Top 8 Low-Cost Work-From-Home Franchises for 2024

From repairing the leather on your neighbor's couch to scooping shaved ice at local events, these eight standout home-based opportunities provide the freedom to work around your life — not the other way around.

By Luca Piacentini1851 Franchise Managing Editor

7:07AM • 05/07/24

In today's economy, with commercial real estate prices and interest rates rising, starting a home-based franchise can be a lucrative — and flexible — way to enter the world of entrepreneurship without breaking the bank. Here are eight of the top low-cost work-from-home franchise concepts that blend convenience with potential profits.

Fibrenew

Specializing in the repair, restoration and renewal of leather, plastics, vinyl, fabric and upholstery, Fibrenew boasts a proven business model with unique processes, products and services that cannot be outsourced or replaced by AI. As a franchise opportunity, the brand offers a simple, mobile-based business that owners can operate from home. It’s as simple as driving to the customer’s location, performing the services needed and then heading over to the next job. Talk about “turn-key”!

Growth Club Profile

Units: 308
Total Initial Investment: $100,595 - $120,595
Franchise Fee: $47,000
Royalty Fee: $750+/month
Marketing Fee: N/A
Liquidity Required: $15,000 - $25,000
Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning

Chem-Dry offers a home-based franchise opportunity in the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry. Known for its patented cleaning products and processes, Chem-Dry provides environmentally friendly solutions that are in high demand right now. Depending on the equipment package, owners will either need to purchase a half-ton white cargo van for the portable unit or a three-quarter-ton white cargo van for truck-mounted units. From there, the entire business can be operated on-the-go.

Units: 2,027
Total Initial Investment: $72,145 - $253,869
Franchise Fee: $23,500
Royalty Fee: $466/month
Marketing Fee: $160/month
Liquidity Required: $50,000 - $90,000
Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Preservan

Preservan is a franchise that transforms the way wood rot repair and remediation is handled by leveraging a 100% epoxy solution to repair wood, rather than replace it. This model requires low overhead as there is no brick-and-mortar — the franchise can be operated from home or on-the-go and can be done by just one technician, which significantly cuts down on the costs. Plus, as part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, there are also no wasteful, fuel-burning trips to the home center or lumber yard. Preservan franchise owners drive fuel-efficient Kias and produce less than 1 pound of landfill waste per job.

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Growth Club Profile

Units: 5
Total Initial Investment: $83,800 - $142,400
Franchise Fee: $50,000
Royalty Fee: 7%
Marketing Fee: 5%
Liquidity Required: $50,000
Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Taxi Mom

Taxi Mom offers a unique niche service providing safe, subscription-based door-to-door transportation for children. This franchise requires minimal investment and can be managed from home, organizing car services that cater to busy parents needing reliable transport solutions for their kids. As owners expand, they may wish to purchase a retail office at some point.

Growth Club Profile

Units: 12
Total Initial Investment: $85,835 - $117,500
Franchise Fee: $50,000
Royalty Fee: 7%
Marketing Fee: 2%
Liquidity Required: $10,000
Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Snap-on Tools

Snap-on Tools is a leading tool franchise that offers a wide range of high-quality tools directly to professionals at their workplaces, all from a mobile store. Snap-on franchisees purchase a license to operate a franchised mobile store, each of which is granted a protected list of calls. Owners have their own route, set their own schedule and manage their own customer relationships.

Units: 4,724
Total Initial Investment: $201,433 - $465,436
Franchise Fee: $12,000 to $16,000
Royalty Fee: $145/month
Marketing Fee: Varies
Liquidity Required: $44,121 - $64,636
Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Kona Ice

Billing itself as “the largest food truck company in the world”, Kona Ice provides a fun and friendly mobile shaved ice experience to customers. With its vibrant, music-playing trucks and carts, this franchise brings joy to events while allowing for a flexible, home-based business model that appeals to entrepreneurs of all ages. Owners simply need to purchase the truck and the inventory pack — and pay the franchise fee — and they can be on the road in as little as a month.

Meet the Zor Interview

Units: 1,665
Total Initial Investment: $167,115 - $212,100
Franchise Fee: $15,000
Royalty Fee: $3,000 - $4,000/year
Marketing Fee: $500/year
Liquidity Required: $20,000
Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Aussie Pet Mobile

Aussie Pet Mobile offers a convenient, mobile pet grooming service that caters to pet owners at their homes. This franchise can be operated with a mobile unit, minimizing overhead costs while meeting the needs of a growing pet-care market. The brand’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter grooming vans are mobile storefronts that are both pet-friendly and eco-friendly. The average number of customized vehicles owned by multi-van Aussie franchisees is five, and 90% of owners hire groomers to handle the actual work.

Units: 82
Total Initial Investment: $180,385 - $203,210
Franchise Fee: $19,950
Royalty Fee: 4% - 7%
Marketing Fee: 2%
Liquidity Required: $100,385 - $123,210
Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Mini Athletics

Mini Athletics is a children's sports program that promotes fitness and fun. This franchise can be run from home, with classes set up in local community centers or public schools, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about child development and sports. Owners simply find a venue, build relationships, market the business and recruit coaches to take over the classes. This home-based model makes it easy for franchisees to tailor their work around their life and family commitments.

Meet the Zor Interview

Units: 30+
Total Initial Investment: $20,000 - $30,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: N/A
Marketing Fee: N/A
Liquidity Required: N/A
Franchise Agreement Length: N/A

Conclusion

These top eight low-cost work-from-home franchises offer diverse opportunities across various industries. Whether your interest lies in services that improve home living, child care, pet care or personal enjoyment, these franchises provide a path towards owning your business with a relatively modest initial investment.

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