Mobile franchises appeal to franchisees because they typically cost less to buy and operate than a storefront franchise. These franchises also offer many other benefits, including flexible hours and a wide variety of businesses to choose from--today’s mobile franchises go far beyond flower or food delivery. Also, mobile franchises require very few employees; in most cases, as few as one to two people can run each unit. Interested in life in the mobile lane? Here are some hot ideas to check out.
Oil Butler International
Oil Butler offers oil changes and windshield repair to customers while they’re at work, as well as regular oil changes to business vehicle fleets. Oil changes can be done quickly and safely on the go using a specially designed trailer. Established in 1987, Oil Butler has developed into an international franchise opportunity, with franchises all over North and South America, and is looking to expand worldwide.
ProShred Security
ProShred Security offers businesses of all sizes paper shredding, recycling and other document destruction. Franchisees pick up and manage locked containers either on a one-time basis or on a regular schedule. ProShred advertises the utmost caution in regard to handling sensitive documents and does all its shredding onsite. Ten percent of all ProShred franchisees own more than one unit.
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Nationwide Floor & Window
Nationwide Floor & Window takes the showroom into the home. Consumers can plan their floor and window treatment remodels in-home under their own lights, around their own furniture, with the help of a trained professional. The company is based in Wisconsin and is expanding throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Gotcha Mobile Media
Gotcha Mobile Media takes the advertising campaign on the road, with rotating billboards on all four sides of a truck. The trucks drive around during peak commuting hours based on frequently updated traffic studies. The ads rotate every eight seconds—drawing a lot of consumer attention.
Fun Bus
The Fun Bus is a bright green school bus used to house fitness-themed parties and classes for kids. The bus’ interior is padded, and each customized bus offers different features, from rock-climbing walls and parallel bars to swings and trampolines. The classes focus on fitness education and social interaction. The bus can park and give classes anywhere that’s out of the way of traffic.
CaféAlaCarte
The Florida-based Café Ala Carte caters corporate events and private parties (such as weddings) with upscale espresso and cappuccino drinks. Sharply dressed baristas serve coffee freshly ground on the spot, from a European-style cart.
Happy & Healthy Products
Happy & Healthy products offer frozen dessert bars, smoothies and breads. Franchisees set up wholesale accounts with established businesses to sell Happy & Healthy foods, as well as serving as vendors at special events, including farmer’s markets and street fairs.
Aussie Pet Mobile
Aussie Pet Mobile began in Australia, but has since moved to California, providing mobile dog and cat grooming in a van equipped with fur dryers, a grooming table and a heated hydrobath. Aussie Pet Mobile promotes animal health with flea bath services and even claims their FURminator system reduces dog shedding up to 80 percent. Mobile pet grooming is ideal for nervous pets (or pet owners!) and elderly animals. This franchise offers entrepreneurs a piece of the $36 billion Americans spend caring for their pets annually.
Complete Music
Complete Music provides disc jockey services for parties, corporate events, school dances and weddings. Consumers plan ahead of time with their DJ and decide the level of guest involvement appropriate to the event, to prevent forced Chicken Dances and Electric Sliding. The company began in Omaha, Nebraska, in the 1970s and has spread across the U.S. and Ontario, looking to continue expanding in the U.S. and throughout Canada.
Geeks On Call
Geeks On Call technicians deliver homes and businesses computer repair and support services, often with same-day service. These technicians can be easily spotted in their blue Chrysler PT Cruisers and help with anything from installing equipment and programs to security issues and data backups. Geeks On Call encourages even the technologically unsavvy entrepreneur to look into joining their list of more than 300 franchisees.
Ready, Set, Research
This list is just a starting point for your search. You can continue to look for franchise ideas in our Franchise Zoneand in our other "Spotlight On"articles.
When one catches your eye, begin your research. Due diligence includes thoroughly reading a company's literature and its Uniform Franchise Offering Circular, calling and visiting the existing franchisees, and consulting with an attorney and an accountant. Use our thorough how-toguide you on your journey.