For the entrepreneur who wants tried-and-true guidance when opening a small business, a franchise offers the support necessary for success. A franchise gives you the opportunity to open a business with a proven business operation to be profitable. Some franchises are friendlier to small business owners than others, so it pays to do your homework before purchasing.
These ten franchises are strong chains with affordable startup costs. They are known for treating their franchisees well, including providing ongoing support.
If you like exercising and want to spread the joys of keeping fit, this franchise offers the opportunity to make fitness pay. The total startup costs run from $78,700-$371,175 and include an initial franchise fee of $18,000-$22,500. Royalties cost $549 monthly. If you’re a military veteran, you get 20 percent off the franchise fee. No need to quit your day job. Absentee ownership is allowed.
Founded: 2002
If you have experience in food service, retail, or multi-management, becoming a Dunkin’ franchisee means providing customers with food and beverages to get their days started. The total startup costs run from $228,621 to $1,717,103 and an initial franchisee fee of $40,000 to $90,000. A franchise agreement comes with a 5.9% ongoing royalty fee and a 5% ad royalty fee. Veterans can receive 20% off the franchise fee for the first five traditional restaurants.
Founded: 1950
Began franchising: 1955
Do you have an accounting background and enjoy saving people money on their taxes? If so, consider this franchise that has prepared more than 600 million tax returns. You’ll need to invest $31,505-$148,700 in startup costs, which include a franchise fee of $2,500. Royalties are an ongoing 30 percent. When you buy a tax preparation competitor to convert to an H&R Block, the company pays up to 70 percent of the purchase price.
Began franchising: 1956
Are you a car buff? This leader in the quick lube business makes franchising possible for many small business owners. Total startup costs run $221,000-$400,000, and this includes a franchise fee from 0-$35,000. There’s royalty payments of 3 percent each month. If you want to be an absentee owner, that’s allowed. A majority of the company’s franchisees own more than one shop.
Founded: 1979
For entrepreneurs with a teaching background who want to see kids succeed with math and reading, this franchise is a perfect fit. The popular afterschool enrichment program currently has 340,000 students enrolled in North America. To start, you will need $72,187-$149,319, which includes a $1,000 franchise fee. Royalty fees are $32-$36 per student each month.
Began franchising: 1958
You can be a franchisee of the famous golden arches. The initial investment of opening a McDonald’s franchise is on the higher end: $1,058,000 to $2,230,000 and an initial franchise fee of about $45,000. There is a 4% ongoing royalty fee and ad royalty fees start at 4%.
Founded: 1955
Began Franchising: 1955
If you’re interested in helping others find the perfect home, you can become a real estate agent and open a RE/MAX franchise. The initial investment ranges from $40,000 to $230,500. An initial franchise fee costs between $17,500 and $35,000. RE/MAX also has an ongoing royalty fee that varies. The company also offers absentee ownership, which means you can still keep your day job.
Founded: 1973
Began Franchising: 1975
Become a Servpro franchisee and you’ll specialize in residential and commercial disaster restoration, including cleanup and repair after fire and water damage. The company requires a total startup investment of $138,550-$187,200 that includes the $44,000 franchise fee. Royalties run 3-10 percent.
Began franchising: 1969
In the quick service restaurant industry, Subway is by far one of the most affordable franchise options. You’ll need to invest $116,600-$263,150 to start, which includes a franchise fee of $15,000. You’ll pay royalties of 8 percent. They also offer some financial incentives to military veterans.
Began franchising: 1974
Small business owners who like expediency gravitate toward this franchise, which features a technique for inexpensive, 20-minute haircuts. This company allows absentee ownership. Startup requires $113,900-$233,800 and includes a franchise fee of $29,500. There are ongoing 6 percent royalty fees.
Began franchising: 1979
Being your own boss with a successful franchise behind you can be a satisfying and lucrative experience. Choose a strong franchisee-friendly company, and you’ll be well on your way to small business success.
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