The 10 Cheapest Franchises You Can Buy In 2023

Learn what the cheapest franchises are so you can start a business while having support from a larger company.

A franchise is a great business idea because you’re purchasing a concept that’s already been proven.

There’s brand awareness, and you get support from the larger company. It’s not a guarantee of success, it gives you a head start.

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While McDonald’s is the most profitable and well-known franchise, it’s not the most affordable.

Related article: What’s a sole proprietorship?

Instead, find out what the best low-cost franchises are so you can start your business without needing more than six or seven figures.

1. Dream Vacations

The following are important details about starting a Dream Vacations franchise:

• Franchise fee: $495 to $10,500 based on your experience.
• Initial investment: Franchise fee plus a computer with internet connection and a phone.
• Number of franchises: 1,500+

If you have a passion for travel, help others plan their perfect vacation by starting a Dream Vacations franchise. You’ll be a home-based travel agent, which means you’ll have low overhead and no inventory. The company launched in 1991 and now has more than 1,500 franchises.

2. Chick-fil-A

The following are important details about starting a Chick-fil-A franchise:

• Franchise fee: $10,000
• Initial investment: Just the $10,000. Chick-fil-A covers the cost of opening the new restaurant.
• Number of franchises: 2,600+

Chick-fil-A was started in 1964 and has become one of the largest fast-food restaurant chains in America. While the franchise fee is low compared to others in the food industry, the selection process is difficult. If you’re accepted, Chick-fil-A covers the cost of starting the restaurant and takes 15% of the sales.

3. Cruise Planners

The following are important details about starting a Cruise Planners franchise:

• Franchise fee: $10,995
• Initial investment: Up to $24,000
• Number of franchises: 2,500+

Cruise Planners has been in business for more than 26 years and has become the largest home-based travel agency franchise. They’re also an American Express Travel Representative, which would give you instant credibility and respect.

4. JAN-PRO

The following are important details about starting a JAN-PRO franchise:

• Franchise fee: $1,250
• Initial investment: $900 for the starter kit.
• Number of franchises: 10,000+

JAN-PRO is a commercial cleaning company with a great reputation and cleaning process. According to JAN-PRO, the minimum you can earn is $500 per month, which is their cheapest plan. You don’t need to have a cleaning background because you’ll go through an extensive five-course program.

5. Showhomes Home Staging

The following are important details about starting a Showhomes Home Staging franchise:

• Franchise fee plus initial investment: $85,650 to $164,500.
• Suggested minimum net worth: $150,000
• Number of franchises: 50+

If you have a passion for real estate and design, Showhomes Home Staging may be a great franchise opportunity for you. It began in 1986 and is now one of the largest home staging companies. You’ll have the opportunity to get complete training, support, multiple potential income streams, and work-life balance.

6. Complete Weddings and Events

The following are important details about starting a Complete Weddings and Events franchise:

• Franchise fee: $10,000 to $12,000.
• Initial investment: Up to $62,000.
• Number of franchises: 190+

Complete Weddings and Events is one of the top low-cost franchises in the events industry. It began franchising in 1983 and offers plenty of services to help you grow your business. Your business will offer a DJ, photography, videography, booth rental, and lighting services.

7. Motto Mortgage

The following are important details about starting a Motto Mortgage franchise:

• Franchise fee: Up to $30,000.
• Initial investment: Up to $75,000.
• Number of franchises: 125+

If you have a background in real estate or mortgage lending, you can own a Motto Mortgage franchise. It’s a mortgage brokerage that gives you leading technology, ways to stay up-to-date with compliance, a portfolio of great products, and the ability to be a business owner.

8. Chester’s Chicken

The following are important details about starting a Chester’s Chicken franchise:

• Franchise fee: $3,500
• Initial investment: $10,000 to $300,000
• Number of franchises: 1,700+

Chester’s Chicken is a quick-service fried chicken restaurant that was started in 1965. It has a proven track record and a great support system. The wide range in cost comes from the various available plans.

9. Buildingstars

The following are important details about starting a Buildingstars franchise:

• Franchise fee: As low as $795.
• Initial investment: Up to $50,000.
• Number of franchises: 900+

Buildingstars is a commercial cleaning franchise that started in 1995. Whether you’re looking for side income or a nest egg for retirement, Buildingstars has different options based on your financial goals. One of the main perks is that you get a starting base of customer accounts. This equates to at least $1,000 to $5,000 in monthly gross revenue.

10. Mr. Rooter

The following are important details about starting a Mr. Rooter franchise:

• Franchise fee: $40,000
• Initial investment: $79,975 to $187,140
• Number of franchises: 230+

Mr. Rooter is an award-winning plumbing franchise that was started in 1970. If you have an interest in the plumbing business, Mr. Rooter offers complete support with operations and marketing. Most franchise owners already had a plumbing business, but it’s not required.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a millionaire to buy a franchise. Instead, there are franchises that you can buy that cost four to five figures. It’s a great business to get into because you’ll have brand awareness and top-notch support.

Additional resources:

• Benefits of a business bank account
• How to read a stock chart
• The best POS systems for food trucks
• Best free resources for small business owners

Featured image courtesy of Canva.