Key Takeaways
- Franchises let you run a business using an established brand.
- Most franchises need money upfront for fees, royalties, and other costs like location setup.
- Online loans can help fund your franchise, though they may have higher interest rates.
- Grants can provide free funding, but you must meet specific eligibility requirements.
- Building business credit can help you finance a franchise without using your own money.
- Some franchises, especially service-based ones, have lower startup costs.
- Local franchises can be more affordable than big-name chains.
- White label businesses may let you sell branded products with no upfront investment.
When you don’t have the cash upfront to invest in a business, but you really want to buy a franchise, what are your options? Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as free franchise opportunities in fast food or other brick and mortar chains. Still, you do have some options.
Here, learn your options to buy a franchise with no money down, where to find low-cost franchises, and explore online opportunities that are comparable to franchising.
This is what’s in store:
- What is a Franchise?
- Ways to Buy a Franchise With None of Your Own Money Down
- Where to Find Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities
- Consider an Online White Label Businesses
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Takeaway
Now, let’s dive in!
What is a Franchise?
A franchise is a way to run your own business using someone else’s successful brand and system.
The franchisor (the company) lets you, the franchisee, use their:
- Brand name
- Products
- Business plan
In return, you pay an upfront fee and a portion of your earnings.
For example, if you open a Chick-fil-A, you don’t have to come up with recipes or figure out marketing from scratch. Chick-fil-A provides you with everything you need—like training, branding, and a solid business plan. You run your location while they make sure the brand stays consistent across all their restaurants.
Franchising can be a great way to start a business with the backing of a trusted name.
Do You Need Money to Buy a Franchise?
In short, yes, you almost always need some money to buy a franchise.
There are a few main costs you’ll need to cover:
- The initial franchise fee
- Royalties
- Marketing costs
- Building or renovating
And, it’s important to know about each before you get started.
The franchise fee is the upfront cost to buy into the franchise. It can be a few thousand dollars or much higher, depending on the brand.
After that, most franchises charge a regular fee, usually a small percentage of your sales, as royalties. This helps cover things like training and support from the franchisor.
In most cases, you’ll need to chip in for advertising. This is usually 1% to 5% of your sales, and it goes toward marketing the brand as a whole.
Finally, If the franchise needs a physical location, you might need to rent a space, build it, or remodel it to match the brand’s look. This can be one of the biggest expenses.
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Ways to Buy a Franchise With None of Your Own Money Down
Most people bootstrap franchise startups with their own savings, loans, or partnerships to cover these costs. But, as a business, you may have some options. Here’s how to buy into a franchise with no money down.
1. Look Into Online Business Loans
Online lenders offer a quick and convenient way to access funding for your franchise. These platforms often have flexible requirements, making them a good option if you don’t qualify for traditional bank loans. The application process is usually straightforward, and you can receive funds within days.
Online business loans typically come with higher interest rates, so make sure you have a plan to pay them back. Compare multiple lenders to find one that offers favorable terms.
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2. Apply for Business Grants
Business grants provide free money to help fund your franchise, but they often have strict eligibility requirements. Some are designed for specific groups, such as women, veterans, or minority business owners, while others support businesses in certain industries or locations.
Research grants offered by government programs, nonprofits, or private organizations. Although the application process can take time, securing a grant can significantly reduce your financial burden.
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3. Buy Into a Franchise With Business Credit
Using business credit can help you finance a franchise without upfront cash. By building a strong business credit profile, you can qualify for credit lines, business loans, or vendor financing to cover franchise costs.
Start by establishing business credit if you don’t already have it. Pay attention to factors like your payment history and credit utilization. With good credit, you can leverage funding opportunities to buy into a franchise and grow your business.
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Where to Find Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities
If you’re looking for cheap franchises under $1,000, your options are slim. But, you don’t have to invest in a Chick-fil-A branch (which has a $10K initial franchise fee, and would probably cost somewhere in the $250K+ realm to launch) to become a franchise owner. From installing star-gazing ceilings to helping people plan dream vacations, there are other existing businesses you can buy into for less.
Here are a handful of places to start your search:
- Franchise marketplaces
- Service-based franchises
- Local opportunities
- The Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Expos and trade shows.
Sites like Franchise Direct, Franchise Gator, and Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list franchises by industry and cost. These platforms often have a “low-cost” filter to narrow down options under a certain budget.
Businesses like cleaning services, mobile repairs, or tutoring often have low startup costs. Examples include Jan-Pro or Cruise Planners.
Check for regional or smaller franchise opportunities near you. Many local businesses offer franchise options that might be more affordable than national chains.
The SBA’s franchise directory offers tools to research franchises, including ones eligible for SBA loans. This can help you identify cost-effective options with financing support.
Events like expos and tradeshows in your industry are a great place to meet franchisors directly. They often showcase a range of franchises, including budget-friendly ones.
Consider an Online White Label Businesses
Online white label businesses involve selling products or services that are created by another company but branded under your own name. This allows you to skip the production process and focus on selling and marketing the product.
You can find white label online stores, software products, and service businesses. The white label business model is not the same, but has many shared benefits with franchising.
Plus, white label businesses tend to have low startup costs, and some even allow you to begin without any upfront investment.
To run a white label business, you’ll typically need to set up an online store or platform where you can sell the products.
Your main responsibilities will usually include:
- Marketing
- Customer service
- Sales management
Meanwhile, the supplier will handle most of the production and fulfillment. It may be a lower-risk business model, but your success will largely depend on how well you market and brand the products.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do franchises pay a monthly fee?
Yes, most franchise owners pay royalties, which are typically 4% to 10% of sales. Some brands also require contributions to a marketing fund.
What’s the cheapest company to franchise?
Service-based franchises, like cleaning services or vending machines, often have low startup costs, sometimes under $10K.
How do I open a franchise with no money near me?
You can explore financing options like business loans or investors. Some franchisors also offer financing or low upfront costs.
What franchise is the easiest to own?
Franchises with simple operations and strong support, like fast food or cleaning services, are often easiest for first-time owners.
How much do Chick-fil-A owners make?
Chick-fil-A owners can make $200K to $300K annually, depending on location and sales.
Final Takeaway
If you want to buy a franchise business with no money, it’s possible through alternative financing. However, there isn’t a get rich quick scheme to follow. Consider financing, grants, and business credit. If you’d rather explore an opportunity with less initial investment upfront, consider a white label business instead.
Are you ready to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!