5 Semi-Absentee Franchise Opportunities You Didn’t Know Existed
Daniel Hayes
Many people think that running a traditional franchise is a full-time commitment—and this may not appeal to entrepreneurs looking to make a little extra cash on the side. For these entrepreneurs, semi-absentee franchises offer an alternative option.
What makes semi-absentee franchise opportunities so attractive to new and veteran entrepreneurs alike is that they offer short, flexible hours, allowing you to
keep your day job or favorite hobbies, all while creating passive income. It is a business owner’s dream.
However, the real challenge lies in finding high-quality semi-absentee franchise opportunities. With so many industries and options to consider, the search can feel overwhelming. The good news? There are countless absentee and semi-absentee franchise opportunities available if you know where to look.
Below, we examine a few of the best semi-absentee franchise models that you may not have considered before.
1) Fitness Gyms and Wellness Centers
Humans love working out. Beyond the given health benefits, exercise and movement also release endorphins, which boost confidence, mood, and sense of accomplishment. This demand makes fitness gyms and wellness centers some of the smartest semi-absentee franchise opportunities you can invest in.
Fitness gym franchises stand out because they can offer a better work-life balance than many other franchise opportunities. You can achieve this by setting up a semi-absentee model, where you hire part-time coaches and staff to manage daily operations and member sign-ups. This approach allows you to oversee the business without being tied to it full-time.
Additionally, fitness centers are growing in popularity due to their comprehensive approach to serving customers, which focuses on both wellness and physical exercise. Yoga, meditation, saunas, and massage therapy are also key focuses in these newer “wellness hub” style fitness centers.
The fitness market is projected to grow exponentially over the next few years, with projections growing from $112.17 billion in 2023 to $202.78 billion by 2030, according to
Fortune Business Insights.
2) Vending Machines and Smart Micro-Retail
The most unexpected semi-absentee franchise opportunity on this list is the vending machine business. You may find yourself asking, “Are vending machines even profitable?” The short answer: yes.
The reason why they’re often overlooked as a franchise is that there are no employees involved, and customers serve themselves. However, vending machines bring a much-welcomed opportunity for those looking to make a little cash on the side with minimal time investment.
What makes this a semi-absentee’s dream is the amount of maintenance required on these machines. Franchise owners only need to check in periodically to restock the machines with products and change and clean them if they show some wear.
Another thing you may not be aware of: vending machines are no longer limited to stocking food and drink. Today, vending machines that stock clothes, beauty products, and even technology are becoming increasingly common.
Additionally, vending machines can be placed virtually anywhere, making them a perfect fit for semi-absentee entrepreneurs seeking to scale quickly.
With the industry expected to grow from $66.67 billion in 2025 to $101.36 billion in 2029, this lucrative and very low-maintenance option would be a great addition to your portfolio.
3) Childcare and Senior Care Services
This semi-absentee franchise is the ideal option for individuals who enjoy helping others and want to establish a side business. The beauty of semi-absentee franchise opportunities like childcare or senior care franchises is that prior in-field experience is not needed to be a successful business owner.
To compensate, you can simply staff your team with individuals who have a childcare or healthcare background. This could include daycare workers, babysitters, personal care aides/nurses, and live-in caregivers, to name a few.
Like the other franchises mentioned, these markets are expected to experience substantial growth over the next few years.
The elderly care services market is expected to grow from $1.025 billion last year to $1.965 billion in 2032. The global child care services market also expects to see an increase over the next several years, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.33% from last year to 2030.
4) Laundromats and Dry Cleaners
Laundromats make great semi-absentee franchise opportunities because they offer a lot of flexibility for business owners. Because most laundromats have only one attendant, you have the luxury of hiring only one employee to oversee daily tasks, such as cleaning the lint traps, sweeping and dusting, or providing detergent and change.
If your schedule allows, you can be the one to check in periodically and ensure everything is running smoothly. To generate an additional revenue stream, consider installing a vending machine or two in your laundromat, providing your customers with a convenient snack option while they wash.
Many laundromats now provide pickup and delivery services, a highly sought-after convenience that greatly appeals to a wide range of customers. This added option makes laundry less of a chore, directly meeting the needs of busy individuals and families while increasing your revenue stream.
With an estimated market size of $78.20 billion in 2024, projections indicate that the market is expected to reach $118.71 billion by 2030.
5) Storage Units
If you live in a college town or a part of the city that’s booming, storage unit franchises are a semi-absentee business venture you should consider investing in.
With fully insulated and climate-controlled storage options available to customers, storage bins have come a long way in protecting stored items. As an owner, you have the luxury of dropping by at your leisure to verify that customers are happy and that things are running smoothly.
Yet another franchise expected to see significant growth, the self-storage industry is predicted to thrive from $59.34 billion in 2024 to $105.22 billion in 2034.
Find the Best Semi-Absentee Franchise Opportunities
There are numerous semi-absentee franchise opportunities available for investment. You only need to know where to look. The first step on your franchising journey is finding the perfect opportunity for you, and Hundred Acre Consulting can help you achieve this. Armed with almost two decades of experience, we can support you throughout your franchising journey.
If you’re interested in working together or learning more about the franchises we represent, contact our team today!
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Not every franchise opportunity requires long hours and your undivided attention. Semi-absentee franchise ownership is designed to allow you to earn extra money and create a growing enterprise while continuing your current career or focusing on your family. If you hope to grow your semi-absentee franchise, we’ve put together a few excellent tips to help you get the ball rolling.
If you are looking to invest in a new business model, you may be thinking owning a semi-absentee franchise is a win-win. You can invest your money into a business that comes with a limited time commitment and continue with your career. However, there are unique challenges that come with owning a semi-absentee franchise. Investing in a franchise is a critical business decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. To help guide potential franchisees on their path to franchise ownership, we’ve brought together a list of the most common challenges that new semi-absentee franchise owners will face. This information will allow you to start on your journey armed with information to be successful no matter what type of franchise you choose to open.
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