Don’t Invent A Business, Buy One

By Greg Brown

Turn-key businesses come in several flavors, including business opportunities, franchises and existing businesses for sale. Getting the right fit for you is a matter of personality, but also of cash and your own patience. Here’s how to pick the right path:

Consider becoming a rep, dealer or agent for a well-known brand.Big companies sell in many formats, including inside large-store chains, from stand-alone kiosks in malls, through vending machines and via independent dealers.

Multi-level marketing. Okay, if you play it rightAlso called network marketing, multi-level marketing programs have gotten a bad rap because of ponzi-scheme structures and the cult-like attitudes of some who join them. But getting in is cheap (a few hundred bucks) and selling to family and friends is as old as civilization itself. Stick with well-known brands and you’ll turn connections into profits in no time.
Franchising is not out of reach. Franchises can seem pricey, but only if your short list begins and ends with McDonald’s. A decent, growing franchise can be had for $50,000 if you can demonstrate positive net worth and some business experience.

Buy an existing store. If you have a good chunk of money to invest, it can be much easier to buy an existing, successful business than to grow one from the ground up.

You don't have to invent a business to get started. You can buy one instead