If you’re looking for a fantastic business opportunity where you set your own schedule, you might want to consider buying a franchise. Why? Franchises attract many small business owners because the business model, marketing, training, branding and more are offered by the parent company — in other words, everything you need to run a successful business.
There is also the added benefit of a support network that comes from the franchisor. All of these benefits are geared toward helping you get up and running quickly.
In this post, we’ve put together 15 fantastic franchises that let you start your journey to financial independence — all are available for less than $20,000 too. We’ll also discuss how to choose the best franchise under 20K and what to look for in a cheap franchise. So, if you’re ready to become your own boss, read on!
- READ MORE: See our Franchise Guide
Can You Buy a Franchise For Less Than $20,000?
Yes, it is possible to buy a franchise for an initial investment under $20,000, and many people do. Some of these popular franchises include cruise planners, home inspection services, pet care businesses, digital franchises and more. And thanks to the weak economy, there has never been a better time to invest in your own franchise. Many established franchises are offering low-cost options, making it easier than ever to get started on the path toward entrepreneurship.
How Do You Choose the Best Franchise Under 20K?
For the best success, it’s important to carefully consider all of your options when choosing franchises under 20K. Top ones to consider include:
- Personal considerations: Consider factors such as your personal interests, goals experience level and available time and resources when doing your franchise search.
- The franchise’s potential: Research different opportunities and compare their costs, profitability potential and growth potential. For instance, some franchisors include costs like a franchise fee in the total investment. Others don’t, and the fee can be fairly substantial and recurring.
- The type of industry: Look for industries that are in high demand and have a low barrier to entry. You’ll, want to buy into a lucrative industry too. So, evaluate potential franchise businesses based on their expected revenue and profitability.
- The franchise’s reputation: Look for established franchises with positive reviews, strong financial performance and a proven track record. In addition, make sure you get other franchisees’ feedback about the franchise.
- A strong support system: Make sure the opportunity you choose offers strong support and training to help you succeed in your new business venture.
Top Franchise Business Opportunities for Less than $20,000
If you are looking for top franchises that are less than $20K, here are some top opportunities to consider.
1. Dream Vacations
If you’re a person who digs travel, why not turn it into a moneymaking venture with Dream Vacations? For starters, the company allows you the freedom to operate your own home-based travel business while you help others plan their dream getaways. And they offer lower-cost franchises with no inventory. What’s more? You can own a travel franchise through them for as little as $3,500, which gives you access to training, marketing materials and a reservation system to help you build your business.
2. GetintheLoop Local
Number two on the list of franchises under 20K is GetintheLoop local, which is a digital franchise opportunity uniquely suited to those who love sales and marketing. Through them, you’ll empower scores of entrepreneurs to use the GetintheLoop platform to help local businesses increase their revenue through powerful mobile marketing. Plus, you will have the earning potential to get back your initial investment in months instead of years.
3. Jani King
Founded in the 1960s, Jani King offers comprehensive janitorial and commercial cleaning services. Additionally, they have 10,000 franchises that offer their superior services to tens of thousands of clients. They also have over 120 regional support offices that can help you get your franchise started. Plus, you can buy a Jani King franchise for as little as $3,000 and start your own business—all from the comfort of your home.
4. Home Inspection Service
Len Franckowiak founded the Home Building Institute (HBI), which is a school that formally taught the ins and outs of building homes. One of the courses at HBI was Old House Rehab, and it taught the art of inspecting and analyzing older houses. When Franckowiak was called on by his students for his insight into home conditions, he recognized a need for home inspection services. After that, he started BrickKicker in 1992 to provide opportunities to make money in the real estate market. Franchisees providing home inspection services through BrickKicker can expect to make a total investment of $14,150 – $32,950. Note: If you’re a veteran, you can get $2,000 to $4,000 of their franchise fee.
5. Snaggle Foot Dog Walks & Pet Care
If you want a scalable business with strong growth potential and love dogs and kitties, Snaggle Foot might be the right franchise for you. The company is a premium service provider for pet parents, offering a full suite of pet care and home services that includes pet sitting, pet taxi services, dog walking, house-sitting, backyard cleaning and in-home boarding. The company also offers online scheduling with a mobile app. With low startup costs starting at $12,000, it’s hard to beat Snaggle Foot in terms of being a highly affordable and flexible opportunity.
6. Starscapes
Starscapes is a home decor and night sky painting company that specializes in custom murals for nurseries, children’s rooms and master bedrooms. With no franchise fees and everything you need to get started provided by the company, it’s easy to see how this business opportunity could be a great fit for those with an artistic flair and an entrepreneurial spirit. Finally, for only $1,995 in startup costs, which includes help from the Starscapes marketing team, DVDs, equipment, and supplies, Starscapes is easily the cheapest of all the franchises under 20K on this list.
