Home-Based Franchises

By Pam Gold

Over 20 million businesses are run from home offices in the United States. With lower start-up fees and overhead, home-based businesses are a smart choice and with computers and technology, a wide variety of franchises can now be run successfully from home.

Matt Alden, President of Franchise Solutions, a seasoned franchise marketing company noted, "Especially in the last decade, there has been a real trend among franchisors to offer home-based businesses as a growing number of prospective franchisees look to career pursuits that keep them close to home. If the American Dream can be sought from a home office, why stand behind a counter or commute to an office?"

A Popular Choice
Franchise Solutions features a Home-Based Franchises page where visitors can search exclusively for home-based businesses. The page is a hot destination for website visitors and franchisors, alike, as Alden points out, "Home-Based Franchises is one of the top destinations on FranchiseSolutions.com. Franchises from many industries fall into the category. More and more, franchisors are positioning themselves as Home-Based first even though they represent industries like residential cleaning, home inspection, and financial services - and the prospective buyers are identifying them this way."

Numerous factors make these franchises a smart choice for entrepreneurs: The investment is typically lower than a traditional franchise because there's no signage, interior branding, or the need for commercial property. Overhead is low, and you might even enjoy tax deductions. Without a commute, wear and mileage on your vehicle will be minimal, and you'll be able to spend "driving time", focusing on family, interests, or your business.

Remember to investigate regulations in your town before embarking on your journey to franchise ownership. Think of any problems that could arise, and be prepared with solutions before buying a business.

Who Works from Home?
If you enjoy facing challenges, have the support of your family, and are highly disciplined, a home-based business might be right for you. Fred Desnoyer, a Mr. Handyman franchisee from Massachusetts agrees that having self-discipline is essential; "The most challenging part of working from home is being disciplined. You're there 24/7, so you have to make sure you work when it's business time and stop and relax when it's not. When I first started working from home, I was working sixteen hour days. It was strange because I was literally closer to my family, but I had less time with them. I've learned to keep a very strict schedule. For my well-being, if I start working at 8 am, I will only work until 6 pm. Being disciplined works both ways: For some, working from home can lead to laziness…It's easy to get caught up in home and family. In either case, you have to adhere to a fairly set schedule to succeed."

The daily operation of the business can be challenging, but the opportunity to prosper, both professionally and personally, exists for the right type of person. Alden explained, "It's important to consider that you must get out into your market and take the business to your customers. For this reason, home-based franchises are often well-suited to sales and marketing people looking for a lower-investment opportunity that they can grow based on their skills and drive. In this respect, owning a home-based franchise couldn't be farther from owning a well-branded 'build it and they will come' food or retail franchise. For the right type of person, this spells opportunity."

A Single Mom Finds Happiness
Linda Feldman, a single mom from Minneapolis, had worked her way up to the top of the radio sales world. She found her job taking precedence over her daughter, Natalie, and left her position as a top sales executive to find a more balanced life.

"I put my goals and priorities down on paper and every time I did this exercise, my daughter came in as number one. I decided I wanted a home-based business," recalls Feldman. "I bought a Money Mailer franchise and my daughter is just thriving on me being home!"

Operating a Money Mailer franchise from home was the right decision for Linda, "I feel like I have my life under my control now. I can work late on a Saturday night if I want, and then I can volunteer at Natalie's school during a workday. I feel like I've achieved success because of Money Mailer. I have the perfect balance... A strong, confident daughter that I've raised on my own, and a successful business," said Feldman.

Start Your Search Today
Whether you're a parent who wants to own a successful business or you're an entrepreneur who's conscious of overhead, owning a home-based business could be a smart business decision. To learn more, check out the Home-Based Franchises on Franchise Solutions.