Craving a better lifestyle? Seeking more control over your income? Wishing for a more rewarding career? Thinking about a business with low overheads and less stress? A mobile or rent-free franchise could be the answer.

They’re everywhere! Colourful and eye-catching vans, trailors, signs and advertising, offering all manner of products and services to help you look after your house, your garden, your pets, your business, your pets, your family and your self. Others are tucked away in garages, home-offices and spare-rooms, and some just require phone and internet access. They all have one thing in common - they are mobile or rent-free franchise businesses.

If you want to work for yourself, but don’t want the expense of high overheads, staffing issues and expensive shop fronts, a mobile or rent-free franchise could help you take control of your future.

Generally quite a bit cheaper to buy and run than their lease-locked counterparts, mobile and rent free businesses are unaffected by landlords, premises and rental challenges. Ongoing costs are reduced with limited overheads.

Mobile and rent-free franchisees can often choose their own hours and customers, often scheduling work around family and other commitments, tipping the work/life balance scale in favour of ‘life’.

Business Franchise magazine has put together the following selection of mobile and rent free franchises currently available:

A1 Mobile Radiators is a mobile service specialising in radiator replacement and repair, plus any other automotive cooling system repairs as a result of overheating, coolant loss or general servicing requirements. A1 Mobile Radiators is unique because its customer base consists of retail and trade customers. Their service vehicles attend work/office, home or place of breakdown and offer a convenient repair option saving the customers time and money.

Appliance Tagging Services, recently named as one of Australia’s fastest growing franchise systems, specialise in providing electrical safety assessments and testing and reporting management systems in accordance with Australian Safety Standards. Appliance Tagging Services has been protecting Australians, for well over 10 years and are renowned for providing a consistent national service approach, delivering the most advanced safety testing and tagging programs available to any location in Australia.

AUS DENT is a franchise business that has been successfully operating for the past 8 years, and is all about successfully repairing vehicle panel damage without using painting or fillers. AUS DENT has established itself as a proven repairer in the automotive industry, including insurance approval for hail damage repairs. AUS DENT technicians are personally guided through their training period to ensure the highest quality of workmanship is achieved. Franchisee operations are primarily based in Victoria but they are rapidly expanding their services nationwide.

Aussie Farmer’s Direct offers potential franchisees the opportunity to part of one of the fastest growing teams that supply 100 per cent Australian products to customers in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Each franchise is sold with a customer base that is ready to start receiving which means that you are earning from your investment from the very beginning. An Aussie Farmers Direct franchise gives you the opportunity to develop your own business whilst being part of the fight back supporting the Aussie Farmers and economy through the supply of 100 per cent Australian owned and produced products.

Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash and Grooming has been recognised as one of the top franchises of 2009 in the AFR’s Smart Investor Magazine annual survey, rising above more than 1000 other franchise groups in Australia. From humble beginnings in 1991, in what was also considered a tough economic climate, Christine then a 21-year-old Queenslander, launched the first franchisable dog wash and care company. Now with over 18 years of experience Aussie Pooch Mobile has proved to be one of the most successful and stable home service franchise companies in Australia and now the world.

B&S Mobile Sharpening was established by Bill Wendt and his partner Sue Scott in Melbourne in 1994, taking their mobile knife, scissor and equipment sharpening business direct to their customers’ doors. Franchising since 2008, there are now areas sold in most states and territories throughout Australia, and growing rapidly. A distinctive mobile business, B&S Mobile Sharpening Pty Ltd. supports both suburban households and a vast range of commercial businesses that require a sharpening service for knives, scissors, garden equipment, and trade tools – in fact, anything that requires a razor sharp edge.

