Many people can not afford the luxury of a full time business or employment. Rather then seeking a part time job, they would rather be in control of their lives. The problem with most businesses is that they are only profitable if run full time.

This begs the question what are the characteristics of a part time franchise business? The answer is that a part time franchise needs to have a blend of the following ingredients:

1) Low overheads

2) Flexible working hours

3) No need for large premises

4) Few if any employees

5) Minimal requirements in terms of equipment

6) No stock or minimal stock requirements

So what types of franchises are suitable for people who have maybe 20 hours a week to spare and would like to be their own boss? After spending time researching the market, I have found these niches that can satisfy the above requirements:

1) Business cost management - a franchisee is trained to visit companies and analyse areas where cost savings can easily be made. The franchisee makes a percentage of the savings. Many companies are so busy running their companies that they overlook many areas that, with a little effort, could save a lot of money.

2) Financial Solutions - This franchise opportunity arises because people simply don't have the time to analyse all the options available. The franchisee arranges loans, mortgages & pensions for people by analysing what's available on the marketplace and producing a report with a quick comparison.

3) Car Valet - a franchisee - well equipped - with a van, powerful cleaning equipment and the right chemicals can easily clean 6 cars per hour. It doesn't take a genius to realise that a healthy income can be made by doing work professionally that other people don't want to do!

4) Vending franchises - With this business opportunity, the franchisee has to persuade businesses with healthy foot flow to keep a vending machine on their site. The profits are then split equally between the supplier, franchisee and the site provider.

5) Childcare franchises - They do what they say in the title! Many people are caught trying to take care of their children who happen to finish school a couple of hours before they finish work!

I have named only a few opportunities, but in reality they are many and varied. Other options include therapy, cleaning and food delivery franchises.

Please remember to take financial and legal advice before committing to any new business opportunity.