Some people don’t have to sit in a classroom at a college or university, under the tutelage of a professor, in order to earn top dollar. All they have to do is know what franchises they can invest in, that have the potential, to be their cash cow. What six franchises do you think may be the most profitable? Find out below.

Unlimited Earning Potential

1. From popular catch phrases like ‘Time to make the donuts!’ to ‘America runs on Dunkin,’ Dunkin’ has proven to be one of the most beneficial franchises. The company first emerged in 1950 as a coffee and donut shop. However, the company added sandwiches and other offerings to the menu several years ago. What’s more, Dunkin’ franchisees use a single supply chain partner, which keeps costs down. There are no holes in this information:

• Average initial investment: $980,735.00;

• U.S. locations as of 12/25/10: 5,699;

• Approximate closures in recent years: 388;

• Hours of training offered: 310.

2. Who doesn’t want to look their best? Supercuts provides the opportunity to do just that. The company is a publicly traded hair salon chain. New franchisees also are expected to have $100,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $300,000, which are lower thresholds than many franchise operations. Take a look at these facts:

• Average initial investment: $152,525.00;

• U.S. locations as of 6/30/11: 2,098;

• Approximate closures in recent years: 50;

• Hours of training offered: 37.

3. Maybe you’ve driven past a billboard which bares the Massage Envy logo and information. Contrary to what many may think, the company first started in 2002. It also boasts spa and massage outlets that offer $59 monthly memberships. And, the steadily growing franchise averaged more than $1 million in annual sales in 2010. These facts are important if you want to be envied:

• Average initial investment: $455,505.00;

• U.S. locations as of 12/31/10: 656;

• Approximate closures in recent years: 7;

• Hours of training offered: 61.5.

4. Many are stumped as to what to get that special someone for a birthday or anniversary, even. For many, this is where Edible Arrangements comes in. This company sells sculpted fruit, gourmet gift baskets that are shaped like floral arrangements and other designs. You also can purchase favorites such as chocolate dipped strawberries, oranges, bananas and apples. The company was first founded by brothers Tariq Farid and Kamran Farid in 1999. Digest these additional facts:

• Average initial investment: $216,713.00;

• U.S. locations as of 12/31/10: 836;

• Approximate closures in last three years: 37;

• Hours of training offered: 97.

5. It should come as no surprise that McDonald’s or its shortened moniker ‘Mickey D’s’ made the list. The company has been around for decades and recently has doled out cash for commercial advertisements to appeal to a wider range of customers. In addition, many locations are now equipped with Wi-Fi access, which makes for a more pleasurable visit to the restaurant. Add contemporary art, new hanging lights and you have the perfect backdrop. ‘I’m lovin’ it’ is McDonald’s slogan, but you will love this:

• Average initial investment: $1,480,625.00;

• U.S. Locations as of 12/31/10: 14,016;

• Closures (last three fiscal years): 367;

• Hours of training offered: 840.

6. Do you know someone who has a room or two that needs a little sprucing up? Well, The Maids just may be the company for you. This organization is located in almost every state, with the exception of Pennsylvania. Know that each franchise begins with roughly six employees, plus its owner. See why this investment can be a clean sweep:

• Average initial investment: $106,420.00;

• U.S. locations as of 9/30/10: 1,053;

• Closures (last three fiscal years): 38;

• Hours of training offered: 210.

Savings Well Spent

The above are only a sampling of the many franchises that one could own. To find the perfect franchise, you may have to get a little creative in terms of what your interests are. Ka-Ching!

Web Links:

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-Kimberly Williams