The idea of owning a franchise sounds good until you see how much it costs. Franchise fees, real estate costs and the cost of hiring people for a franchise can quickly add up, making your dreams of becoming an entrepreneur out of reach. Some low-cost options can help you learn how to start a franchise business without spending your life savings.

Types of Affordable Franchises

What type of franchise is the most affordable? In general, fast food restaurants require substantial startup costs, including franchise fees, training, and equipment costs.

Instead, you might consider the following franchise opportunities:

• Operate outside your home or garage.
• Provide services instead of relying on physical inventory.
• Almost no other staff is needed.
• Provide franchisees with internal financing to cover start-up costs.

Some common industries include:

• Travel plan
• Event planning
• Exercise classes and wellness programs
• Real estate and property management.
• Maintenance service
• Cleaning Services

Finding the right niche will also increase your profitability and allow you to contribute something of value to your community.

Most Affordable Franchises to Own

With these categories in mind, here are some of the best franchises to own. If you’re wondering how to start a franchise with little financial outlay and the potential for huge profits:

Dream Vacations

With a franchise fee as low as $500, Dream Vacations might be one of the most affordable franchises available. Franchisees can expect to put up between $3,000 and $20,000 to get started, but you don’t have to worry about commercial real estate or even hiring for your franchise because it’s a home-based business.

Dream Vacations provides its franchisees with stellar training to get started. If you need additional incentives, franchisees get discounts on their vacations, which can help you better sell your services to your clients.

1. Jazzercise

You probably have an aunt who got hooked on these fitness classes in the 80s. But the storied company has modernized, bringing dance and vitality classes to a new generation focused on health and fitness.

You can buy a Jazzercise franchise for as little as $1,250, and as an independent entrepreneur, you don’t have to worry about hiring for your franchise – unless you need an assistant. 

Of course, you’ll still need to find a space to accommodate your course, which may increase your initial cost. Still, Jazzercise is one of the most affordable franchises

2. Stratus Building Solutions

Stratus Building Solutions is a cleaning service specializing in eco-friendly solutions for office buildings. Initial franchise fees start as low as $2,700, but investors can put up to $100,000 into the business.

Why is there such a range? Stratus Building Solutions offers franchisees two franchise options. You can choose to run a single unit or spread out by becoming a regional or administrative director.

Whichever method you choose, Stratus provides franchisees with considerable support to help with internal financing to cover inventory and equipment costs.

3.Complete Weddings + Events

Do you like weddings? Have your friends ever told you that you are a genius when it comes to planning events? Then consider starting a franchise with Complete Weddings + Events. 

As the name suggests, you’ll primarily help happy couples adjust their weddings and help them connect with florists, DJs, and more.

Franchise fees are $10,000, but this is another business you don’t have to worry about hiring for your franchise.

Plus, you’ll get the unique privilege of seeing couples united in their marriage, and your reputation will spread through word of mouth.

4. TSS Photography

If you have photography skills, you can turn that skill into your next franchise opportunity. TSS Photography can show you how to start a franchise by taking photos of schools and sports teams.

TSS Photography charges a start-up fee of $10,500, but this fee includes photography training, sales, and business development, and help with day-to-day business operations.

But most importantly, franchisors make money from markups on image sales, which means no monthly royalties. This allows franchisees to retain a larger percentage of their revenue and enjoy larger profit margins than other franchisees.

Find the Nearest Franchise

Of course, the best franchises may be near you. Insurance Franchise offers more to help you start your franchise, and our locator tool can help you identify the best franchise opportunities in Texas.

You may discover new ways to serve your community and increase your earnings potential at the same time.