Choosing a franchise comes down to four things: the total investment you will really need, the ongoing fees you will pay, what the disclosure documents reveal about the system's track record, and what current and former franchisees say about running a unit. A low entry fee or famous brand does not guarantee a good business. Use the live listings below to find open opportunities, then work through the checks in this guide before signing anything.
Open franchise opportunities
These tables list franchise programs currently open in the PartnersWatch directory. Fees and investment details come from each listing and change over time, so confirm them in the franchisor's latest disclosure document.
| Program | Partner types | Terms | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quo (formerly OpenPhone) | Affiliate, Agency, Referral partner | On request | — |
| Motive | Referral partner, Franchisee, Integrator / MSP | On request | — |
| Jiffy Lube | Franchisee | Minimum franchise fee $35,000 | Royalty |
| Kiddie Academy | Franchisee | On request | Royalty |
| CycleBar | Franchisee | Total investment $410,809 - $1,110,193 per the 2025 FDD | Royalty |
| Coldwell Banker | Franchisee | On request | — |
| Grasshopper | Referral partner, Reseller, Affiliate | Commissions for referrals and affiliates (rates not stated) | — |
| SIXT | Franchisee, Location operator | On request | — |
| SERVPRO | Franchisee | On request | — |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | Franchisee | $100,000–$585,000 average start-up (Metro $165,700–$538,700; Mod $107,100–$270,000) | — |
| Engel & Völkers | Franchisee | On request | — |
| IHG Hotels & Resorts | Franchisee, Location operator | On request | — |
Food and beverage franchises:
| Program | Partner types | Terms | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger King | Franchisee | On request | — |
| Wendy's | Franchisee | On request | — |
| Domino's | Franchisee | On request | — |
| Chick-fil-A | Franchisee, Location operator | $10,000 initial franchise fee in non-gifted, non-borrowed funds | — |
| Crumbl | Franchisee | Minimum liquidity of $200,000 | — |
| Arby's | Franchisee | Development fee $12,500 per restaurant; initial franchise fee $37,500; total initial investment $651,550–$2,456,600; $500,000 liquid assets and $1,000,000 net worth | Royalty |
| Jimmy John's | Franchisee | Development fee $10,000 per restaurant; initial franchise fee $35,000; total initial investment $366,200–$733,500; $200,000 liquid assets and $1,000,000 net worth | Royalty |
| Dunkin' | Franchisee | Initial franchise fee $40,000; total initial investment $443,000–$1,832,500; $250,000 liquid assets and $500,000 net worth | Royalty |
Service-based franchises, which often need lower premises investment:
| Program | Partner types | Terms | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiddie Academy | Franchisee | On request | Royalty |
| SERVPRO | Franchisee | On request | — |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | Franchisee | $100,000–$585,000 average start-up (Metro $165,700–$538,700; Mod $107,100–$270,000) | — |
| Budget Blinds | Franchisee | $100,500–$211,250 total investment; franchise fee $49,500–$89,500 (U.S.) | — |
| Huntington Learning Center | Franchisee | On request | — |
| PostNet | Franchisee | On request | — |
| Mr. Rooter Plumbing | Franchisee | $152,900–$298,675 total investment (includes $42,500 initial franchise fee) | — |
| The Goddard School | Franchisee | On request | — |
| ActionCOACH | Franchisee | Royalty as a percentage of monthly revenue or a fixed fee, starting in month seven | Royalty |
| Chem-Dry | Franchisee | $92,150–$249,500 total initial investment | — |
Fitness, wellness and retail:
| Program | Partner types | Terms | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| CycleBar | Franchisee | Total investment $410,809 - $1,110,193 per the 2025 FDD | Royalty |
| Club Pilates | Franchisee | On request | — |
| Hand & Stone | Franchisee | On request | — |
| European Wax Center | Franchisee | $327,600–$836,950 total investment (2025 FDD) | Royalty |
| Snap Fitness | Franchisee | On request | — |
| F45 Training | Franchisee | On request | — |
| Batteries Plus | Franchisee | Initial franchise fee $49,500; initial investment $262,646 to $496,996; minimum $125,000 liquid capital | — |
| Gold's Gym | Franchisee | $40K franchise fee; initial investment $1,793,500 to $4,537,000 | Royalty |
Browse every franchise listing, or related location operator programs where a brand runs sites through local partners.
What you are actually buying
A franchise gives you the right to operate a business using a franchisor's brand, systems and support, in exchange for fees and adherence to their standards. You typically own the local business and its assets, but you do not own the brand, and your freedom to change prices, suppliers, products or marketing is limited by the franchise agreement.
That trade-off is the heart of the decision. You are paying for a proven model and reduced risk of the basics going wrong. You are giving up independence and a share of revenue indefinitely.
Understanding the costs
Initial franchise fee
A one-off payment for the right to join the system, training and initial support. It is often only a small part of the total.
Total initial investment
This includes the fee plus premises (lease deposits, fit-out or renovation), equipment, initial stock, signage, technology, insurance, professional fees, training travel, and working capital to cover losses until the business breaks even. Franchisors usually publish an estimated range. Treat the low end with caution: it often assumes favourable premises costs and quick ramp-up.
