Home based franchises are businesses you can run from your home, or that have a mobile vehicle such as a branded truck. Much of the work conducted by the home franchises listed below can be either full time or part time. Additionally, many of the businesses can start as a home based franchise and grow to have an office with several employees.
To rank these work from home franchises we reviewed their training and support, costs, recent growth of the franchise, and potential for franchisee growth. You’ll notice there is a diverse selection of franchises from many industries. Even though you don’t need a physical location for any of the businesses below, most require the franchisee to either service customers at a location or network with potential customers outside of the home.
1. Cruise Planners
Travel Agency
Initial Investment: $10,995
Liquid Requirement: $10,995
Net Worth Requirement: n/a
Franchise Fee: $10,995
No. of Locations: 3,061
Cruise Planners is a home-based travel agency that focuses on cruises and other resort-based travel. As a member of Cruise Planners, you receive extensive training and marketing support. Additionally, you’ll receive travel agency memberships and discounts to cruise line and air travel associations. Travel Agents make money by earning a commission on the trips they book for their clients. To succeed as a travel agent, it helps to be well networked with individuals who take vacations often.
2. Jan-Pro
Commercial Cleaning Service
Initial Investment: $4,170 – $54,700
Liquid Requirement: $1,000 – $5,000
Net Worth Requirement: $1,000 – $14,000
Franchise Fee: $3,615 – $62,100
No. of Locations: 7,630
Jan-Pro provides cleaning services for businesses and other organizations including schools and government organizations. When you sign up as a Jan-Pro franchisee, you’ll receive business training, necessary cleaning equipment, and ongoing support. Something unique about Jan-Pro is that it doesn’t require its franchisees to do any selling to get clients, it will find the accounts for new business. This is appealing for many business owners who don’t enjoy doing sales.
3. HomeVestors
Real Estate Investing
Initial Investment: $56,000 – $426,300
Liquid Requirement: $30,000
Net Worth Requirement: $70,000 – $426,250
Franchise Fee: $30,000
No. of Locations: 1,102
HomeVestors is a real estate investment company that specializes in purchasing and rehabbing distressed properties. Once the properties are rehabbed, they are either sold to a homeowner, investor, or retained and rented out. One benefit of signing up with HomeVestors is its well-known national advertising campaign (“We Buy Ugly Houses”) that provides leads directly to the franchisee.
4. Stratus Building Solutions
Commercial Cleaning Service
Initial Investment: $3,450 – $50,350
Liquid Requirement: $2,000 – $20,000
Net Worth Requirement: $5,000 – $10,000
Franchise Fee: $2,700 – $39,600
No. of Locations: 1,737
Stratus Building Solutions is a home-based janitorial franchise. Stratus is a franchise that provides a lot of opportunity for personal business growth: 90% of its franchisees own more than one location. The potential for adding additional locations is something to consider when buying a franchise. When you sign up to become a franchisee, you’ll receive a two week training at a regional office, with ongoing support of billing and collections, insurance, and marketing.
5. Mosquito Joe
Pest Control Service
Initial Investment: $95,600 – $140,000
Liquid Requirement: $30,000
Net Worth Requirement: $250,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
No. of Locations: 285
Mosquito Joe is a mosquito, tick, and flea control company. As a franchise owner your main job will be to apply a barrier spray solution to your customers’ lawns. A benefit to the Mosquito Joe franchise is its recurring revenue. Each spray solution only lasts for 21 days. This means once you build a base of consistent customers, you won’t have to spend as much time prospecting and marketing to new customers.
6. Matco Tools
Mechanics’ Tools and Equipment
Initial Investment: $93,420 – $272,690
Liquid Requirement: $23,200
Net Worth Requirement: $25,000
Franchise Fee: $7,000
No. of Locations: 1,749
Matco Tools is a manufacturer and distributor of professional quality mechanics’ tools and equipment. It services both retail shops and individual consumers. Matco offers an in-house financing program that can cover up to 100% of startup costs for those who qualify. They have full and part-time franchise programs available and provide training and support. They do not charge advertising or royalty fees.
7. Anago Cleaning Systems
Commercial Cleaning Service
Initial Investment: $11,265 – $68,250
Liquid Requirement: $1,000
Net Worth Requirement: $5,000
Franchise Fee: $5,000
No. of Locations: 1,622
Anago Cleaning Systems is a commercial cleaning company. The cost to start an Anago franchise is very low because franchisees aren’t required to purchase a branded truck or a substantial amount of equipment. When first starting the business, Anago guarantees initial contracts so franchisees can work on learning the business rather than prospecting for clients. Additionally, Anago is a business that can be operated part time, so you can keep your full-time income while learning how to operate a small business.
8. Restoration 1
Water Damage Restoration
Initial Investment: $79,100 – $183,350
Liquid Requirement: $50,00
Net Worth Requirement: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $49,500
No. of Locations: Over 200
Restoration 1 provides restoration services for water, mold, fire, and smoke damage. While this is a home-based franchise, new franchisees are required to purchase a branded Restoration 1 vehicle. As a new franchise owner, Restoration 1 provides a 12-day training program which includes on-the-job training with an established franchise owner and a personalized business plan that helps new owners get clear on their business goals.
