Not all franchises require a large input of capital to get off the ground. Some franchises can be operated from your home office without requiring you to do any real hiring for your franchise operations. Others can be set up quickly and efficiently, helping you make the most of your profit margins. If you’re looking to learn how to start a franchise, you might consider one of these affordable companies.
Dream Vacations
If you have a home office, you can start a Dream Vacations franchise for less than $10,000. That price includes training, web design, invoicing software, and ongoing support from the franchisor.
What makes Dream Vacations so affordable? Basically, you’ll be running a home-based business, allowing you to be the sole employee. You’ll be helping clients make travel arrangements and vacation plans, which can be quite lucrative.
Dream Vacations reports that their average net sales total over $330,000, which is especially good considering the low cost of ownership.
Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners represents another travel-based franchise aimed at those planning a cruise. The franchisor is a subsidiary of American Express and is one of the country's most widely-recognized cruise planning agencies.
As with other travel franchises, you can conduct business from a home office, so there’s little worry about hiring for your franchise. The franchise fee is a little over $10,000, but few other startup costs make this a potentially simple franchise to work with.
Fit4Mom
Fit4Mom represents a relatively unique niche, offering fitness programs for mothers of young children. Fit4Mom franchisees will conduct one of a variety of classes ranging from aerobic workouts to a Fit4Mom Run Club. As the franchisee, you’ll work in your local community and choose a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
However, you may need to find space to conduct your business, which adds to the startup costs. A run club doesn’t need commercial space, of course, but other types of classes may demand an investment if you need to rent enough space to accommodate your clients.
This means that franchise fees can be as low as $6,000, but your startup fees can rise depending on the number of classes you conduct and the space you have available.
Chem-Dry
This company began in 1977, and since then, it has become a household name in cleaning and maintaining carpets. This gives Chem-Dry franchisees virtually limitless opportunities to grow a prosperous business in their area, though you’ll need to do the hiring for your franchise to maintain sufficient manpower.
The franchising fee for Chem-Dry is a bit steep — at least compared to other businesses on this list. But at only $23,500, it’s considerably lower than a larger fast-food franchise, and Chem-Dry offers in-house financing to make it easier for you to get up and running.
SuperGlass Windshield Repair
You don’t have to be good with your hands to start a franchise with SuperGlass Windshield Repair. The company will provide all of the training you’ll need to learn how to start a franchise in your community. SuperGlass has successfully pivoted to mobile services, making it easier to meet the demands of your operating territory.
With a franchising fee as low as $5,000, this is one of the least expensive franchises to own. The company also offers great support — starting with the initial training — including the infrastructure you’ll need for your business to thrive.
Property Management, Inc
Today’s unstable housing market is nothing new. U.S. residents have historically relied on rental properties when they can’t afford to buy a home or when they need a place to stay between jobs. A Property Management franchise has a lot of earnings potential, not to mention a lot of staying power.
Franchise fees can vary between $15,000 to $45,000, but the company will provide all of the training, technology, and additional resources to help you learn how to start a franchise in the housing industry.
Soccer Shots
Do you love sports, kids, and the great outdoors? Soccer Shots might be a perfect fit. This franchise specializes in youth soccer programs, which have been growing exponentially over the years.
The initial franchise fee is $34,500, but the Soccer Shots corporation can provide in-house financing to help you with the financials.
Explore More Franchises
To learn more about how to start a franchise, use the search tool on the Franchise Opportunities website. You can find franchising opportunities in your area and take the first steps toward investing in an affordable, lucrative franchise today.