As retirement looms on the horizon, many investors are looking for ways to diversify their portfolios and make the most of the remaining years of their working life. While traditional investments such as stocks and bonds can offer long-term returns, one of the most attractive investment opportunities for those nearing retirement is franchising. Franchising offers a low-cost, low-risk way to become a business owner and can provide an added level of security for those preparing for retirement. To ensure that retirement investors are armed with the best information and make the most cost-effective decisions, the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is here to provide an in-depth look at the cheapest franchise investments for retirement investors.
One of the benefits of franchising, as opposed to traditional business ownership, is that upfront costs are considerably lower. The franchise agreement typically requires the franchisee to pay a one-time fee, and/or monthly royalty fees, to the franchisor. The one-time fee is often (but not always) the largest expenditure associated with franchising. However, depending on the franchise agreement, the royalty fees can make up a large portion of the ongoing costs associated with franchise ownership.
Additionally, there may be costs associated with purchasing, leasing, or renting the space needed to operate the franchise, as well as marketing and advertising fees and legal and accounting costs. With that in mind, there are several franchises that offer retirement investors the best potential return on their investment while minimizing any associated risk.
The first is Pet Care franchises such as PetSmart, Petco, and the like. These franchises require a relatively low one-time entry fee (commonly ranging between $30,000–$40,000), and a variable percentage of revenue (oftentimes 5-6%) for ongoing royalty fees. This upfront investment is often significantly lower than other franchise opportunities, making it an attractive option for those seeking to minimize their initial investment. Furthermore, the pet care industry is relatively recession-proof, as people’s love for their furry friends isn’t prone to fluctuations in the market.
Next is Technology Solutions franchises such as Geek Squad, local internet and computer service providers, and the like. As far as upfront costs, some of these opportunities as low as $9,000 and as high as $50,000 depending on the franchisor, making it an attractive option for those looking to keep their initial investment low. Furthermore, demand for technology services is always increasing as the world becomes more reliant on everyday technology.
Another interesting option for retirement investors is Home Care franchises such as Home Instead, Visiting Angels and the like. This industry can require a substantial upfront investment (often $40,000–$75,000, plus working capital) but the ongoing royalty fees are typically low (around 3–6%). Additionally, the home care industry is one less affected by economic downturns as seniors often require more care regardless of the economy, making it a relatively safe investment.
Finally, one of the most attractive options for retirement investors is Senior Living franchises. These types of franchises offer a low one-time fee and nominal royalty fees, with some even offering the franchisee a percentage of the gross sales from the franchise. In addition, the senior living industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and is not vulnerable to market fluctuations, making it a very low-risk investment.
In the end, investing in a franchise business can be an attractive option for those nearing retirement. With so many franchise opportunities available, however, the task of identifying the best investment can be daunting and selecting the wrong franchise could cost the retirement investor both financially and emotionally. The IFPG provides guidance and resources to retirement investors in an effort to make the franchising process straightforward and successful.
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