The Top 15 Home-Based and Mobile Franchises for 2023 For budding entrepreneurs looking to franchise without leaving the house, these concepts offer flexibility.
By Madeline Garfinkle Edited by Jessica Thomas
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Franchising doesn't have to be far from home, with some concepts allowing for completely remote operations. Many home-based and mobile franchises allow for "absentee ownership," meaning the franchisee is not required to be on-site or involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. For entrepreneurs looking to start a side business or make a career change that allows for flexibility, home-based and mobile franchises might be the ideal route for both success and convenience. From food trucks to at-home travel agencies, these are the top 15 franchises that are mobile or home-based from our 44th Annual Franchise 500 List.
Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now and take this quiz to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
Budget Blinds
Home improvement
Budget Blinds sells window coverings from shades to wood blinds to shutters and more. The company allows homeowners to remodel their windows at an affordable price. Budget Blinds also offers at-home shopping for other household accessories such as rugs, pillows, bedding and more.
Initial franchise fee: $19,950
Initial investment: $140,500 - $211,750
Number of units: 1,378
Number of employees required to run: 1-3
Absentee ownership allowed: Yes
Snap-on Tools
Retail
Recognized by Franchise Business Review as a "recession-proof" franchise, Snap-on Tools is the leading tool brand in the world and a top professional tool franchise. The concept manufactures and markets high-end tools and equipment for professionals. Snap-on Tools has more than 58,000 products and operates in more than 130 countries.
Initial franchise fee: $8,000 - $16,000
Initial investment: $175,146 - $411,941
Number of units: 4,771
Number of employees required to run: 1
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Related: Are You an Ideal Franchisee? Here's How to Find Out.
The Maids
Residential cleaning
The Maids offers at-home cleaning services for those who want to enjoy a tidy household but cannot find the time to do so themselves. With more than 40 years of experience in the cleaning industry, The Maids has perfected the art of cleaning and sets franchisees up for success.
Initial franchise fee: $0
Initial investment: $57,500 - $155,900
Number of units: 1,589
Number of employees required to run: 20
Absentee ownership allowed: Yes
Matco Tools
Retail
Matco Tools manufactures and distributes automotive repair tools, diagnostics and toolboxes with a product line of more than 25,000 items. You might need to lease or purchase a truck to operate the business, but that becomes the hub to run the operation.
Initial franchise fee: $8,000
Initial investment: $76,819 - $309,133
Number of units: 1,919
Number of employees required to run: N/A
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting
Commercial cleaning
Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting specializes in commercial cleaning in places like daycares, dealerships, offices, schools and healthcare facilities. Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting has become a leading franchise in the commercial cleaning sector through efficient processes, support systems and excellent customer service.
Initial franchise fee: $2,520-$44,000
Initial investment: $4,830 - $58,070
Number of units: 10,418
Number of employees required to run: 1
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Related: 7 Things You Need to Know Before Becoming a Franchise Owner
Stratus Building Solutions
Environmentally friendly commercial cleaning and disinfecting
Stratus Building Solutions provides commercial cleaning services that are environmentally friendly, relying on the latest janitorial technologies, such as UVC light and HEPA filters. The company only uses green seal-certified cleaning products.
Initial franchise fee: $3,600-$69,000
Initial investment: $4,450-$79,750
Number of units: 2,900
Number of employees required to run: N/A
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Anago Cleaning Systems
Commercial cleaning
Anago Cleaning Systems provides deep cleaning from disinfection to sanitization. Anago Cleaning Systems also offers a selection of three different franchising packages: the master franchisee, unit franchisee and cleaning contract package.
Initial franchise fee: $5,015-$31,000
Initial investment: $11,265-$68,250
Number of units: 1,791
Number of employees required to run: 1-2
Absentee ownership allowed: Yes
Related: 5 Great Ways to Research Franchise Businesses
Kona Ice
Food
The beloved shaved-ice truck has ranked #1 in franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review nine years in a row. The company provides delicious shaved ice for any occasion as well as parties, events, fundraisers and more.
Initial franchise fee: $15,000
Initial investment: $149,995 - $189,300
Number of units: 1,480
Number of employees required to run: N/A
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Cinnabon
Food
This nationwide franchise offers flexibility regarding ownership, allowing franchisees to choose from a variety of options for their Cinnabon location ranging from a co-brand store, kiosk or a co-brand kiosk.
Initial franchise fee: $5,500 - $30,500
Initial investment: $112,000 - $546,800
Number of units: 1,807
Number of employees required to run: N/A
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Monster Tree Service
Maintenance
Monster Tree Service is a work-from-home franchise that offers tree removal, land clearing, hazardous tree assessment, dead wooding, plant health care and more. The company also provides services for cleaning up after a storm and assists clients with insurance claims. While not required, an ideal franchisee should love being outside.
Initial franchise fee: $49,500
Initial investment: $422,166 - $568,358
Number of units: 253
Number of employees required to run: N/A
Absentee ownership allowed: Yes
HomeVestors of America
Services, Real estate
HomeVestors of America offers a fast and easy way to sell a house or unwanted property for cash. As America's no. 1 cash buyer, the company has perfected the art of efficient and smooth sales for selling and buying. Prior real estate experience is not required to be a HomeVestors franchisee, as the franchise provides extensive coaching and training as part of the program.
Initial franchise fee: $39,000 - $80,000
Initial investment: $80,000 - $456,250
Number of units: 1,155
Number of employees required to run: 1
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Dream Vacations
Travel agencies
As a Dream Vacations franchisee, you can assist in helping others plan their perfect getaway — all from the comfort of your own home. This franchise allows you to start a home-based travel agency, where you can be an expert in anything from cruises and luxury resorts to weddings and honeymoons. Dream Vacations offers extensive support and training to help franchisees kickstart their business.
Initial franchise fee: $495-$10,500
Initial investment: $1,795-$21,000
Number of units: 1,618
Number of employees required to run: 1
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Related: How I Turned a Side Hustle into a Million-Dollar Travel Business
Cornwell Quality Tools
Retail
Founded in 1919, Cornwell Quality Tools is the longest-running mobile tool company in the country. The company manufactures and sells quality tools to professional technicians. As a franchisee, you will become a "tool consultant" to technicians and professionals on products for their business.
Initial franchise fee: $0
Initial investment: $59,525 - $277,825
Number of units: 789
Number of employees required to run: 1
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Mac Tools
Retail
Mac Tools manufactures and sells quality hand tools. The company offers exclusive products and services such as power tools, tool storage, shop equipment, diagnostics and more. Mac Tools has more than 8,000 different tools in its product line.
Initial franchise fee: $8,000
Initial investment: $120,500 - $340,535
Number of units: 1,131
Number of employees required to run: 1
Absentee ownership allowed: No
Lawn Doctor
Maintenance
Lawn Doctor has established itself as a leader in the lawn care industry through excellent customer service and the use of innovative technology. Lawn Doctor specializes in habitual lawn care for commercial and residential customers. Services include weed control, shrub care, lawn mower maintenance, commercial lawn care, lawn pest control and more.
Initial franchise fee: $40,000
Initial investment: $116,465 - $141,815
Number of units: 625
Number of employees required to run: N/A
Absentee ownership allowed: Yes
For more information on the best franchise opportunities of 2023, check out our 44th Annual Franchise 500 List — a comprehensive list of franchise leaders across various industries. If you're interested in a big-name brand with decades of history or hopping on the next emerging trend, there's something for every prospective franchisee.
