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Franchises can be expensive to start, but, contrary to popular belief, many franchise systems have made it possible to get started for less than $50,000. If you're ready to go bargain shopping, check out these recommendations from Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list and get started on the path to your own franchise business.
About the Low-Cost Franchises
First Up: RE/MAXMore From Entrepreneur:
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RE/MAX International
No. 10: RE/MAX Int'l. Inc.
Founded by Dave and Gail Liniger in Denver in 1973, RE/MAX is now a global network of more than 116,000 real estate agents. The Linigers created the company to give agents higher commissions.
Number of U.S. franchises: 4,122
Franchising since: 1975
Startup costs: $35K-200K
2008 rank: #1
Franchise Details
Next: Vanguard Cleaning SystemsMore From Entrepreneur:
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jupiterimages / AOL
No. 9: Vanguard Cleaning Systems
Vanguard Cleaning Systems was founded in 1984 and began franchising the same year. The private company is based in San Mateo, California. Its franchisees serve approximately 1,000 commercial cleaning accounts.
Number of U.S. franchises: 1,144
Franchising since: 1984
Startup costs: $8.2K-38.1K
2008 rank: #14
Franchise Details
Next: JazzerciseMore From Entrepreneur:
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Jazzercise Inc.
No. 8: Jazzercise Inc.
In 1969, Judi Sheppard Missett started a "just for fun" class that incorporated dance moves to provide aerobic exercise. Now Jazzercise's CEO, she continues to teach weekly Jazzercise classes and choreograph new dance routines.
Number of U.S. franchises: 6,294
Franchising since: 1983
Startup costs: $2.98K-38.4K
2008 rank: #11
Franchise Details
Next: Stratus Building SolutionsMore From Entrepreneur:
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jupiterimages / AOL
No. 7: Stratus Building Solutions
Stratus Building Solutions is a commercial cleaning company and can be run from your home.
Number of U.S. franchises: 1,339
Franchising since: 2005
Startup costs: $3.5K-57.8K
2008 rank: unranked
Franchise Details
Next: Merle NormanMore From Entrepreneur:
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Merle Norman
No. 6: Merle Norman Cosmetics
Carrying on the Merle Norman "Try Before You Buy" tradition, franchisees now offer skin care, from cleansers and toners to sun defense, and a full line of cosmetics.
Number of U.S. franchises: 1,691
Franchising since: 1989
Startup costs: $33.3K-168.7K
2008 rank: #10
Franchise Details
Next: ServiceMaster CleanMore From Entrepreneur:
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ServiceMaster Clean
No. 5: ServiceMaster Clean
This commercial/residential cleaning & disaster restoration company is part of the ServiceMaster Co. franchise family which includes franchise companies Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and Terminix.
Number of U.S. franchises: 3,042
Franchising since: 1952
Startup costs: $21.2K-126K
2008 rank: #9
Franchise Details
Next: Kumon Math & Reading CentersMore From Entrepreneur:
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Kumon
No. 4: Kumon Math & Reading Centers
High school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon method of learning 40 years ago in Japan. Today, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children's math and reading skills.
Number of U.S. franchises: 1,235
Franchising since: 1958
Startup costs: $30.96K-129.4K
2008 rank: #3
Franchise Details
Next: Jan-ProMore From Entrepreneur:
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No. 3: Jan-Pro Franchising Int'l. Inc.
Jacques Lapointe founded Jan-Pro in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1991. It started franchising the following year. Jan-Pro is a commercial cleaning franchise that operates throughout the United States and Canada.
Number of U.S. franchises: 8,127
Franchising since: 1992
Startup costs: $3.3K-54.3K
2008 rank: #7
Franchise Details
Next: Jani-KingMore From Entrepreneur:
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Jani-King
No. 2: Jani-King
A commercial cleaning service, Jani-King sets up franchisees with a customer base and charges fees depending on the size of that initial base.
Number of U.S. franchises: 10,698
Franchising since: 1974
Startup costs: $11.3K-34.1K+
2008 rank: #2
Franchise Details
Next: Instant Tax ServiceMore From Entrepreneur:
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AP / AOL
No. 1: Instant Tax Service
This retail tax preparation & electronic filing company is a privately-held company with 30 employees.