Cafe2U mobile van operators provide delicious quality espresso coffee and complementary food items, visiting non-traditional environments such as office buildings, commercial parks, sporting events, corporate functions and school fetes. Established nine years ago in Sydney, Cafe2U has grown into the largest mobile coffee franchise in the world, with 150+ vans operating throughout Australia, the UK, Scotland, England, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

DubLi has a vision to become a major Global Market Services Portal where everything you can presently do offline, from booking travel, paying insurance, school fees, searching for entertainment or just research can be done through DubLi – a sort of Google – eBay, Amazon combination. DubLi is ready to embrace new technologies such as mobile shopping – technologies that will fundamentally change the way you conduct your everyday life and business. All you need is a phone and a computer and you can run this business from anywhere in the world.

Duster Dollies franchisees don’t do the cleaning – they manage their own team of cleaners. As a Duster Dollies franchisee you have complete control over your income and can dictate the kind of hours you work Cleaning is not a dirty word – it’s the new way to secure your financial future! The Duster Dollies a fast growing company of Booking Agencies for domestic cleaning. From its beginnings of just one woman delivering pamphlets and doing the cleaning, The Duster Dollies has grown into an organisation with domestic cleaning agencies established in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide – and very soon The Duster Dollies will be Australia wide.

Nanotek by ecowash , founded in Australia in 2004, has quickly established itself as the global leader in mobile car washing franchise with operations in over 15 countries including all states of Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Central America and the USA. ecowash mobile is now re-branding as Nanotek as part of a futuristic platform to focus on their exclusive liquid polymer nano-technology – this technology is superior to traditional car washing methods, not only providing a better result but also longer lasting protection. Building on the global success of ecowash mobile, Nanotek offers its Australian franchisees pricing, technologies, alliances, experience, expertise and systems beyond the reach of purely domestic franchise systems

Fastway Couriers franchises are affordable, starting from $25,000 to join the world’s largest courier franchise group. Fastway offers potential franchisees the opportunity to be their own boss and make their New Year’s resolutions to take control in 2010 a reality. As a market leader in the provision of nationwide courier services, Fastway’s award winning franchisees enjoy the benefit of low start up costs, no weekend work, unparalleled business support and a highly recognisable brand. In addition, many territories come with a guaranteed income package to get new franchisees earning a decent living from day one.

G Shopper is an online supermarket that provides customers with the freshest and largest range of produce together with all their grocery needs. Their unique distribution allows them to guarantee all produce received is of the freshest quality. They offer express delivery services, getting products to the customer’s door within 3 hours of their order being processed online. With low set up costs and trend-setting technology G Shopper is easily operated by an individual or group. Franchisees go through an interview process and on selection will operate in an exclusive territory.

Hardware 2 Site, a unique concept where hardware is delivered directly to building sites via a mobile 'walk-in' showroom is being offered as a franchise for the first time in Australia. The Hardware 2 Site van contains everything from trade hardware to locks in quality and respected brands, and is also equipped with mobile eftpos machines for the convenience of on-site purchasing.

Henny Penny Hatching is a part-time franchise which offers pleasant, light, outdoor work, delivering education units to schools, kindergarten’s etc. The popular Henny Penny Hatching Incubation program is not only educational but exciting and fun too! A very affordable franchise with low overheads and everything supplied, including equipment, complete training, marketing, internet resources and 24 hour support.

Hitman Pest Control offers an individual the opportunity to establish a highly profitable business that can grow to the extent that is desirable to the owner. It is structured to operate on a full-time basis but can operate within a flexible framework if this is required. Hitman currently has 15 franchisees and is looking to expand. The business is a service business that offers each owner the ability to meet many different people in a wide range of environments. A Hitman Pest Management franchise operator will generate profit before tax in excess of $100,000 a year for general pest management services

Hosemasters specialise in providing mobile on-site services and maintenance of all areas of hydraulic, pneumatic, and industrial hose applications. Offering country, regional and local franchises, there are three levels of entry available. Operators should be mechanically minded, but do not require any formal training. Prospective franchisees should enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills.

