Entrepreneurs who want to partner with a name brand franchise have thousands of opportunities. However, the initial cash investment can bloom into high double digits, making the business association a major capital outlay.
The following ten franchises offer upfront cash investment under $25,000 with most around $10,000. Brand name recognition along with established business plans and company longevity combine to attract entrepreneurs to these readymade ventures.
Data is obtained from Entrepreneur's Franchises and Opportunities listings.
BuildingStars Inc.
Start this home-based commercial cleaning franchise with a total investment of $2,200 and a $995 franchise fee. There is a five-year, renewable term of agreement and a ten percent royalty fee. BuildingStars provides in-house financing for equipment, inventory and other expenses. Note: Five employees are required to run a franchise. BuildingStars was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in St. Louis, MO. One-week training is included along with support via a newsletter, meetings and the internet.
Vendstar
Another home-based enterprise, the Vendstar franchisee sets up and maintains candy vending machines at various establishments. Brand-name candy is a lure for all ages and attracts high impulse buying. The minimum investment is $2,500 and the franchisee can add machines for extra earnings. Note: Vendstar franchises are not available in KY and CT.
Proforma
This is a long-term franchise (20 years) in which the franchisee provides printing and promotional products to businesses. The total cash investment starts at $4,700 and can run as high as $38,000. The franchise fee, which Proforma will finance, is $19,500 and the ongoing royalty fees are between six and eight percent.
Proforma provides a one-week training at company headquarters and quarterly training at the franchisee’s location. Extensive franchise support includes a convention, meetings, newsletters and toll free phone calls. Proforma’s marketing support includes regional ads and product promotion in national media and direct mail.
Aerowest/Westair Deodorizing Services
Founded in 1943, the Aerowest franchise provides restroom deodorizing services throughout most of the U.S. The total investment starts at $8,500 and can run up to $49,900. There is a $2,000 franchise fee and the ongoing royalty rate is eight percent with a five-year, renewable term. Aerowest provides financing for most aspects of the business including inventory, equipment, start-up costs and franchise fee. Two-week training at the franchisee's location is provided. Ongoing operational support and regional advertising is included.
Coffee News
Coffee News is a weekly newspaper distributed at restaurants, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Bangor, ME. Franchise can be run as a home-based business and the majority of franchisees own and service multiple units. The total investment is $9,400 with a franchise fee of $8,000. There is an ongoing royalty fee of $20 to $75 per week. The franchise agreement runs for four years and is renewable. Three-day training is provided at the company headquarters and a mentor program is also available.
Nerds We Can Fix That!
Calling itself “absolutely the best computer repair franchise available,” Nerds We Can Fix That! offers franchises in most states with a minimum investment of less than $10,000. Franchisees do not have to be technically savvy since the franchisor assists in locating computer technicians.This home-based opportunity includes car wrapping in the upfront fee and training. The ten percent royalty fee applies to services only.
Guard-A-Kid
Guard-A-Kid is a kiosk-style franchise service which offers child identification and safety services. It can be run as a home-based business. The total investment is $10,900 with a franchise fee of about $10,000. Founded in 2003, Guard-A-Kid is out of Miami, where training occurs. On-site training is also offered. This is a ten-year, renewable franchise agreement. Ongoing support arrives via a newsletter, meetings, toll free phone line, the Internet and other materials. Most franchisees own more than one unit.
Critter Control Inc.
Found in 1983 by a chimney cleaner, Critter Control is an urban/rural wildlife management service that rescues and relocates unwanted wildlife. Services include repair of damaged property and many franchises have a cooperative relationship with their local animal control center.
Entry into the franchise will require a minimum investment of $11,300; that figure can rise to $75,500. Franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee between seven and 17 percent and sign up for a ten-year agreement. One-week training is held at the headquarters in Columbus, OH or Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Franchise owners receive support from headquarters including field observations, toll free number, newsletter and assistance with grand openings. Ad slicks and marketing assistance is also offered.
Snap-on Tools
The high profile franchise requires a start-up cash investment of about $17,000. However, the investment can run much higher. Headquartered in Kenosha, WI, Snap-on is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment for professional tool users. The company was founded in 1920 and built a solid base before entering the franchise market in 1991. Its franchises are located in the U.S., Canada and other countries, and franchisees can provide their customers more than 19,000 products for a variety of industries.
Property Damage Appraisers
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Property Damage Appraisers inspect automobiles, homes and heavy equipment. The company also provides lease turn-in condition reports and vehicle and warranty inspections. Training is available at headquarters and at the franchisee's location. The total investment is about $22,000 with a 15 percent ongoing royalty fee. There is no franchise fee. Franchisees enter into a three year, renewable agreement. The franchise can be run from home and the majority of franchisees have a single unit. The company has been franchising since 1963.
Benefits for the Entrepreneur
As can be seen from this list, a franchising opportunity exists in nearly every market segment from high tech to tools and from business services to candy machines and children's safety. For the ready entrepreneur with start-up cash and the necessary skills, a franchise might be the perfect investment.
Join the Conversation