Buying a franchise can be a budget-friendly process even in the business services marketplace.
The franchises here are listed for their upfront investment – expect to add GST to the figures quoted. And bear in mind there will always be other costs to consider, from vehicle leasing to office set-up, legal and accounting fees, and the price of business registration and insurance, for example.
Every franchisee needs to add in working capital to their initial budget.
Check out these four business-friendly, budget-busting brands
Under $20,000
What’s the job? Courier deliveries, increasingly linked with major e-commerce sites
Upfront cost: $20,000; Courier Lite $5000–$10,000
What does this include? Three-week training from regional franchisee, includes field training, exclusive territory, sales and marketing assistance, latest technology and real-time track-and-trace facilities
What extra costs will you incur to set up? Delivery van, leased or purchased
How long is a term? Perpetual
Qualifications: None required
Business started: 1983
Under $30,000
What’s the job? IT support services, with additional revenue from hardware and software sales
Upfront cost: $22,700
What does this include? A $4000 start-up fund to market your business, training, technology tools, joint marketing, shared and individual websites, extensive start-up stationery, solutions catalogues, annual conferences
What extra costs will you incur to set up? Business set-up costs such as registration and insurance
How long is a term? 10 years, with one 10-year renewal option
Qualifications: IT certification preferred
Business started: 1997
Under $50,000
What’s the job? Record keeping, GST and BAS assistance, timely reporting, providing business owners with tools to improve their bookkeeping efficiency
Upfront cost: $45,000
What does this include? Uniform allowance, marketing collateral, website set-up and a 13-week Kickstart Marketing Campaign
What extra costs will you incur? Business set-up
How long is a term? 5 years, with three 5-year renewal options
Qualifications: Basic bookkeeping
Business started: 2000
Under $60,000
What’s the job? Providing electrical safety assessments (test and tag), as well as testing and reporting management systems in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2010
Upfront cost: $57,000 +GST
What does this include? Access to a national client base, expert technical and business support, as well as much of the admin done for franchisees – report preparation, invoicing and debt collection for example.
What extra costs will you incur to set up? State licensing, fire training
How long is a term? 5 years, with one 5-year renewal option
Qualifications: None required
Business started: 2002