If you want a fast track to entrepreneurship and like the idea of setting up shop out your apartment or house, home-based franchises have a lot to offer. While you may miss the daily interaction with co-workers, that will be quickly replaced with the relationships you establish with clients and vendors.
There are hundreds of franchise business concepts that don’t require high overhead costs or massive build out–such as a fast food spot–and can be run from a home office. The only time you have to leave the office is to service customers.
Instead of the huge risk of starting a business from scratch, franchises provide financial stability and opportunities to succeed. Franchised businesses come with a proven business plan, brand recognition, training, and guidelines for success.
One of the major benefits is that it is relatively easy to get started. Most offer turnkey solutions, which includes offering a training program, marketing materials, customer databases and a low startup cost. If you go with a well-known name and choose a business that truly interests you, a home-based franchise can be quite lucrative.
10 of the Most Popular Home-Based Franchises
1. ChemDry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Total investment: $33,950 to $131,500
At a time when small business loans are still hard to come by, you can buy a ChemDry franchise for as little as $9,995 down and secure in-house financing – a rarity in the franchise industry. ChemDry backs up its best-in-class products and services with training and support that prepares new franchise owners not just on cleaning but on successful business ownership, with marketing and operations guidance.
2. CruiseOne
Total investment: $9,800 to $25,000
The CruiseOne travel agency has a growing network of nearly 1,000 franchisees. A premier supplier of cruise and vacation packages, CruiseOne has a growing clientele base, significant buying power, innovative marketing programs and dedicated franchise support. The franchise fee is less than $10,000. And for those who qualify, financing is available with as little as $3,500 down. In addition, Cruise One offers an initial franchise fee discount program which includes up to 20% off for U.S. veterans and 10% off for ethnic and racial minorities as well as women in business.
3. Handyman Matters
Total investment: $57,080 to $116,575
Homes require constant care and
upkeep which makes this nationally recognized franchise concept a gem. Handyman Matters serves the repair, restoration and maintenance needs of both residential and commercial customers, specializing in small to medium sized jobs covering a wide range of around-the-house tasks. The home services repair company has some 122 franchises nationwide. Corporate support includes a call center, marketing program, and ongoing coaching. Protected territories are available starting at $42,500. There also are special incentives for veterans, women and minorities.4. Home Helpers
Total investment: $57,500 to $98,900
In-home healthcare is a growing field as the baby boomer generation ages. Home Helpers is a leader in home care services with caregivers who provide one-on-one care to seniors, new & expectant mothers, working parents, and those recuperating from illness or injury and those facing lifelong physical and developmental challenges. Senior care services allow individuals to live independently in their home instead of an assisted living complex or nursing home.
5. Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems
Total investment: $2,800 to $44,000
This commercial cleaning franchise provides training and support to new franchisees. If you are a veteran and planning to start a business of your own
the VetConnection program from JAN-PRO offers attractive financial incentives. JAN- PRO also offers financial assistance to qualified franchisee prospects and is recognized as a leader in minority recruitment and participation in the franchising sector. The average initial franchise fee is $10,000.6. Jazzercise
www.jazzercise.com/become_franchise.htm
Total investment: $4,280 to $76,500
The initial fee for this fitness franchise is as low as $2,000. Jazzercise offers workout programs that combine jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga and kickboxing. The international franchise business hosts a network of 7,800 instructors teaching more than 32,000 classes weekly throughout 32 countries. Franchisees receive training, corporate support, resources and strategic alliances, including Jazzercise Apparel, to help grow their businesses.
7. Kinderdance
Total Investment: $14,950 to $46,100
Franchisees offer Kinderdance’s innovative preschool developmental education through dance to thousands of children across North America. There are five different programs that incorporate mo
tor-skills, gymnastics, music and fitness, blended with academics, specifically designed for boys and girls ages 2-12. Classes can be taught form home or in childcare centers, churches, schools, or community centers. Special incentives offered to women, veterans, and minorities, including discounted fees.8. Matco Tools
Total investment: $88,879 to $144,410
Matco is one of the fastest growing mobile tool franchises providing professional tools, equipment, and storage for technicians that work in independent repair shops, dealerships, small engine repair, farm and industrial service, marine, motorsports, and even aviation. Franchisees can sell, distribute and service automotive equipment, tools and toolboxes out of their trucks.
9. Proforma
www.proforma.com/company/aboutus
Total investment: $4,730 to $20,965
Proforma creates personalized promotional products, offers commercial printing services, designs custom business forms and stationery, provides e-commerce solutions, and is capable of multimedia production. Franchisees receive accounting methods, advertising, marketing and promotional techniques, preferential vendor relationships, volume purchasing power, personnel training and other matters related to the maintenance of uniform quality standards.
10. Snap-On-Tools
Total Investment: $143,683 to $307,700
Snap-on Tools franchisees offer over 22,000 products, including hand tools, power tools, diagnostic tools, tool storage, and shop equipment. These tools are for home use as well as on the job. The business can run from home with owners bringing their “mobile stores” or Snap-On trucks filled with products directly to customers, which includes car dealerships, mechanics, and airports. The initial franchise fee is $7,500 – $15,000.