photo credit: kevindooley

In today’s economic crunch, it can be tempting for hopeful entrepreneurs to renege on their once strong desires to go into business for themselves. Because most assume a very high price tag associated with purchasing a franchise business, it can seem unreasonable or perhaps even foolish to spend money when things are tight. But that conclusion is based on one very flawed presupposition: the notion that all franchises are more costly than the average businessperson can afford. In fact, there are many business opportunities that can be started for an initial purchase price no greater than the value of a mid-sized sedan, and a business is certain to bring in greater revenue than a Toyota. If you’ve been pondering the business options available to you and have lost the hope of being able to afford a franchise business, here are 10 great, low-cost businesses you may want to take a look at.

1. US Lawns

Regardless of whether you’ve had previous experience in the landscaping industry, this 22-year-old company is the choice for anyone wanting to make a go of it. Today US Lawns is the largest and fastest growing commercial landscaping business around, specializing in serving the lawn and garden needs of only commercial clients, like offices buildings and apartment complexes. The initial cost and overhead are very low, and overhead only increases as the franchise grows.

2. Von Schrader Carpet Cleaning

One of the best known and respected names in carpet cleaning, this business has been in operation since 1935 and has seen over 50,000 work at home franchisees benefit from its proven methods. Initial franchising fees and startup capital requirements are very low, and with most franchisees reporting that they see a return income of $40/hr, it pays off rather rapidly. And for those who can’t afford the initial costs but are interested in the franchise opportunity, financing help is available.

3. Wood Defender

Every year millions of feet of wood privacy fencing goes up around the country as people opt to separate their yards from the outside world, but without the proper finishing stain to seal the wood, weather wears on that fencing at an alarming rate. Wood Defender franchisees are taught how to properly stain 200 feet of fence in under an hour and make over $700 in the process. With an initial price on this home business that varies depending on each person’s commitment level, it’s the perfect opportunity for both the fulltime entrepreneur and the weekend warrior.

4. Value Forward Management Coaching

While most coaching companies accept any and all entrepreneurs and teach them how to help small businesses, Value Forward Management Coaching does things a little differently. Taking only those entrepreneurs with a history of executive experience lasting at least 10 years, Value Forward Management Coaching then teaches them how to serve clients operating $2mil-$300mil companies. It’s the low startup business for the longtime business professional.

5. Fabulous Floors

Depending on the territory size a franchisee is interested in, this low-cost business costs between $20,000 and $30,000, making it a very affordable opportunity for a talented handyman to start a turnkey home based business. Equipped with a proven business model and equipment that allows for the quick, odorless, and dustless refinishing of hardwood floors, franchisees can be well on their way to financial independence in only 30 days.

6. Let’s Gogh Art

Though it’s primarily targeted at children, the venue options for this low-cost franchise opportunity are many, ranging from afterschool centers to corporate team building days. For much less than the cost of most franchises, Let’s Gogh Art licensees purchase access to one of nine different curricula models, instructor materials, a 45-mile protected territory, and much more.

7. Eagle’s Nest Homes

If you have a knack for sales and a passion for home construction, this is your business. Become a professional seller of panelized homes, one of the most cost-effective methods of construction available, which ultimately produces a home appraisal up to 25% higher than local market value. Provide your clients with the choice of over 50 house models and the option to go green, an increasingly popular alternative to standard construction.

8. Moneylendingbusiness.com

Online payday loans are a big business these days, and for a very low startup cost, you can profit from the industry with a Moneylendingbusiness.com business. Unlike a franchise, this work from home opportunity comes with no royalty fees and the right to make up your own company name instead of taking that of the franchisor, but of course you still receive all the benefits of having a franchisor looking out for you and helping you refine your business. With all the necessary software and business structures you can begin profiting from payday loans online or in person as you see fit.

9. PreQuence

Serving the housing industry with one of the newest advertising methods available, PreQuence franchisees are responsible for sending clients real estate listings via cellular text messages. It’s a green alternative to paper fliers that saves on personal cost, frees up the franchisee’s schedule, and makes the advertising far more convenient for the client.

10. Candy Bouquet

If you’re interested in purchasing a cheap retail franchise that is unlike anything else out there, Candy Bouquet is the way to go. Unlike a bouquet of flowers, candy never wilts, fades, or dies, making it the perfect gift alternative. With a full array of initial training, access to easy online product purchasing, and protected territories, franchisees receive all they need to really sell this wonderful product.

Our economy may not be in its finest days right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to start a business. There are many cheap franchises that are as viable business options as their pricier and rather inaccessible counterparts, and they’re just waiting for the perfect franchisee to come along and profit from them. Be that entrepreneur and see what your low initial investment can turn into.

Find more low cost franchises including home services franchises and cleaning and maintenance franchises at Franchise Gator