Royalties
An ongoing fee, most often a percentage of gross sales, sometimes a fixed monthly amount. Because it is usually on revenue, not profit, you pay it even in loss-making months. Check whether there is a minimum royalty regardless of sales.
Marketing or brand fund contributions
A further percentage or fixed fee pooled for national or regional advertising. Ask how the fund is spent and whether franchisees see accounts for it.
Other recurring costs
Technology and software fees, required supplier purchases (sometimes with franchisor mark-ups or rebates), mandatory renovations every few years, training for new staff, and renewal or transfer fees.
Working capital
Underestimating working capital is a common reason new franchisees struggle. Build a cash buffer for a ramp-up period that is longer than the franchisor's estimate.
Low-cost franchise opportunities: what "low cost" really means
Lower-investment franchises are typically home-based, mobile or service-led: cleaning, home maintenance, tutoring, children's activities, business services, mobile fitness and similar. They avoid large premises fit-outs and expensive kitchens.
They can be good entry points, but keep these points in mind:
- Lower investment does not mean lower effort. Service franchises often depend on the owner's own sales and labour, especially at first.
- Royalties still apply. A small business paying a percentage of revenue can find margins tight.
- Scaling requires hiring. Growth beyond your own capacity means recruiting and managing staff.
- Territory size matters. A cheap franchise with a small or overlapping territory may cap your earnings.
The disclosure document
In many countries, franchisors must give prospective franchisees a disclosure document before any agreement is signed or money is paid. In the United States this is the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule requires to be provided at least 14 calendar days before signing or paying. Australia, several Canadian provinces and other jurisdictions have their own disclosure laws with similar waiting periods. Some countries, including the UK, rely more on voluntary industry codes than franchise-specific legislation. Check the rules where you plan to operate.
Whatever the format, look for information on the following.
Fees and initial investment
The full list of fees and the estimated range of initial investment, with the assumptions behind each line.
Financial performance
Some franchisors provide financial performance information about existing units; others provide none. If figures are given, read the basis carefully: which units are included, over what period, and whether the figures are revenue or profit. If none is given, ask why, and be wary of anyone who offers unofficial earnings claims outside the document.
Outlet history
Data on units opened, closed, transferred, terminated or not renewed over recent years. High closure or transfer rates are a warning sign worth investigating.
Litigation and bankruptcy
Past and pending legal action involving the franchisor and its management. A pattern of disputes with franchisees deserves careful attention.
Franchisee lists
Contact details for current and recently departed franchisees. These are your most valuable research source.
Franchisor financial statements
Evidence that the franchisor itself is financially stable enough to support you for the length of your agreement.
Territory, term and renewal
How your territory is defined and protected, how long the agreement lasts, and the conditions for renewal, transfer and termination.
Talking to franchisees
Speak to as many current and former franchisees as you can, including some not suggested by the franchisor. Useful questions:
- How long did it take you to break even, and how did that compare with what you expected?
- Was the initial investment estimate accurate?
- How useful are training and ongoing support in practice?
- Are required suppliers competitive on price and quality?
- How does the franchisor handle disagreements?
- Knowing what you know now, would you buy again?
Former franchisees can be especially candid about why they left.
Matching a franchise to you
Your skills and role
Some franchises suit owner-operators who work in the business daily; others suit managers overseeing staff, or investors running multiple units. Be honest about which you want to be.
Your local market
Visit existing units, study local competition, and look at demographics in your proposed territory. A concept that thrives in one region can struggle in another.
Your finances
Confirm how you will fund the investment and how long you can support yourself before the business pays you. Many franchisees use a mix of savings and business lending; speak to lenders early and understand any personal guarantees.
Professional advice
Before signing, have a solicitor or lawyer experienced in franchising review the agreement and disclosure document, and an accountant review your financial projections. The cost is small relative to the investment and the length of the commitment.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign quickly or pay before the disclosure waiting period ends.
- Earnings claims that are not in the official disclosure document.
- Reluctance to let you speak freely with existing franchisees.
- High numbers of closures, transfers or disputes.
- Vague answers on territory protection or supplier mark-ups.
Franchising compared with other partner models
Franchising is the deepest form of partnership: you invest capital and run a branded business. If you want a lighter commitment, location operator or distributor arrangements can offer brand association with different obligations. If you are a service professional rather than an operator, referral partner programs may suit better.
FAQ
How do I choose a franchise in 2026?
Compare total investment, ongoing royalties and fees, the disclosure document's history of closures and disputes, and the experience of current and former franchisees. Make sure the business suits your skills, your local market and your finances.
What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?
In the United States, the FDD is the document franchisors must give prospective franchisees at least 14 calendar days before signing or paying. It covers fees, investment estimates, outlet history, litigation, franchisee contacts and financial statements; other countries have their own equivalents.
How are franchise royalties calculated?
Most royalties are a percentage of gross sales, paid weekly or monthly, though some systems charge a fixed fee. Because they are based on revenue rather than profit, you pay them even in months when the business loses money.
Are low-cost franchises a good idea?
They can be, particularly service-based models without large premises costs. Check whether your earnings depend heavily on your own labour, whether your territory is large enough, and whether margins remain healthy after royalties.
Should I get legal advice before buying a franchise?
Yes. A lawyer experienced in franchising should review the agreement and disclosure document, and an accountant should check your financial projections before you commit.