Franchising doesn’t have to be far from home, with some concepts allowing for completely remote operations. Many home-based and mobile franchises allow “away ownership,” meaning the franchisee does not need to be on site or involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. For entrepreneurs looking to start a side business or make a career switch that allows for flexibility, home-based and mobile franchises can be the ideal route for both success and convenience. From food trucks to home travel agencies, these are the top 15 mobile or home franchises from our 44th annual Franchise 500 list.
Related: Are you considering franchise ownership? Get started now and take this quiz to find out your personalized list of franchises that suit your lifestyle, interests and budget.
Home improvement
Budget Blinds sells window treatments from shades to wood blinds to shutters and more. The company enables homeowners to renovate their windows at an affordable price. Budget Blinds also offers home shopping for other home accessories such as rugs, pillows, bedding and more.
Initial Franchise Fee: $19,950
Initial investment: $140,500 – $211,750
Number of units: 1,378
Number of employees needed to run: 1-3
Absent property allowed: Yes
Retail
Recognized by Franchise business overview as a “recession proof” franchise, Snap-on Tools is the world’s leading tool brand and a leading professional tool franchise. The concept produces and sells high-quality tools and equipment for professionals. Snap-on Tools has more than 58,000 products and operates in more than 130 countries.
Initial Franchise Fee: $8,000 – $16,000
Initial investment: $175,146 – $411,941
Number of units: 4,771
Number of employees needed to run: 1
Absent property allowed: no
Related: Are You an Ideal Franchise? Here’s how to find out.
Residential cleaning
The Maids offers home cleaning services for those who would like to enjoy a tidy household, but cannot find the time for it themselves. With over 40 years of experience in the cleaning industry, The Maids has perfected the art of cleaning and set franchisees for success.
Initial Franchise Fee: $0
Initial investment: $57,500 – $155,900
Number of units: 1,589
Number of employees needed to run: 20
Absent property allowed: Yes
Retail
Matco Tools manufactures and distributes auto repair tools, diagnostics and tool kits with a product line of over 25,000 items. You may need to lease or buy a truck to run the business, but that will be the hub to run the operation.
Initial Franchise Fee: $8,000
Initial investment: $76,819 – $309,133
Number of units: 1,919
Number of employees needed to run: N/A
Absent property allowed: no
Commercial cleaning
Jan-Pro Cleaning and Desinfection specializes in commercial cleaning in places such as nurseries, dealers, offices, schools and healthcare institutions. Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting has become a leading franchise in the commercial cleaning industry through efficient processes, support systems and excellent customer service.
Initial Franchise Fee: $2,520 – $44,000
Initial investment: $4,830 – $58,070
Number of units: 10,418
Number of employees needed to run: 1
Absent property allowed: no
Related: 7 things you need to know before becoming a franchisee
Environmentally friendly commercial cleaning and disinfection
Stratus Building Solutions offers commercial cleaning services that are environmentally friendly and rely on the latest janitorial technologies, such as UVC light and HEPA filters. The company only uses cleaning products with the Green Seal certificate.
Initial Franchise Fee: $3,600 – $69,000
Initial investment: $4,450 – $79,750
Number of units: 2,900
Number of employees needed to run: N/A
Absent property allowed: no
Commercial cleaning
Anago Cleaning Systems offers deep cleaning from disinfection to disinfection. Anago Cleaning Systems also offers a choice of three different franchise packages: the master franchisee, unit franchisee and cleaning contract package.
Initial Franchise Fee: $5,015 – $31,000
Initial investment: $11,265 – $68,250
Number of units: 1,791
Number of employees needed to run: 1-2
Absent property allowed: Yes
Related: 5 Great Ways to Research Franchise Businesses
To eat
The beloved shaved ice truck ranks #1 in franchisee satisfaction Franchise business overview nine years in a row. The company offers delicious shaved ice for any occasion, as well as parties, events, fundraisers, and more.
Initial Franchise Fee: $15,000
Initial investment: $149,995 – $189,300
Number of units: 1,480
Number of employees needed to run: N/A
Absent property allowed: no
To eat
This nationwide franchise offers ownership flexibility, allowing franchisees to choose from several options for their Cinnabon location, ranging from a co-brand store, kiosk, or a co-brand kiosk.
Initial Franchise Fee: $5,500 – $30,500
Initial investment: $112,000 – $546,800
Number of units: 1,807
Number of employees needed to run: N/A
Absent property allowed: no
Related: Owning a franchise could be your fastest path to business ownership. Here’s what you need to know to succeed.
Maintenance
Monster Tree Service is a work-from-home franchise that offers tree removal, land clearing, hazardous tree assessment, deadwood, plant health care and more. The company also provides storm cleaning services and assists customers with insurance claims. While not required, an ideal franchisee would like to be outside.
Initial Franchise Fee: $49,500
Initial investment: $422,166 – $568,358
Number of units: 253
Number of employees needed to run: N/A
Absent property allowed: Yes
Services, Real Estate
HomeVestors of America offers a quick and easy way to sell a home or unwanted property for cash. As America’s No. 1 cash purchaser, the company has perfected the art of efficient and smooth sales for sale and purchase. Previous real estate experience is not required to be a HomeVestors franchisee, as the franchise offers extensive coaching and training as part of the program.
Initial Franchise Fee: $39,000 – $80,000
Initial investment: $80,000 – $456,250
Number of units: 1,155
Number of employees needed to run: 1
Absent property allowed: no
Travel agencies
As a Dream Vacations franchisee, you can help others plan their perfect vacation – all from the comfort of your own home. This franchise allows you to start a home travel agency where you can be an expert in everything from cruises and luxury resorts to weddings and honeymoons. Dream Vacations provides extensive support and training to help franchisees jump-start their businesses.
Initial Franchise Fee: $495-$10,500
Initial investment: $1,795 – $21,000
Number of units: 1,618
Number of employees needed to run: 1
Absent property allowed: no
Related: How I Turned a Side Business into a Million Dollar Travel Business
Retail
Founded in 1919, Cornwell Quality Tools is the longest running mobile tool company in the country. The company produces and sells quality tools to professional technicians. As a franchisee, you become a “tool advisor” to technicians and professionals about products for their business.
Initial Franchise Fee: $0
Initial investment: $59,525 – $277,825
Number of units: 789
Number of employees needed to run: 1
Absent property allowed: no
Retail
Mac Tools manufactures and sells high quality hand tools. The company offers exclusive products and services such as power tools, tool storage, shop equipment, diagnostics and more. Mac Tools has over 8,000 different tools in its product line.
Initial Franchise Fee: $8,000
Initial investment: $120,500 – $340,535
Number of units: 1,131
Number of employees needed to run: 1
Absent property allowed: no
Related: A billionaire who operates more than 2,400 franchises knows that these types of franchisees make the most money
Maintenance
Lawn Doctor has established itself as a leader in the lawn care industry through excellent customer service and the use of innovative technology. Lawn Doctor specializes in basic lawn care for commercial and residential customers. Services include weed control, shrub care, lawnmower maintenance, commercial lawn care, lawn pest control and more.
Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
Initial investment: $116,465 – $141,815
Number of units: 625
Number of employees needed to run: N/A
Absent property allowed: Yes
For more information on the top franchise opportunities of 2023, check out our 44th annual Franchise 500 list – a comprehensive list of franchise leaders across industries. If you’re interested in a big-name brand with decades of history or joining the next emerging trend, there’s something for every prospective franchisee.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.