These 5 Passive Investments Earn You Money and Let You Keep Your Day Job

Last October, I wrote about five franchise opportunities that are available as passive investments. The response was great, so I wanted to share five more.

Passive business ownership (also known as absentee or semi-absentee) is an excellent option for the right buyer. The typical profile of a passive investor is someone not ready to make the full-time move to business ownership. Perhaps they need to keep their day job, or they’re a current business owner looking for a way to diversify their portfolio. Also, if you are working a full-time job, it’s easier to get an SBA loan for these businesses if you have a steady income.

Here are five hot franchises that are ideal passive investment opportunities:

WaveMAX Laundry

This is the first national coin-operated laundry franchise to hit the market. They use the best construction, operational practices, and green initiatives in the industry.

All stores have a clean design, are well-lit, and well-maintained. The laundromats are equipped with the latest and greatest machines in the industry. These franchises come with full-time attendants; wash, dry, and fold services; and free Wi-Fi.

WaveMAX has developed a proprietary approach to discerning the best
possible real-estate play for their locations. They’ve also partnered with Electrolux (one of the largest commercial laundry manufacturers in the world) to provide owners with preferred pricing on all equipment; financing to cover 65% to 70% of the project cost, and nationwide service and parts distribution.

Total Investment: $200,000-$803,500

Clothes Bin

Clothes Bin developed a proven process for the collection, management, and distribution of clothes, shoes, and textiles. Strategically located in the parking lots of convenience stores, gas stations, shopping centers and other places people congregate–these bright green bins are the go-to for anyone looking for a convenient way to recycle clothing, shoes, etc.

The automated bins notify the owner when they are at capacity and need to be serviced.  Owners have the option of selling materials back to the franchisor at a per-pound weight, or to resell.

This affordable franchise offers a flexible work schedule, low overhead and competitive margins, making it the ideal opportunity for veterans, firefighters, teachers, and new entrepreneurs.

Total Investment: $140,525-$172,335

WaterStation Technology

Have you ever wondered about those big water dispensers outside of your local grocery store? The ones where people fill up on high-quality drinking water? Meet WaterStation Technology (WST).

WST has developed a patent-pending filtration system used in all 13 of their available machines. Their technology, filtration system, and business model provide an opportunity to deliver the highest-quality water to communities. The franchise offers business owners a way to build a low-overhead, cash-flow positive business with great, long-term growth potential.

They have been in business for 10 years, and have over 1,600 units across the United States. WST has multiple investment models as well.

Total Investment: Dependent on investment model purchased; starting at $20,500

Social5 Development Group

Social5 is a digital marketing company offering a turnkey licensing opportunity to individuals who want to offer digital marketing services to small- and medium-sized businesses.

Social5 is considered a “business opportunity,” as opposed to a franchise, as it does not collect royalties from owners. As a licensed partner (owner) you are given the highest level of training and provided with cutting-edge sales and marketing materials through their robust online portal. Owners simply bring small- to medium-sized businesses to Social5, and their team of experts will do the rest.

Total Investment: $19,900

BirthdayPak

BirthdayPak is a unique franchise targeting professional women. It offers gift cards to local salons, restaurants, and specialty stores.  As a BirthdayPak franchisee, you’ll help local business owners meet their business goals while bringing smiles to thousands of local community members as they receive their BirthdayPak featuring gift cards from your advertisers.

The right owner for this business is a sales and/or marketing professional with an entrepreneurial spirit, who enjoys getting out and networking with local business owners.

Total Investment: $30,000-$40,000