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While franchises are expensive, I can assure that these 10 top franchises under $10k definitely won’t break the bank. In fact, the barrier of entry is so low with these franchises I’m about to share with you, that it’s almost a no-brainer.
We’ve all heard about how much a McDonald’s franchise can run you. We’re talking an average startup investment of at least $1 million. Maybe even $2 million.
But if your dream is to own a franchise here in the US, for a much lower investment, here are some opportunities that can certainly get you in the game. And every last one of them will fit a budget of under $10,000 to get started.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
1) Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a travel agency franchise that was founded in 1992, which currently has over 1,300 home-based agencies (franchisees) in the United States.
Startup Investment
The franchise fee is between $495 and $9,800, depending on your experience and there is a $9,800 liquid capital requirement.
With this franchise you can work from home with no inventory needed, no overhead, and without the geographical barriers. Franchisees also get heavily discounted vacations so that they get to know what they are selling. Travel.
There is a 20% discount for US Veterans, Active duty spouses, First responders (active and retired), Medical professionals, and teachers. No travel experience is required.
With Dream Vacations there are uncapped royalty fees and you earn 100% of the industry’s highest paid commission. This franchise opportunity has been ranked in the top 3% among more than 4,000 operating franchise systems worldwide.
For membership opportunities with this franchise, visit the Dream Vacations website.
2) Fit4Mom
Fit4Mom is a pre and postnatal exercise program for mothers. The company is based in San Marcos, California and was formed in 2001. They began franchising in 2005. The company grew out of the fitness program called stroller strides and offers nationwide opportunities for franchisees.
Startup Investment
The franchise fees ranges between $6,495 to $10,495 and the expected initial investment is anywhere from $6,205 to $24,285. Some other fees include monthly franchise fees that range from $199 to $399. There’s also a monthly royalty fee which is 2% of Gross Sales.
Franchisees offer various fitness programs in their community and there are currently over 300 units (franchisees).
This opportunity has franchisees in the following regions and countries:
- U.S.
- Asia
- Australia/New Zealand
- Canada
- Eastern Europe
- Middle East
- Mexico
- South America
- Western Europe
With this franchise you are assigned an exclusive geographic territory with the franchise agreement. Territories are assigned based on which pricing plan you select you select.
Here’s an example of the population per pricing plan:
- Classic: Territory of 50,000 population
- Extended: Territory of 100,000 population
- Regional: Territory of 175,000 population
For membership opportunities with this franchise, visit the Fit4Mom website.
3) Travel Leaders
Travel Leaders is the second travel franchise that made this list. The original company was founded back in 1888, and since then there have been mergers and new owners. Today Travel Leaders is the largest travel agency operation in North America.
Much like Dream Vacations, this company gives franchisees all of the tools and resources they need to run their own travel agency franchise. This includes sales presentations, templates and services, as well as marketing via direct mail and online platforms.
This award winning travel management company has over 350 franchisees (including 340 in North America) with total sales revenue of $17 billion.
Startup Investment
The initial investment depends on location and level of participation, but will be around $2,270 and $16,910. The initial franchise fee is $1,500. The royalty fee is $1,000 per month and this opportunity requires a 3-year contract.
There are also additional royalty fees of $109 to $274 a month. Training is provided by the franchisor.
For membership opportunities with this franchise, visit the Travel Leaders website.
4) Lil’ Kickers
Lil’ Kickers was started in 1999 by Arena Sports and they have now grown to over 100 locations in 27 states and provinces. This franchise provides soccer training inside of a program that helps with childhood development as a whole.
Comprehensive training is provided to franchisees with this franchise. The company is based in Seattle, Washington and won the Best Franchise Award in 2013.
Lil’ Kickers offers a proven franchise system and is a market leader with over 900,000 million children participating in the program to-date.
This franchise opportunity is not availble in the following states:
- Hawaii
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
Costs
- Franchise Fee: $5,000 to $10,000
- Equipment, signs, and marketing signage: $3,000 to $10,000 The franchisee will be responsible for buying or renting a property.
- Inventory: $1,000 to $2,000.
For membership opportunities with this franchise, visit the Lil’ Kickers website.
5) Umbrella Tax Solutions
Umbrella Tax Solutions is a low-cost franchise opportunity that was founded in 2011 and is based in Arlington, TX. This franchise allows franchisees an opportunity to build a tax preparation business. With a franchise fee of just $199, this is by far one of the lowest cost startups you will find.
This company offers 3 franchise models to get started:
- Expert Model – for seasoned tax professionals who want to earn more by harnessing the most cutting edge tax technology.
- Pro Model – for franchisees looking to have more freedom to build a virtual team working with clients as a home based tax preparer.
- Vtax Model – start a side hustle that you can take with you anywhere to earn extra income.
Umbrella Tax Solutions has over 1,500 franchisees and offers 30% commission on every tax return in the basic franchise model. The other models offer a wider range of services for $599 (60% commission), and $1,299 (70% commission).
The company provides training access to software and resources to help you succeed. This is a reasonably priced franchise in a solid market with low overhead.
To learn more about becoming a franchise owner with this company, visit the Umbrella Tax Solutions website.