9. The Maids
Residential Cleaning Service
Initial Investment: $48,950 – $124,950
Liquid Requirement: $22,500
Franchise Fee: $12,500
Net Worth Requirement: $150,000
No. of Locations: 1,225
The Maids is a residential cleaning-based franchise. The Maids provides a robust training system for new franchisees. Every new franchisee starts with up to seven weeks of foundational business training, including a culture training, admin and tech training, on-site training at your new location, and employee training. Additionally, new franchisees receive marketing support from marketing experts at The Maids headquarters.
10. GYMGUYZ
Personal Training and Fitness
Initial Investment: $56,072 – $222,672
Liquid Requirement: $35,000
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
No. of Locations: 174
GYMGUYZ is an in-home personal training franchise. Its main focus is individualized, one-on-one fitness, as well as group sessions and corporate fitness. GYMGUYZ has a team of certified personal trainers that use a unique training philosophy to create the fitness programs. To get started, you don’t need a fitness certification—GYMGUYZ will train and certify franchisees.
11. 911 Restoration
Water Damage Restoration
Initial Investment: $70,100
Liquid Requirement: $25,000
Net Worth Requirement: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $29,000
No. of Locations: 203
911 Restoration specializes in repairing water, mold, flood, and fire damage in homes and businesses. Franchisees purchase a branded vehicle to store equipment and use to deliver services. 911 Restoration provides both in-house financing and third-party financing. New franchisees will receive leads gathered from the national headquarters.
12. Pillar To Post
Home Inspectors
Initial Investment: $36,350
Liquid Requirement: $10,000
Net Worth Requirement: n/a
Franchise Fee: $21,900
No. of Locations: 500
Pillar To Post is a franchise that conducts home inspections. Typically, a home inspection is a process done before a home is sold to determine the condition of various physical parts of the home. This franchise is for someone who enjoys being around houses and construction, and wants to learn how a house works. As a Pillar To Post franchisee, you gain access to proprietary software that makes home inspections easier to conduct.
13. N-Hance Wood Refinishing
Wood Refinishing
Initial Investment: $51,970 – $167,023
Liquid Requirement: $50,000
Net Worth Requirement: n/a
Franchise Fee: $11,270 – $46,028
No. of Locations: 536
N-Hance Wood Refinishing specializes in refinishing wood-based cabinets, floors, and other surfaces. N-Hance is a leader in the wood refinishing industry because it created the Lightspeed U.V. curing technology, which shortens the finishing process with less dust and odor. As a new franchisee, you’ll receive a six month marketing package, which includes a business website and membership to Home Advisor.
14. Soccer Shots
Fitness and Amusement Center
Initial Investment: $41,034 – $53,950
Liquid Requirement: $20,000
Net Worth Requirement: $35,000
Franchise Fee: $34,500
No. of Locations: 218
Soccer Shots offers premier and engaging soccer programs for young boys and girls that focus on soccer skills and character development. It offers clinics for 2- to 8-year old kids, and provides best-in-class coaching, communication, and curriculum. Soccer Shots aims to impact children’s lives, both on and off the field. It provides franchisees with a low cost, high profit margin business model, a proven sales system, technical assistance, and marketing materials.
15. Pet Wants
Pet Food Delivery
Initial Investment: $59,830 – $202,000
Liquid Requirement: $50,000
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Franchise Fee: $38,500
No. of Locations: 124
Pet Wants offers the delivery of fresh, high-quality, nutritionally complete and balanced pet food. It offers both mobile and store franchise models. The mobile franchise model only offers delivery of the products, while the store franchise model offers both retail and delivery. Franchisees don’t need prior experience in the pet industry. Pet Wants provides franchise support and training on marketing and operations-related topics.
16. Kona Ice
Mobile Frozen Desserts
Initial Investment: $127,750 – $151,550
Liquid Requirement: $20,000 – $40,000
Net Worth Requirement: $20,000
Franchise Fee: $15,000
No. of Locations: 1,176
Kona Ice is a mobile-based franchise opportunity that offers shaved ice and frozen desserts to various events. Because this is a mobile business opportunity, there’s no need to rent a place to run this franchise. Kona Ice provides an in-depth, hands-on training experience at its corporate headquarters. Ongoing support is also provided to franchisees.
17. Tutor Doctor
In-home Tutoring
Initial Investment: $73,295 – $100,995
Liquid Requirement: $73,295 – $100,995
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000 – $300,000
Franchise Fee: $49,700
No. of Locations: 355
Tutor Doctor offers in-home one-on-one private tutoring. Its customers range in educational background from kindergarten to college. This franchise is ideal for someone with a teaching background or a professional who enjoys teaching. Tutor Doctor provides a turnkey tutoring solution, so franchisees don’t need to have a background in education. Tutor Doctor provides a 5% franchise fee discount for veterans.