Number of U.S. franchises: 1,181
Franchising since: 2004
Startup costs: $39K-89K
2008 rank: #13
Franchise Details
Next: More From AOLMore From Entrepreneur:
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Recent Comments
sellwithsavel 09:09:12 PM Jun 25 2009
If you are a sales professional and you are looking for a no cost business opportunity in the advertising Industry we have an incredible opportunity. We are a national company with contracts with over 10,000 supermarkets around the country to sell billboard space. We still have alot of great available territories. You can listen to a 15 minute recording at (712) 432-1284 Enter Access Code - 1085207# If you feel you are qualified for this opportunity you can email me at sellwithsavel@aol.com or call me at 602-482-6000 The website we send our advertisers to is http://starkart.net
jholmquists 08:38:13 PM Jun 24 2009
Edgemaster Mobile Sharpeing doesn't promise millions, just as much as you want to work for doing something fun and making money at it. The glamor professions aren't always open door opportunities. Not only that but what are doing requires that you load on a ton of responsibilities, like rent, employees, payroll and if you make a million you have to pay taxes on a million. Contact edgemasterfranchising.com and check out what average guys are doing, and enjoying it while they work the hours they want to earn as much as they are happy with. Thanks for looking, Jon at Edgemaster.
cdela55 03:39:00 PM Jun 24 2009
Here's something that's actually relavant and useful when it comes to understanding franchise rankings: http://ezmatchfranchising.com/why-franchise-rankings-can-be-misleading/. Franchising can be a great enterprise.. just do your homework, stay objective and for long term success, choose the right one, especially one that fits your personality...ezmatch.com
getbusyliving6 05:03:12 PM Apr 30 2009
LESS THAN 50,000 THE ARTICLE SAYS? ARE THEY KIDDING? IF ANY OF US HAD 50G LYING AROUND WE WOULD BE HAPPY. I began in my home business several months ago and am doing quite well with only a small start-up fee but huge financial potential. I am so happy I made the switch. I hope you will join me. I will help you get started.www.MeyeVision.Info
benlorgservices2 01:30:37 PM Apr 15 2009
WHATTT "RECESSION"????There is a "Famous" Quote that goes something like this, "The MajorKey To Your Better "Financial" Future Is YOU!"If you are Open-Minded, a BIG Thinker and ready to get your "own"(MBA)Massive-Bank-Account, CHECK THIS OUT!!!What Do You Have To LOSE?>http://www.casshnurface.com
WGODSREAL 11:20:23 PM Apr 13 2009
The vision www.WattsBusinessOverview.com The business www.WattsParadiseVacations.com The savings www.WattsAisle19.com
idahoreb 01:09:30 PM Apr 12 2009
move over DHL , move out of the way FedEx here comes Quick Trip Express Inc. www.quicktripexpress.net
rhinaman 05:07:04 PM Feb 28 2009
I looked at franchises after losing my job when I got injured. 5 years of trying to get my life back after the accident. I wanted to be my own boss so no one but me could determine my fate. Franchise's were expensive and no gaurantees just to buy a job. My friend insisted I look at this company, after resisting it I did. My first year was slow, learning along the way. My second year I'm now about to make as much in the first 3 months of this year as I did my whole first year. My company has a proven sysytem to make 100K working from home. The price I pay now for my succees is much greater than the price I paid to build someone else's dreams. Check it out : www.greatcareerplan.com/?PaidDaily God Bless whatever path you take.
jazzspar 07:54:00 AM Feb 28 2009
Google "CLOWARD AND PIVEN STRATEGY". There you will see what is in store for the country. Orchestrated Chaos, Manufactured Crisis. It started with Carter and it will end with Obama. The mortgage mess, government forcing banks to make bad loans. Bad loans, with governments heavy hand and approval, created derivative markets. More worthless paper.Housing crisis, catastrophe.Government intervention, priceless.Until the printing presses aint got no mo to print.Thanks Libs
bhappylivlife 10:51:27 PM Feb 27 2009
What if... In this Uncertain Economy, you could Change your Annual Income into your Monthly Income, Working Part time from Anywhere, with a Phone and an Internet Connection? Find out how...call 888-415-1474 and listen to a 2 minute message, Ill call you back asap. or visit our website and find out how we work our business from home. See if you qualify for this opportunity. Serious entrepreneurs only. Lucrative Turnkey Business System, Training, Coaching, Support. Totally portable, web-based. Small Investment: Huge Profits. Not MLM. English and Spanish!
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