Look Out, Overhead: The Advantages of Buying an Online Franchise

When most people think of a franchise business, they automatically think of giant global franchises such as Subway or McDonald’s. These are “brick and mortar” franchises, meaning that the franchisee buys an actual shop or restaurant. But there are also online and home-based franchises such as Blue Coast Savings Consultants (a cost-savings consulting franchise run entirely online) and Cruise Planners / American Express Travel (a home-based cruise / vacation planning business). Internet-based franchises have distinct challenges, but also a range of advantages, which explains why many start-ups and entrepreneurs are becoming online franchisees and buying into the business.

Cost Advantages of an Online Franchise

One of the biggest advantages of an online franchise business is low overhead costs. The expenses of a traditional franchise business include buying commercial space, such as a retail shop or restaurant, and décor, paying building maintenance costs, and managing staff payroll. An online franchise is much cheaper to buy and run – all you really buy is a domain name and website. This means you can spend the rest of your budget on other key areas like marketing, advertising, and web development.

Online Franchises - Open for Business 24/7

Another advantage of an online franchise is that the ‘online shop’ is effectively open all day; revenue can be generated 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Also, an internet-based business is accessible by anyone, anywhere, reaching customers around the globe. Unlike conventional franchises, online businesses aren’t restricted by physical location or traditional hours of operation.

Online Franchises Move Quickly

From the franchisor (home headquarters) perspective, a hugely significant benefit of running an online franchise system is the ability to easily implement changes across the franchise.Instead of re-branding or changing protocol across dozens or even hundreds of physical locations, online franchises can make overhauling changes or tiny tweaks throughout the whole business with minimum effort. For the individual franchisee, this means that the benefits from a great new product idea, clever marketing campaign, or other helpful innovation can spread across the entire franchise system in almost no time.

Running an online franchise offers a business-owner a highly-supported network of franchisees with significantly reduced costs. The low initial investment and other advantages attract new franchisees daily, making online franchises a trend that will continue to grow in popularity.

See our full list of recommended home-based franchises and other franchise opportunities.