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The Rise of Micro-Franchising: Low-Cost and Mobile Concepts that are Changing the Industry
The micro-franchise model makes business ownership more accessible for entrepreneurs in need of a lower-cost, higher-flexibility option.
Micro-franchises, sometimes defined as “a small business whose startup costs are minimal and whose concepts and operations are easily replicated,” have risen to the forefront of the industry as more hopeful entrepreneurs seek business models that most align with their current circumstances and future goals.
FranNet explains that micro-franchises “rely upon scalability and a reasonable price-point.” With all of the traits of a standard franchise, a micro-franchise combines affordability, scalability and franchisor support to allow entrepreneurs a scalable business opportunity for a lower initial investment.
Often, these traits lend themselves to mobile or at-home models.
Home-based concepts offer a lower cost of entry, largely because the franchisee does not have to secure real estate and account for other related charges. Rather than paying utilities on a whole new building, the owner might expect their home power bill to increase slightly each month, for example.
Though some franchisees may feel a bit concerned about the value they’re receiving for such a low investment, Drew Daly, senior vice president at Dream Vacations, explains that this hesitancy can often be resolved.
“From my perspective, I do think there’s an initial hurdle: ‘Well, why is it such a low cost? What am I really getting?’” he said. “The truth is, you’re getting a tremendous value.”
Like any other business, the capital infusion at the foundation of the concept is just one small factor. Even with a smaller initial investment, business owners can unlock a ton of potential; the other crucial inputs are time and passion.
“Like any business, it’s about what you do to grow your business,” Daly added. “This means as an owner, you have to invest time, energy and money to get your business off the ground, regardless of which franchise brand you bought. Because if you don’t have a plan, and if you don’t work your plan, you’re not going to be successful. And that’s with anything.”
In the micro-franchising space, lower initial costs and the flexibility for owners to work from home or on a mobile basis leads to additional flexibility in investments and creates a highly appealing work-life balance.
“As a home-based franchise, we want our franchisees to invest all that extra money in their marketing and their promotions,” Daly said. “That way, they strive to grow their database of consumers.”
As the trend becomes even more popular, it is creating space for a more diverse group of entrepreneurs to get into business for themselves. While giant franchise concepts have their own merits, gone are the days when an investor absolutely must invest a million dollars or more just to get off the ground.
Here are some of the top micro-franchises in the industry today:
Showhomes is a home-staging concept that supports homeowners and agents in preparing a home for market. The initial investment to start a Showhomes business can be as low as $77,400.
Dream Vacations is a travel-planning concept. The initial investment to start a Dream Vacations business can be as low as $3,500 down, and owners can easily work from home.
“At Dream Vacations, what we offer in terms of being a franchise, but also within the travel space, is a very unique concept,” Daly said. “The work-life balance allows people to do business while having the luxury of being at home, or maybe they’re working from a cruise ship, an island or as they travel Europe.”
Cruise Planners is a home-based travel advisor concept. The standard franchise fee for a Cruise Planners business is $10,995, but the franchisor is currently advertising a $2,000 discount, meaning franchisees can currently invest for as little as $8,995.
United Country Real Estate is a franchise concept that supports agents in running a successful real estate business. While the franchisor does not publish investment information, Entrepreneur reports an initial investment as low as $10,480.
Find Entrepreneur’s Top Home-Based & Mobile Franchises Ranking here for even more low-cost franchise options.