6) Jazzercise
Jazzercise was founded back in 1969 and began franchising in 1982. The company operates in the fitness sector and is well established with over 9,000 instructors (7,000 in the US).
Startup Investment
The initial investment is between $2,245 to $17,155, with the initial franchise fee being $1,250. You will also need to pay insurance, music licensing fees, and a $120 annual associate fee.
There is also a continuing franchise fee of either 20% of your gross revenue or $250 a month minimum, paid monthly. There is no minimum for your first year.
This franchise opportunity is great for those who are fit and want to start a business around fitness. With Jazzercise, franchisees create new training routines, moves, and music playlists for people.
All of these routines have been pre-checked by a health and fitness specialist. Franchisees will get support from the Jazzercise local sales manager.
To apply to join this franchise, visit the Jazzercise website.
7) Strata Building Solutions
Strata Building Solutions is a company that specializes in offering commercial cleaning in an environmentally friendly way. The company was founded in 2004, and began franchising in 2006. Strata is headquartered in North Hollywood, California and has over 3,500 franchises in the US and Canada.
Startup Investment
With this opportunity, initial franchise fees start at $3,600 and there is an ongoing 5% royalty fee. Some other requirements include:
- Net worth: $5,000 – $40,000
- Liquid cash: $2,000 – $20,000
Strata Building Solutions offer training and special environmentally positive cleaning products. They also provide franchisees the ability to offer Hepa filtration and Ultra Violet sanitation.
The company has a selection of franchise opportunities, including master franchises. So there are ongoing opportunities to grow your business with this opportunity.
Here are the 3 Franchise models that they offer:
- Executive Master Franchise
- Canadian Master Franchise
- Unit Janitorial Franchise
If you’re interested in a Stratus Franchise, visit the Strata Building Solutions website for more information.
8) Town Money Saver
Town Money Saver is a franchise opportunity in the direct mail and digital advertising sector that works with local businesses and residences. The company offers small businesses the opportunity to purchase high-quality advertising.
The idea for this franchise first started in 1992 and they turned it into a franchise in 2005. The company is based in Lucas, Ohio and the CEO is William Zirzow.
Startup Investment
The initial investment is between $5,700 and $17,000 for this franchise opportunity. Town Money Saver currently has over 50 franchisees in the US with a monthly circulation of 2.8 million in 153 markets.
Veterans receive 50% off the first printing setup. All franchisees receive ongoing support, a regular mailing, and company conventions. Franchisees also receive 16 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of field training.
The company also offers a “performance awarded franchise opportunity.” This means that if franchisees can convince Town Money Saver that they would be the perfect fit they’re rewarded with zero or reduced fees for the franchise.
This is a $45 billion industry and with Town Money Saver you can get in and have your slice of the pie.
To get started with your TMS franchise, visit the Town Money Saver website.
9) Poop 911
Poop 911 is a company that offers a unique franchise opportunity to get into the pet care sector. This company was founded in 2005 and has a network that covers over 60 cities in 30 states.
With this franchise opportunity, the franchisee removes dog poop from the yards of clients as many times per week as requested.
Startup Investment
With no franchise fee, and a low cost of setting up the business, you can get started for as little as $1,500 to $2,000. The company says you should expect to see a return on your investment in under 12 months.
Franchisees get starter uniforms, and marketing materials, along with an operations manual (over 100 pages in length) to launch their business.
The company supplies a phone number: 877-POOP-911, which redirects to the franchisee’s office number locally. They also supply advanced technology to deal with billing and card transactions, customer orders, scheduling, and payroll processing.
This is a very attractive franchise opportunity with very little overhead. As you can imagine for this reason Poop-911 is expanding fast.
To get started and become a franchisee, visit the Poop 911 website.
10) Baby Boot Camp
Baby Boot Camp is a fitness and nutrition program for moms of all ages. This company was founded in 2001 and began franchising in 2005. The company is based in Sarasota, Florida and currently has over 84 franchisees in the US.
The program allows mothers to socialize in a community with other mothers while exercising, without having to leave the baby at home.
Startup Investment
The initial franchise fee is $5,000 to $8,000, with the initial startup investment ranging from $6,050 to $13,179.
This franchise comes in 3 tiers and gives franchisees an exclusive geographically protected territory. The tiers are as follows:
- Tier 1. Population covering up to 100,000. The initial franchise fee will cost $5,000.
- Tier 2. Population of 100,001 to 200,000. The initial franchise fee is $6,500.
- Tier 3. Population of 200,001 to 300,000. The initial franchise fee is $8,000.
The initial franchise fee startup kit includes the following resources:
- A special Baby Boot Camp Stroller
- The Baby Boot Camp book
- Operations manual and exam
- Instructor training documents and exam
- Leaders guide to nutrition and exam
- Training materials for the running program
- Training webinars
To learn more about starting a franchise, visit the Baby Boot Camp website.
Conclusion
If your dream is to create financial freedom, but the astounding price tag has always scared you away from franchises, problem solved. With these 10 opportunities you have more than enough information to be well on your way.
I shared opportunities that were in various sectors to give you a little diversity. Whether it be travel, fitness, child development, or dog poop, getting started has never been easier. And compared to traditional opportunities, at a price tag of under $10K to start your own franchise, these 10 are quite a bargain.