Jani-King Australia turns over more than $80 million per annum with more than 1,200 franchisees running their own successful cleaning businesses throughout Australia and New Zealand. Jani King franchises start from just $12,800 ex GST so almost anyone can purchase their own business with a small loan and the company provides guaranteed income for two years. Jani-King continues to achieve success in its 40th year, recently sweeping the competition at ’Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual Franchise 500’ rankings earning the #1 Commercial Cleaning Franchise spot for the 22nd consecutive year.

Jim’s Car Cleaning is a unique mobile car cleaning system that is compliant with all the relevant council water obligations The franchisees have the option to choose when and where to work. The customer calls the national number, the franchisee gets a message on their phone, and they have the option to take that work. Unlike a lot of systems, no percentages are charged, their fees are fixed so the more their business makes the more profit franchisees make. Potential Jim’s Car Cleaning franchisees don’t need any experience because all training is provided.

Kwik Kerb are easily the world leaders in landscape kerb machinery and the Kwik Kerb brand is a household name in many countries. Kwik Kerb concrete kerbing is of the highest quality and Kwik Kerb is a highly respected brand name. Kwik Kerb are currently looking for highly motivated people who want to take control of their financial future and create the lifestyle they have always wanted. Kwik Kerb are looking for new Kwik Kerb business owners in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and in many regional areas across Australia.

Jim’s Test & Tag developed its franchise model 3 years ago and now has in excess of 120 units across Australia and New Zealand and is one of the fastest growing Divisions under the Jim’s Group of companies. JT&T is a mobile service provider that specializes electrical testing and tagging. Over the last twelve months JT&T have received certification for Quality to ISO 9001. Jim’s Test & Tag have also been awarded the “Best Value” Franchise model (between $50,000 & $150,000) by AFR Smart Investor Magazine.

Jumping J-Jays are offering more than ever to their customers with the introduction of a bunch of new themes. This means that Jumping J-Jays are presenting more opportunities to their franchisees. Existing franchises are now available from $35,000 including 20 themes. This indicates higher return on investment, with more sales. Add to this their turnover guarantee of at least $60,000 in your first year. At this level you have a break even point of 3 deliveries a week. 80% of their current franchisees deliver 8 or more every week.

Lava Carts coffee franchises are built around a mobile or semi–permanent cart or kiosk system which can be easily positioned into high volume foot traffic areas. Lava Carts specialise in taking up previously unproductive indoor or outdoor space, so that rent is highly negotiable and in some cases obsolete. As well as revolutionary rent conditions, Lava Carts’ offer full self-contained fit-outs which means overheads and operating costs are significantly less compared to mobile vans and cafes. Potential franchisees who source their own sites are also offered discounts on the already low start-up price.

Lifetime Distributors ‘the book people’ is the largest display marketing company in Australia and New Zealand and creates the convenience of shopping in the workplace for thousands of individuals every fortnight. Franchisees and subcontractor opportunities are available nationwide and each operate in an exclusive area. Strong branding, ongoing support from a local master franchise each of whom offer training provide each franchise with ample opportunity to increase the size of their business. If you are passionate about working for yourself and enjoy meeting people a Lifetime Distributors franchise is for you.

Lonely Pets Club, Australia’s largest mobile pet feeding and dog walking company have just recorded their busiest holiday season on record.  Lonely Pets Club visit people’s homes when they are away, to feed their pets, walk dogs, water plants and security check their homes. Over the Christmas and New Year period in Melbourne, Lonely Pets Club made 5575 pet care visits for more than 800 pet owners and looked after almost 1400 pets. Lonely Pets Club is a unique alternative to dog kennels and catteries and they believe pets are less stressed if they stay in their own homes. It is easy to use, no vaccinations are needed and there is no need to transport your pets.

Novus Autoglass offers franchisees an established successful business name, with recognised brand awareness, together with a reputation for service excellence, ongoing advice, expertise, and state of the art products and equipment. In return, Novus is paid a royalty and this provides the revenue stream which allows Novus to offer continuing support to the Novus franchise network. Many Novus franchisees have been in the system for 5, 10, 15 years or more. This partnership also explains why Novus has been successful in Australia for 20 years.

