We’re often asked about home based franchises. And, while there are many choices we have curated this post of five great ones.
Tutor Doctor
Tutor Doctor is a leader in providing affordable one on one supplementary education to students (and adults) through offering in-home tutoring to families. Tutor doctors are leaders in their communities, NOT tutors (83% of franchisees have NO background in education). It’s all about people skills. You must enjoy working with children and teenagers and be active (or be willing to start!) in your local community. You’ll join the chamber, network like mad and speak at schools and put up booths at community events where parents will be. You’ll also recruit the best tutors you can find. It’s a fulfilling opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference in the lives your customers. What sets Tutor Doctor apart from other tutoring businesses is their unique matching of the student with the RIGHT tutor, based on the student’s individual needs – such as learning style, academic needs and personality. Starting investment – around $60,000.
Related: Women Winning with Franchising – Linda Langhoff (Tutor Doctor)
CertaPro Painters
CertaPro is the largest painting company in North America. What makes CertaPro unique in the service category, is the fact that their owners drive revenue from both residential (B2C) and commercial (B2B) clients. CertaPro offers extensive training and marketing support. Business owner’s scale by adding salespeople for both residential and commercial sales, and most of the owners use subcontractors to produce the work – keeping overhead low. They are looking for executive management types – with leadership, management and/or some sales or client interfacing background. In this business you won’t be painting – you hire the painters, work home shows, network, and market your business via SEO and traditional methods. They are very woman-friendly – even offering a discount on the franchise fee for women. Starting investment – around $125,000.
Budget Blinds
Budget Blinds was founded on the principle of providing high quality window coverings to consumers in a highly convenient way and at prices that fit almost every budget. That was 1992. Today, the Budget Blinds franchise system of nearly 1,000 franchises still strives to provide consumers with the same superior products through convenient, complimentary in-home consultations. This business ramps up quickly, requires few employees, and they boast that 75% of appointments result in sales. Every year since 1996, Budget Blinds has been voted the #1 window coverings franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine (Entrepreneur, 2015). Budget Blinds has recently been named as an award winner in Franchise Business Review’s 2015 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards. Starting investment – around $75,000.
CMIT Solutions
CMIT Solutions is focused on providing information technology services to small and medium-sized businesses. Long term flat rate contracts provide a predictable revenue stream and give your customers better and more consistent support. Due to the recurring revenue and the small number of customers needed to get to breakeven, this is a way to build a very profitable business. This company has proven systems and partners, low overhead, few employees, high margins and you maintain business hours as this is a B to B model. You will be developing long term relationships with your small business clients – CMIT becomes the outsourced IT provider – a one-stop shop for all their computer needs. CMIT home office provides full back office support, including a 24 x 7 Network Operations Center and Help Desk providing client access during standard business hours nationwide. The ideal owner has a business background and sales and marketing experience. Candidates with IT management experience are a huge plus. Starting investment – around $125,000.
British Swim School
British Swim School is the leader in “Learn to Swim” programs. It was revolutionary in developing a survival program that enables the very young to survive an accident in the water. It’s gentle fun program makes it a number one choice for all parents. The business model, with low investment and low overhead, make it a highly profitable, quick starting and fast break even business. You will contract with pools in Fitness Centers, Schools, Hotels, Sports clubs etc., bringing revenue to the host for an underutilized loss leader facility. It’s a perfect win/win situation! Franchisees purchase a demographic area in which there are over twenty thousand children in a medium to high-income bracket. Within those parameters they are encouraged to open as many locations as they can find. Ideal candidates are family focused, passionate about saving lives and have a business or management background. This business requires minimal capital to start and is easy to scale. They will show you how to find the pools and will even locate the first one for you. They will develop a marketing calendar for you. Starting investment – around $75,000.
Related: Franchise of the Month: British Swim School
Home-based franchises are, by definition, service businesses. Service businesses offer the highest margins, fastest ramp up times and the lowest overhead. That’s why they’re such a popular choice with people who want to control their schedules, and base themselves in a home office.
