Africa’s franchise sector churns R700 billion annually, per the Franchise Association of SA. Beauty’s a slice of that, growing as disposable income rises. Sorbet’s 200+ stores signal demand, but competition—think Planet Fitness salons or independents—lurks. Clicks’ muscle could push expansion, especially in underserved towns. A 2025 Statista report projects 6% growth in personal care spending. Room to thrive exists.
Risks to Weigh
No venture’s risk-free. Construction delays hike costs. A bad location tanks revenue. Staff turnover, common in beauty, demands constant hiring. Economic dips—South Africa’s GDP growth sits at 1.5% in 2025—might trim client budgets. Sorbet’s brand cushions some blows, but franchisees must execute. The 50% cash rule mitigates over-leverage, yet debt still looms for many.
Profit Possibilities
Profit’s the goal. Assume a Salon (R2,072,500 total) averages R50 per treatment, 18,000 visits yearly. That’s R900,000 revenue. Subtract rent (R30,000/month), staff (R20,000/month), and royalties (7% or R63,000), and net profit nears R300,000 annually—15% return. Scale to Hybrid, and numbers climb. It’s a rough sketch; real margins depend on efficiency and local rates.
Steps to Start
- Assess Funds: Confirm R1–R1.5 million cash.
- Research Sites: Target high-traffic zones.
- Apply Online: Fill out Sorbet’s form.
- Attend Presentation: Get the full scoop.
- Secure Financing: Lock in loans or partners.
- Prove Funding: Show the money.
- Sign & Build: Finalize and launch.
Simple? Not quite. Effective? Yes.
Why Sorbet?
Sorbet’s not the cheapest franchise—KFC starts at R6 million, Levingers at R500,000—but Sorbet’s franchise price lands it in the mid-tier with premium appeal. The Clicks tie-in, loyalty base, and 200-store footprint scream stability. For beauty buffs or business minds, it’s a calculated bet. The price reflects a polished system, not a gamble.
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Next Moves for You
Sorbet’s franchise price isn’t pocket change—R2 million to R3 million gets you in. But it’s more than a cost; it’s a gateway. Visit sorbet.co.za, download the cost table, and submit that application. Presentations await. Questions? Email franchising@sorbet.co.za or call 011 202 7940. The beauty game’s calling—answer it.
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