If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and would like ongoing support as you build your business, then franchising might be the perfect fit for you. More than 10% of all businesses in the United States are franchised, according to U.S. Census data, with approximately 806,270 franchise establishments.
It’s a tried-and-true business model that many American business owners rely on to help them “hit the ground running” with their new venture. Getting instant access to a recognizable brand and a strong support network allows success to come quickly to dedicated entrepreneurs. Whether you’re new to the concept of franchising or you’re looking for the next franchise venture to add to your portfolio, the first question you should ask is, “What are the most affordable franchises to consider investing in?”
Franchise Fees and Initial Costs
The costs for opening a franchise varies by the specific business model and industry. As of 2023, the average initial franchise investment was approximately $150,000, according to Franchise Business Review. Each franchise will require an upfront fee, which allows the new business owner to license the brand name and receive support from the parent company.
Additional start-up fees can arise for certain franchises, such as securing a business license, leasing a location, renovating the space and more. Some franchises may also have recurring fees, such as royalty, marketing and technology fees.
Many low-cost franchises are available, which require less than $15,000 as a start-up fee. Remote franchises where the franchise owner and employees all operate from home also significantly reduce start-up and recurring fees compared to leasing and running a brick-and-mortar location. Potential franchise owners should also look for franchise options with little to no recurring fees.
Investing in a Travel Franchise
Currently, there are countless industries in which to franchise, and travel remains one of the most attractive ones. After all, everyone wants to relax on the beach or cross off a bucket-list destination! Travelers aged 50 and above are expected to spend an average of $6,659 on travel in 2024, and many of them rely on travel agents for their knowledge and access to discounts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of travel agents will grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032.
As a travel industry powerhouse, Dream Vacations offers the ideal travel agency business model at an affordable price for any entrepreneurial-minded person. In 2024, Entrepreneur Magazine listed Dream Vacations as a Top Low-Cost Franchise. CNBC ranked Dream Vacations at the top of their list of the most affordable franchise opportunities to own, stating: “If you love to travel and want to make a living at it, Dream Vacations might be the right franchise.” One of the highlights that earned Dream Vacations a place at the top of CNBC’s best low-cost franchises to own list was Dream Vacations’ hands-on and headquarter-supported training model offered to their franchise owners.
Training for Travel Franchise Owners
At Dream Vacations, we believe that everyone should have access to become a franchise owner even if you’re brand new to travel or to franchising. We’re proud to offer a uniquely meaningful approach to franchise owner and travel agent training, with a tried-and-true, award-winning method that has helped Dream Vacations become a leader in the franchise industry. When franchise owners join Dream Vacations, they complete an intensive, weeklong live instructor-led training class either virtually or right in our hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
During initial franchise training, franchise owners learn the ins and outs of owning and running a Dream Vacation franchise. You’ll also have access to upward of 1,500 online training modules with topics ranging from resort vendors to cruise lines and itineraries throughout your time as a franchisee. Dream Vacations has a strong belief that you can train for success, and this is why we offer ongoing franchise training and support, which includes multiple yearly regional trainings and summits developed to help you learn lead generation tips, sales tactics, and discover industry market trends from all top suppliers. Dream Vacations Franchise Owners are given the tools they need to launch their business and train for success.
And since we’re a community of travel lovers, we also provide discounted and even free travel to our franchise owners and their employees. This allows you to experience the beautiful destinations yourself, and allow you to offer the best advice for your customers.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Franchise Owner at Dream Vacations?
Dream Vacations’ franchise cost is much lower than other franchise concepts and, as a result, more accessible to more entrepreneurs. The standard Dream Vacations travel franchise cost is $10,500 with three tiers of discounts offered:
- PROMOTIONAL: $9,450 (a 10% discount)
Aligning with our mission of providing affordable franchise opportunities, we are offering a 10% discount to new franchise owners – talk to a Dream Vacations Franchise Development Manager to learn more.
- COMMUNITY HEROES: $8,400 (a 20% Discount)
In thanks to those who have given so much to their communities nationwide, first responders, medical professionals and educators are eligible for a 20% discount off their one-time franchise fee.
- U.S. VETERANS & MILITARY IMMEDIATE FAMILY: $7,350 (a 30% Discount)
As a thank you for their service to our country, discounts for veterans and active-duty immediate family of 30% are available. There is also the additional opportunity to put as little as $3,500 down, making Dream Vacations one of the best franchises for veterans.
We also offer up to 95% discounts on the initial franchise fee for current travel professionals, depending on your current sales level.
In certain circumstances, additional discounts may also be available. If you’re still wondering, “What are the most affordable franchises?” and have more questions about how Dream Vacations fits that answer, register for our webinar today to learn more about how you can own your own travel agency with Dream Vacations!
