Have you had it with the weak job market? Tired of working for someone else? Want to start your own business but you're low on cash?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you’re not alone. The number of people starting businesses at home -- “homepreneurs” -- is rising steadily. In fact, more than half of all small businesses are now run from owners’ homes.
It's tough out there. But here are ten reputable franchisors that have either grown their businesses or held their own in one of the worst economies in decades. Profits vary depending on the number of clients, hours of service and variety of services offered. See if one of these franchises might be right for you.
By Neema P. Roshania
Jazzercise
Product/Service: Dance fitness classes
Headquarters: Carlsbad, Calif.
Franchises in the U.S.: 6,627
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 16%
Net Worth Requirement: $0
Royalty: 20%
Franchise Fee: $1,000
Jazzercise’s innovative and affordable workouts make it a popular exercise option for many clients even during difficult economic times. Running the business end from the home is fairly straightforward, but operators typically rent space at a church, meeting hall or other nearby location for the dance classes.
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ActionCOACH
Product/Service: Business consulting and coaching
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nev.
Franchises in the U.S.: 445
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 66%
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Royalty: $1,800/month
Franchise Fee: Varies
Business training and consulting are the hallmarks of this franchise, which is seeing a robust business as many firms struggle to stay afloat.
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Jani-King
Product/Service: Commercial cleaning
Headquarters: Addison, Texas
Franchises in the U.S.: 9,375
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): -6%%
Net Worth Requirement: $0
Royalty: 10%
Franchise Fee: $10,000 minimum
Jani-King’s commercial cleaning franchises provide janitorial services for office buildings, hotels, stadiums and retail buildings. Such operations can be easily run from home.
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Lawn Doctor
Product/Service: Shrub and lawn care, pest control
Headquarters: Holmdel, N.J.
Franchises in the U.S.: 465
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): -5%
Cash Liquidity Requirement: $40,000
Royalty: 10%
Franchise Fee: $25,000
www.lawndoctor.com
The company offers lawn care and pest control for commercial and residential properties -- a popular service with people too busy or too tired to devote hours taking care of their yards. An aging U.S. population should buoy this service, particularly as more and more older folks opt to stay in homes where they have lived for decades.
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Home Helpers/Direct Link
Product/Service: Nonmedical in-home care
Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio
Franchises in the U.S.: 650
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 8%
Cash Liquidity Requirement: $30,000
Royalty: 4%-6%
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Aging baby boomers are creating a growing market for such care. Franchises like this one offer in-home care for the elderly and disabled as well.
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Servpro
Product/Service: Disaster insurance/restoration
Headquarters: Gallatin, Tenn.
Franchises in the U.S.: 1, 521
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 16%
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Royalty: 3%-10%
Franchise Fee: $41,000
Servpro works with insurance companies to clean up and restore properties in the wake of a fire, flood, severe weather or biohazard damage. Their services are offered to both residential and commercial clients.
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Snap-on Tools
Product/Service: Professional tools and equipment
Headquarters: Kenosha, Wis.
Franchises in the U.S.: 3,262
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 6%
Net Worth Requirement: $30,000
Royalty: $102/month
Franchise Fee: $5,000 minimum
Franchisees offer a variety of tools for uses in the home as well as on the job. The business can be run from home, and includes use of a Snap-on Tools truck to offer its products to customers.
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Proforma
Product/Service: Printing and promotional materials
Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio
Franchises in the U.S.: 700
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 23%
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Royalty: 6%-8%
Franchise Fee: Varies
Proforma makes a business out of other businesses. It supplies print and promotional materials that help clients publicize their brands and increase sales.
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Rooter-Man
Product/Service: Plumbing and draining
Headquarters: North Billerica, Mass.
Franchises in the U.S.: 480
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 47%
Net Worth Requirement: $25,000
Royalty: Flat fee per month based on population served
Franchise Fee: $4,000 minimum
Recession or no recession, homes everywhere will always have plumbing and drainage problems, leaving franchises such as Rooter-Man with lots of prospective customers.
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Vanguard Cleaning Systems
Product/Service: Commercial cleaning
Headquarters: San Mateo, Calif.
Franchises in the U.S.: 1,734
Growth in Franchises (2006-2010): 300%
Cash Liquidity Requirement: $2,800-$9,000
Royalty: 5%
Franchise Fee: $7,650-$37,000
Vanguard Cleaning Systems provides janitorial and commercial cleaning services for offices, daycare facilities, gyms, etc.
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