7. TSS Photography
TSS Photography began franchising in 1984, and since then they’ve built a solid reputation as a go-to provider of high school senior, youth sports and event photography services. With an initial investment of $10,500, shutterbug entrepreneurs get photography training and assistance with business and marketing development and daily operations. TSS doesn’t charge a royalty fee, either. Instead, they earn revenue from markups on printing and products. That means you get to hold on to more of what you make.
8. ClaimTek
If you’re looking for a business opportunity that combines your love of health and technology, ClaimTek Systems is a terrific choice. CalimTek provides medical billing and practice management software to healthcare providers. Franchisees only need initial costs of only $15,000, and the majority of that cost is proprietary software and HIPAA compliance tools. ClaimTek provides options for 1-3 years of support on billing marketing and software. They also offer premium training that lets you work one-on-one with a mentor.
More Franchise Opportunities to Start Your Own Business for Less Than $20K
If the franchises above don’t fit your interests and budget, there are many other options available. Here are seven more of the best franchises under $20K to consider.
9. Wagons-Lits
In the early 1870s, Georges Nagelmackers began his enterprise, Wagons-Lits, to install sleeping compartments in European trains. Today, the company is still around and franchising in over 140 countries. For low start-up costs of $2,270 – $16,910 and a franchise fee of only $1,500, you can enter their network of travel agencies. They offer other great advantages like the ability to leverage their strong brand and helpful training programs.
10. Hang Up Garment Covers
With a low start-up cost of only $18,900, which they say is “typically recovered in the first 30 days,” Hang Up Garment Covers is one of the more affordable franchises on this list. The company provides customizable garment covers for dry cleaning establishments, hotels and motels, as well as institutional laundry facilities. Amazingly, the company’s website boasts that you can attain a $300,000 annual net income with them if you are one of the ones to be the first to market in your exclusive territory.
11. Cruise Planners
If you’re a travel enthusiast, Blue World Voyages is an exciting opportunity to consider. The company offers luxury cruise vacations for families and couples in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and other international destinations. Getting started as a cruise planner for Blue World costs $10,995 and that price gets you home office support, a million dollars in insurance and a six-day training course in Fort Lauderdale, FL. With low start-up costs and average annual sales of $273,978, this franchise offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and opportunity.
12. Image One
For those interested in the cleaning services industry, Image One is a unique and lucrative opportunity that offers a wide range of services including janitorial, commercial window washing and power washing. Franchisees get access to business systems and training in proper commercial cleaning techniques, equipment cleaning supplies, billing and paperwork and so on for only $15,000, as well as ongoing support from their corporate team. It’s an ideal choice for entrepreneurs who want to break into the industry with a well-known brand name.
13. Mosquito Minus
If you’re looking to break into the pest control industry, Mosquito Minus is expanding and looking for franchisees. The company provides a wide range of tick and mosquito treatments, along with pest control services for nuisance creatures like rodents, ants, stinging insects and more. Starting a Mosquito Minus franchise requires a start-up cost of $8,000 to cover the cost of equipment, training and some other items. There are no ongoing royalty fees, and setting up your franchise is quick and efficient. What’s also nice is the company promises a steady revenue stream for your territory right from the get-go.
14. America’s Tax Office
America’s Tax Office is a fantastic franchise opportunity if you have a head for figures and want to work in the tax preparation industry. America’s Tax Office provides a one-stop shop that provides tax office set-up, marketing support, access to their proprietary software that automates the tax preparation process and other essential services to launch your business. Lastly, the tax business is a high-return business. That, combined with their low startup investment costs that range from $500 – $5,000 is bound to get the best bang for your buck.
15. Teddy Bear Mobile
Last, but not least on the list of franchises under 20K is Teddy Bear Mobile. If being a mobile teddy bear stuffer or providing teddy bear stuffing for events and parties sounds like a dream come true, then you’ll want to get in on this one. To franchise with them you’ll need to pay a low entry cost of just $14,500. After that, you’ll get the combined experience of 15 years in the mobile teddy bear stuffing business assisting you.
Which Franchise Is Cheapest to Own?
When it comes to the cheapest franchise opportunities on our list, Dream Vacations, Starscapes, Wagon-Lits, America’s Tax Office and Mosquito Minus come out on top. These franchises offer low startup costs that range from $500 to $3500, making them ideal for entrepreneurs who want a flexible schedule and are budget-conscious.
What Is the Most Financially Successful Franchise?
The most financially successful franchise varies depending on several factors, such as the amount of capital invested, location, and market conditions. However, franchises with low startup costs such as Teddy Bear Mobile and Mosquito Minus are two of the most popular options for entrepreneurs looking to start a business with minimal financial investment. Additionally, franchises such as America’s Tax Office and Blue World Voyages offer substantial returns on investment and established customer bases.
How Soon Can You Open After Signing a Franchise Agreement?
The timeline for opening a franchise varies depending on several factors such as the size of the business, location, and any necessary refurbishment or renovation works. Generally speaking, though, most franchisees can be up and running within 30-90 days after signing the agreement.
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