Old Macdonald's Travelling Farms was established in 1989, to supply live and written educational resources to State Education facilities. Within months of commencement it became obvious that there existed a vast untapped market for the this unique service, not only in schools but in every section of the community including kindergartens and childcare to preschools and primary schools to fetes, shows, festivals, parties and nursing homes, retail centres etc
Old Macdonald's Farms offers this tried and tested concept to those who wish to make a lifestyle change and become financially independent.

PoolWerx has a strong history of innovation both in franchising and its own business sector – the swimming pool and spa aftermarket – in which it is multi-awarded. PoolWerx is especially well known for its creation of the world’s first structured ‘Career Path in Franchising’ enabling franchisees the opportunity to start affordably and build multi-million dollar business empires: retail hubs anchoring satellite stores and fleets of service units.

Redclean believes the key to their successful franchise model is a strong and continuing business relationship between the franchisor and each franchisee. All franchisees receive extensive practical service related training, business development training and sales training before and after they sign on. They are also become a part of an experienced parent company that has a unique business tracking system that constantly monitors business performance while utilising the latest IT and web-based business solutions.

Snap-on Tools has a heritage spanning nearly a century. Since 1920, Snap-on’s range has grown to encompass over 16,000 different products, from the smallest tool to entire workshop fit-outs, sold by over 5000 franchisees worldwide. And the Snap-on franchise is as good as its product, with incredible franchisor support, a business model that’s been proven for decades, 60 per cent ANZ start-up finance, exclusive territories, extensive training and no messy commercial leases.

Soft Stone Sculptures is a business that prides itself on success through achievement, creativity of thought and enjoyment in what they and their clients do. They not only offer an opportunity for people to partake in a pleasurable and creative craft, but also the opportunity to join in the success of this business. A leading franchise consultant recently reviewed this opportunity and stated that it was one of the best franchise opportunities he had seen. With the move towards a common mix between business and social lifestyles, Soft Stone Sculptures provide the perfect model that enables you to take control.

Stacks of Snacks is the world’s largest provider of snack boxes to workplaces. This confectionery franchise operates in the high demand, high volume area of workplace based snack foods. Stacks of Snacks franchisees service more than 30,000 Australian workplaces. Stacks of Snacks mobile franchises offer the individual a means of starting their own business with the systems, procedures and support, to help them achieve personal and financial success.

The Touch Up Guys carry out repairs to stone chips, scratches, bumpers, vinyl and other plastic parts on motor vehicles. They service car yards, fleet owners and the general public. Their team of professional technicians are equipped with a mobile workshop and automotive paint laboratory, enabling them to provide a convenient and effective service which offers an attractive alternative to traditional bodyshops. Extensive training is provided using the latest environmentally friendly equipment, with each van operating under all licensing requirements. The Touch Up Guys franchise began in Queensland in 1991. There are now in excess of 145 vans in operation throughout Australia and New Zealand. Find out how Touch Up Guys can turn your passion for cars into a great business.

Xpresso Delight coffee&go offers a daily mobile coffee service straight to the doors of customers and uses ‘pod’ coffee technology to deliver convenient and consistently good coffee. Businesses are able to book their local coffee&go van to visit the office at a time suitable to them, for example first thing for the early-birds or for mid-afternoon caffeine fixes and franchisees then build up a successful daily coffee run. Xpresso Delight coffee&go franchisees spend approximately 25 hours per week servicing their territory. Coffee&go franchisees are given large territories with the ability to split their territory in two, sell half and receive a return their original investment.

800degrees Flaming Great Pizza has developed a way to serve pizza to a wider audience by having professionally designed a mobile wood fired pizza oven, fully self contained and built into a trailer with refrigerated storage, hot and cold water for health and safety purposes, space for utensils and everything else needing to be carried, even including the wood. The company’s two directors were so passionate about this concept that they persisted through trial and error until they were sure that they had every detail exactly as they had imagined. Franchising opportunities are now available.