Spotlight on Top Home Based Franchises Starting a structured business from home is easier when you're working with these reliable franchises.
By Alexa Vaughn
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Looking for a structured and reliable business to run from home? These top home based franchises are listed in order of their ranking in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500(R) , the world's most comprehensive ranking of franchise companies.
Use this listing to help you assess what would make the best fit for you. Then continue your research through as many avenues as you can take--a work day with current franchisees, online webinars, counseling with an attorney and accountant and literature such as the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. This ranking is not an endorsement, promotion or recommendation of any particular franchise--just a tool to get you started on your franchise-researching journey.
#1 Jani-King
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #13
Commercial cleaning
With more than 12,000 franchisees keeping Jani-King the largest cleaning franchise company in the world, this company is consistently at the top of Entrepreneur's franchise rankings. Since its founding in 1969, the company has grown a global network of more than 115 regional offices that help franchisees create tailored customer cleaning programs.
#2 Bonus Building Care
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #20
Commercial cleaning
This franchise has grown by leaps and bounds since its start in 1996 by training franchisees with no prior business experience how to be a successful business owner. The franchise also stresses that most franchisees start out on a part-time basis while keeping another job and can then transition into doing the franchise full-time when ready.
#3 Jan-Pro Franchise Int'l. Inc.
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #26
Commercial cleaning
Jan-Pro is the fastest-growing cleaning franchise with more than 7,000 franchisees throughout the United States and Canada. The company operates through a decentralized structure where each franchisee acts as the regional franchisor in his or her exclusive market.
#4 Servpro
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #26
Insurance/disaster restoration & cleaning
Since it began franchising in 1969, Servpro has never stopped growing. It began as a painting business in 1967 and then transitioned into being a leader in the cleanup and restorations industry. To this day, the franchise isn't afraid to grow its services and expertise in order to grow the entire company.
#5 Chem-Dry Carpet Drapery & Upholstery Cleaning
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #28
Carpet, drapery & upholstery cleaning; tile & stone care
This franchise draws its success from its unique cleaning techniques. Inspired by the way flight attendants removed stains with carbonated water, founder Robert Harris spent years researching the chemical formulas of cleaning products before starting Chem-Dry with a new carbonated solution that was safe and non-toxic. The Home Depot bought the franchise in 2006, and it continues to be the biggest carpet cleaning business in the country.
#6 Matco Tools
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #30
Tools
As a manufacturer and distributor of over 13,000 products to its mobile tools franchisee owners, Matco Tools focuses on improving its hand-tools and introducing the newest diagnostic, electronic and testing equipment to help customers work smarter and faster. The company also offers its franchisees the support of multiple training programs and tool experts to make sure business keeps growing.
#7 ServiceMaster Clean
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #44
Commercial and residential cleaning & disaster restoration
After more than 75 years in the business, this franchise's network of more than 4,500 franchise locations stretches across 40 countries and is still growing. The franchise is now specializing in helping businesses go green by improving its cleaning products and methods.
#8 Jazzercise Inc.
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #44
Dance/exercise classes
This popular fitness franchise has more than sustained its business as it has expanded into 32 countries over the past 37 years. The company also offers two different business structures--instructor franchises and business franchises.
#9 WSI Internet
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #46
Internet services
WSI Internet's business model--which made it the No. 1 Internet and Technology franchise for the past seven years--delivers internet marketing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses globally. No matter a franchisee's background, the company's supportive proprietary tools, methodologies, products and marketing support helps him or her expand client bases.
#10 Snap-on Tools
2008 Franchise 500 ranking: #50
Professional tools & equipment
In addition to being a leader in its industry since 1923, Snap-on Tools informs its potential and current franchisees about selling a variety of hand, power and diagnostic tools to professional service technicians. The company encourages potential franchisees to do their research through ride-alongs with current franchisees and interactive webinars.
To view the entire Entrepreneur Franchise 500(R), visit Entrepreneur.com's Franchise Zone.
