6 handy low-cost franchises you have to consider

Sarah Stowe

Deskbound and hating it? Give your life a clean sweep. Get out of the office and be your own boss.

The good news is you might not need any experience to become a franchisee. What you will need is determination to achieve your goals, willingness to work hard, and to be happy to work by yourself.

Sound like you? Check out these 6 franchises that give you a taste of freedom.

6 handy low-cost franchises

Bathroom Werx

What’s the job?

Restoring bathrooms to ‘good-as-new’ conditions.

What will you need?

Basic handyman skills but you will get four weeks training at Melbourne HQ included in your franchise fee. The course will cover all technical, sales and marketing, and business aspects of running your business. A fifth week of training takes place in your territory.

Why invest?

The business has been trading for 33 years. This is an affordable business option ($45,000) backed up by systems and infrastructure. Advertising, quoting and bookings are centralised.

There’s room to grow to a multi-van business.

And if you want a holiday, the franchise will mind your business for you.

Other costs?

A vehicle to carry all your plant and equipment.

Working capital. You’ll need insurance and a mobile smart phone and internet connection too.

How long do you sign up for?

A franchise term is 5 yrs + 5 yrs

Elm Cleaning

What’s the job?

Premium domestic cleaning ranging from regular ongoing to one-off services.

What will you need?

No business or technical expertise is required. Full training includes business education and the use of the unique system.

Why invest?

A proprietary Four Corner System helps franchisees gain a competitive edge and a recurring income allows you to predict your future earnings. There’s a high demand for cleaning, the franchisor says.

There is SEO and marketing support from the business which is family-owned and based in Melbourne. It’s been operating for eight years.

A franchise costs between $20,000 and $50,000.

How long do you sign up for?

A franchise term is 5 years with options to reew.

Grout Wizards

What’s the job?

Tile and grout restoration.

What will you need?

No previous experience is required. All you need is common sense; a good work ethic and a can do attitude.

All practical, technical and business training is provided.

Why invest?

There is more than 35 years of practical experience behind this business and 50 units operating. It’s a flexible business option with multiple income streams and low, fixed ongoing fees. The business offers protected territories and exclusive products.

The capital investment is $35,990.

Are there other costs?

A branded vehicle.

How long do you sign up for?

A franchise term is 7 years with two options to renew.

Gutter-Vac

What’s the job?

Professional gutter vacuum cleaning.

What will you need?

A head for heights. Leadership and determination to succeed. Seven days training includes technical equipment and safety training, marketing, customer service and basic bookwork.

Why invest?

The proprietary cleaning system was the first in the world and there are now 80 units operating across much of Australia. Franchisees operate in exclusive territories with low overheads.

The business has expanded into the US under the Outback Gutter-Vac name. Gutter-Vac has been franchising since 1997.

What does it cost?

The capital investment is $89,400 +GST + freight.

How long do you sign up for?

A franchise term is 5 + 5.

Hydrokleen

What’s the job?

Cleaning and sanitising split system air-conditioners for commercial, industrial, domestic and government clients.

What will you need?

A positive outlook and a passion to succeed. It helps to be handy at manual tasks.

One week’s training covers sales, management, marketing and admin. Technician training includes on-the-job cleaning with a current franchisee.

There is ongoing marketing support and training includes prospecting, database and branding.

Why invest?

Hydrokleen designed its wet-wash cleaning equipment which is manufactured in Australia. The cleaning system has been approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program.

How long do you sign up for?

A franchise term is 5 + 5.

What does it cost?

Capital investment is between $30,000 and $50,000.

Wet-seal

What’s the job?

Protecting wet external and internal areas from water damage.

What will you need?

There’s no experience required. In fact, you’ll gain a national accreditation as a waterproofer at the end of the franchisee training program.

Why invest?

The business has more than 30 years’ experience in the field. And it’s backed up by technical, marketing and ongoing field support.

Franchisees operate from a territory, and have access to exclusive products.

The franchisor takes on some of the franchisees’ admin and billing tasks.

What are the costs?

A franchise costs about $15,000 and you’ll need a branded vehicle.

How long do you sign up for?

A franchise term is 5 years with two options to renew.

Could another brand tempt you? Check out the options in cleaning franchises and building, construction and safety.