Friday, February 20, 2026

5 Inexpensive Franchises to Start

Share

If you’re considering starting a franchise, you might be surprised to find several affordable options available. For instance, Kumon has a low franchise fee of just $2,000, whereas Jersey Mike’s offers strong support for an $18,500 fee. Supercuts and Ace Hardware likewise present reasonable entry points, making them accessible choices. Each franchise comes with unique advantages and potential challenges, which can greatly impact your decision. Let’s explore these options further.

Key Takeaways

  • Kumon: Low initial franchise fee of $2,000 and accessible startup costs make it an attractive option for new entrepreneurs.
  • Ace Hardware: Offers a $5,000 franchise fee (waived for veterans) and has no ongoing royalty fees.
  • Jersey Mike’s: Initial franchise fee is $18,500, with total startup costs ranging from $140,000 to $750,000.
  • Supercuts: Approximately $39,500 initial franchise fee and total startup costs between $150,000 and $320,000.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts: While startup costs are higher, strong brand recognition can lead to significant profits, starting at $40,000 franchise fee.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts is a popular choice for those interested in franchise opportunities, with an initial franchise fee that ranges from $40,000 to $90,000.

Although this fee positions it among the food franchises under 100k, the total startup costs can escalate considerably, anywhere from approximately $200,000 to over $1.5 million based on location.

You’ll benefit from Dunkin’s strong brand recognition and customer loyalty, which often leads to high profit margins.

Nevertheless, it’s important to evaluate the ongoing royalty fees, which range from 2% to 6% of gross sales, as these can impact your overall profitability.

Dunkin’ also offers extensive training and support programs, equipping you to manage your business effectively.

Supercuts

Supercuts stands out as a viable franchise option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the hair care industry. With an initial franchise fee of approximately $39,500, you can expect total startup costs to range from $150,000 to $320,000. One of the significant advantages is the ongoing training and marketing support provided, which helps you effectively manage your operations. As part of the larger Regis Corporation, Supercuts benefits from strong brand recognition in the hair care market.

Cost Details
Initial Franchise Fee Approximately $39,500
Total Startup Costs Ranges from $150,000 to $320,000
Ongoing Royalty Fees Typically around 6% of gross sales
Market Demand High demand for affordable hair cutting services

Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s is an appealing franchise option for entrepreneurs interested in the fast-casual dining sector. With an initial franchise fee of $18,500 and total startup costs ranging from $140,000 to $750,000, it offers a relatively accessible entry point for many.

Here are some key aspects to evaluate:

  • Training and Support: Jersey Mike’s provides substantial training and ongoing support to help franchisees succeed.
  • Strong Brand Presence: The well-established brand attracts a loyal customer base, boosting sales potential.
  • Royalty Fees: The franchise operates on a 6.5% royalty fee of gross sales, which is standard in the industry.
  • Marketing Strategies: Franchisees benefit from effective marketing tactics focused on high-quality ingredients and exceptional customer service.

These factors make Jersey Mike’s a viable choice for those looking to invest in a fast-casual dining franchise.

Kumon

Kumon stands out as an educational franchise that specializes in math and reading tutoring for children, making it a compelling option for aspiring franchisees. With a franchise fee of just $2,000 and low total startup costs, it’s accessible for many entrepreneurs.

The proven business model boasts high gross profit margins, allowing you to capitalize on an established brand recognized for its effectiveness in tutoring. Typically, franchisees charge monthly fees between $34 and $38 per student, providing a reliable revenue stream.

Kumon furthermore offers extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you’re well-equipped to manage your center effectively. In addition, the franchise model emphasizes community engagement and local marketing, which helps you attract students in your area.

This combination of affordability, support, and a solid business framework makes Kumon a smart choice for those looking to invest in a rewarding educational franchise.

Ace Hardware

For those considering an affordable franchise opportunity, Ace Hardware presents a strong option within the retail hardware sector.

With an initial franchise fee of just $5,000, which is waived for veterans, it’s an accessible choice for many. The total investment for opening a store ranges from $280,000 to $1 million, depending on the location and store size.

Key benefits of choosing Ace Hardware include:

  • No ongoing royalty fees, allowing you to keep more profit.
  • Extensive training programs that equip you for success in a competitive market.
  • Ongoing support from a reputable brand recognized for quality.
  • A solid customer base because of Ace Hardware’s strong brand reputation.

These factors contribute to a proven business model in the home improvement industry, making Ace Hardware an attractive option for aspiring franchisees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is the Cheapest Franchise to Start?

The cheapest franchise to start is Cruise Planners, with startup costs ranging from $695 to $23,367 and a franchise fee of around $10,995.

Another affordable option is Dream Vacations, requiring an investment between $1,795 and $21,000, plus a franchise fee of about $9,800.

If you’re considering real estate, Help-U-Sell Real Estate starts at about $15,000.

Each option offers unique benefits, so evaluate what aligns best with your interests and financial capacity.

Which Franchise Is Best in Low Budget?

If you’re looking for a franchise that fits a low budget, consider options like Cruise Planners or Dream Vacations, both offering home-based travel agency models with reasonable startup costs.

For a different avenue, TSS Photography focuses on youth photography with a low investment and no monthly royalties.

Image One and Help-U-Sell Real Estate likewise present solid choices in cleaning and real estate, respectively, with manageable initial investments and potential profitability.

What Franchise Can I Open With $10,000?

If you’re looking to open a franchise with $10,000, consider options like Dream Vacations, which requires an investment starting at $1,795 and offers a home-based travel agency model.

On the other hand, TSS Photography, focusing on school and youth sports photography, has a startup cost of about $10,500.

Both franchises have reported average annual sales exceeding $140,000, making them viable choices for your budget and entrepreneurial ambitions.

What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Start?

When considering the most profitable franchise to start, you should evaluate options like Dunkin’ Donuts, known for high profit margins and low long-term costs.

Anytime Fitness offers a lower entry fee with strong industry growth potential.

Jersey Mike’s thrives in the fast-casual sector, whereas Kumon stands out in education with low startup costs.

Finally, Chick-Fil-A combines a modest franchise fee with a loyal customer base, enhancing profitability.

Analyze these factors to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting a franchise doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Options like Kumon and Ace Hardware offer low initial fees, whereas Jersey Mike’s and Supercuts provide solid support and effective marketing. Even though Dunkin’ Donuts requires a higher investment, its brand recognition can lead to significant profits. By evaluating these five inexpensive franchises, you can find a suitable opportunity that aligns with your budget and business goals, making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever.

Image via Google Gemini

James Miller
James Miller
James Miller is a franchise expert and business journalist with extensive experience covering franchise trends, strategies, and opportunities for small business owners. With over a decade in business journalism, James has written for leading industry publications, providing actionable insights to help entrepreneurs succeed in the franchise world. His expertise spans franchise marketing, operations, and investment strategies. Known for simplifying complex topics, James empowers readers to make confident business decisions. When he's not writing about franchising, James enjoys hiking scenic trails and discovering unique coffee shops in his community.

Read More

Local News