5 Mobile Franchise Ideas and the Benefits of a Mobile Business

A business on wheels combines low startup costs and efficient operations with high-profit potential. The lack of a storefront eliminates expensive buildouts and rent increases, and a mobile van serves as a moving billboard for your business. To understand if you should go mobile, discover the best types of mobile franchises and how to get started.

These low-overhead franchises capitalize on their mobility to broaden their customer base. They’re relying on evolving technology to make it easier to go mobile, such as online apps that streamline scheduling and purchasing. The U.S. mobile app market generated nearly $45 billion in 2023, up $2 billion from the prior year. According to Entrepreneur magazine, the top five mobile franchise ideas are:

1. Window covering sales: These franchises, like Budget Blinds, work with homeowners and businesses to design, measure, and install customized window treatments. A window covering business requires limited inventory, but you’ll need the right technology to provide first-class customer service.
2. Tool sales: Tool franchises partner with local businesses to provide professional tools and equipment. It can be a lucrative industry, but you’ll cater to a niche market, and inventory management can be challenging.
3. Residential and commercial cleaning: A cleaning business has a low barrier to entry and requires minimal equipment. You can offer multiple revenue streams by catering to both homeowners and area businesses. And you’ll generate recurring revenue, making it easier to anticipate your income. Finding reliable cleaning staff can be a burden.
4. Food trucks: A food truck is a restaurant on wheels. You can change your location depending on consumer demand. It’s a great way to get started in the highly competitive foodservice industry. Food trucks still need to comply with stringent health and safety guidelines.
5. Landscaping: If you have a passion for gardening, a landscaping business can be an exciting endeavor. But in many parts of the country, landscaping is seasonal. You will have to add extra services, such as gutter cleaning or snow removal, to generate a year-round income.

Benefits of a Mobile Franchise

A mobile franchise offers a host of benefits, particularly for new entrepreneurs:

• Lower entry costs: No matter what kind of business you go into, your startup costs will almost certainly be your primary concern. Brick-and-mortar franchises carry a large initial investment. With a mobile opportunity, however, the initial investment is much lower. Budget Blinds is one such home-based franchise offering prospective franchisees an initial total investment as low as $84,500 with in-house financing.
• Scalable: Once you’ve invested in a mobile opportunity, the expansion cost is also less prohibitive than in a brick-and-mortar business. With another vehicle and a few more key hires, you’ve suddenly expanded your business by 100% — without having to invest the same amount of capital as you did at a startup
• Flexibility: Some people don’t want to be tied to an office all day. The idea of a business on the go that allows for variety and flexibility can be appealing. You get to meet new customers on their home turf and set your own schedule. Every day is a new adventure.
• Easy to manage: Mobile operations benefit from a reduced requirement for office space. Software can make it even more cost-conscious. Tools like online booking, scheduling that syncs to mobile devices, paperless invoicing, and mobile payments make administration a breeze.

Go Mobile with Budget Blinds

Budget Blinds has been perfecting its home-based mobile model for more than 30 years, providing franchisees with all the support and training necessary for running a successful business without the restrictions of a brick-and-mortar facility. With Budget Blinds, franchise owners learn everything they need about the consultative sales process, financial management, and comprehensive local area marketing programs. Our advanced customer management relations (CRM) technology is designed to optimize your business.

As the No. 1 provider of customized window coverings in North America and the No. 1 home-based franchise on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, the Budget Blinds model is perfect for driven entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion for customer service and quality work into a mobile franchise business. Perfect for both new and experienced business owners, Budget Blinds provides the tools and support to help you run a thriving business.

To learn more about our franchise opportunities, please inquire now.