18. Rooter-Man
Plumbing and Drain Cleaning
Initial Investment: $46,750 – $137,600
Liquid Requirement: $10,000
Net Worth Requirement: $25,000
Franchise Fee: $3,975
No. of Locations: 638
Rooter-Man is a mobile plumbing, sewer, and drain cleaning service. As a franchisee you’ll purchase a branded truck that stores the equipment needed to get the job done. One unique benefit to owning a Rooter-man franchise is the fixed royalty cost. Typically, franchises charge a royalty fee based on a percent of revenue. As a franchisee earns additional income with the Rooter-man franchise, they get to keep any income above the fixed franchise fee.
19. Destination Athlete
Sportswear and Equipment
Initial Investment: $28,300 – $120,110
Liquid Requirement: $30,000
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Franchise Fee: $28,300
No. of Locations: 96
Destination Athlete sells sports equipment and uniforms to individuals, parents, coaches, and leagues. Franchisees are essentially sales reps developing relationships with local sports leagues and school athletic programs. Additionally, franchisees assist with team and leagues with fundraising with the Destination Athlete app. This franchise can be part-time, full-time, or full-time with a physical location and staff.
20. Dream Vacations
Travel Agency
Initial Investment: $1,795 – $20,300
Liquid Requirement: n/a
Net Worth Requirement: n/a
Franchise Fee: $495 – $9,800
No. of Locations: 1,429
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency that specializes in resort vacations. Franchisees gain access to Dream Vacations experiences, which include river cruises, luxury cruises, one-day resort packages, and escorted tours.
After the initial in-person training, Dream Vacations provides a 10-to-1 franchisee to support staff ratio, so that owners can easily get assistance when they need it. A benefit of this franchise is receiving substantial discounts on travel. The franchise wants its franchisees to go on as many of the trips they’re selling as possible. The firsthand account of the trips aids in selling the trips.
21. MaidPro
Residential Cleaning Service
Initial Investment: $57,560 – $222,450
Liquid Requirement: $50,000
Net Worth Requirement: $75,000
Franchise Fee: $20,000 – $80,000
No. of Locations: 257
MaidPro offers residential cleaning services. It provides franchisees with a state-of-the-art software, 24/7 support, creative marketing, powerful recruiting tools, established brand-identity, and a proven business strategy. MaidPro either offers in-house financing to cover franchise fees and startup costs. It can also help get financing from third-party sources.
22. Realty One Group
Residential Real Estate
Initial Investment: $49,250 – $222,500
Liquid Investment: $75,000
Net Worth Requirement: $250,000
Franchise Fee: $20,000
No. of Locations: 140
The Realty One Group is an innovative real estate brokerage. Instead of taking a percentage of the real estate agent’s commissions to earn revenue, the Realty One Group business model charges agents a flat monthly fee. Additionally, Realty One utilizes technology that allow real estate agents to work independently and with less oversight. For every 150 agents, a Realty One location will have 3 managers, instead of the traditional amount of 15 managers per location.
23. Patrice and Associates
Hospitality Recruiting
Initial Investment: $90,250 – $108,000
Liquid Requirement: $75,000
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
No. of Locations: 154
Patrice and Associates is a recruiting-based franchise that specializes in placing executives and operations managers in hospitality markets such as hotels, restaurants, casinos, airports, clubs, and resorts. Franchisees have several options for how they’d like to operate the business. They can work with clients directly, hire recruiters to work with clients, or when ready, open an office for multiple recruiters.
24. My Gym Children’s Fitness Center
Mobile Fitness Center
Initial Investment: $36,760
Liquid Requirement: $35,000
Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
No. of Locations: 170
The mobile franchise option for My Gym Children’s Fitness Center is conducting classes in day care centers and preschools. This business is ideal for those looking to work with children as young as three months old and up to 10 years old. The typical mobile franchise owner services between 50 to 75 clients. My Gym’s royalty fee is a fixed cost, which means as you grow your business, you get to keep a higher percentage of the profits.
25. Jazzercise
Fitness Class
Initial Investment: $2,405
Liquid Requirement: $2,980
Net Worth Requirement: n/a
Franchise Fee: $1,250
No. of Locations: 6,585
Jazzercise is a class-based fitness program. As an associate franchisee, you’ll gain access to its workout program and music selection. To grow this business without a physical location, you’ll need to rent out a location at a local gym or fitness center. Once you learn the program and increase your instructor skills, you may want to branch out as an owner franchisee and open your own location. Both the associates and owners receive training support from local sales managers and from the corporate headquarters.
Bottom Line
If you’re still deciding what business to start, a low-cost franchise should be in the conversation. To succeed with any of these franchises, take your time, do your homework, and avoid common franchise mistakes. When deciding which home-based franchise is right for you, consider the growth of the franchise’s industry, as well as the startup costs.