Independent Model: Where you create ("start from scratch") your own business, developing your own product or service, and marketing it in your own way. Examples: piano tuning, flower arranging, plumbing, child care.

Franchise Model: Where you purchase the right to distribute the products or service of another company using that company's proven system and expertise. Examples: Merry Maids, ServiceMASTER, Geeks on Call, Snap-On-Tools.

Networking Model: Where you associate with an existing company in order to sell its product and to sign up additional associates to earn a share of their product sales as well as your own [also called network marketing or multi-level marketing (MLM)]. Examples: Mannatech, Send Out Cards, Pre-Paid Legal, Avon, and many others.

	Independent	Franchise	Networking
Start Up Investment?	Moderate - All costs associated with your making and marketing your own product/service	High up front franchising fees ranging from $20,000 to $100,000*	Small initial investment ranging from $100 to $1200. Realistically, you'll need another $400-$1000 for marketing related expenses.
Business system support?	You are on your own!	Highly structured support which you are required to follow	Varies depending on the company and sponsoring associate
Training available for you?	No	Yes	Yes
Income?	Typically linear (you must be present)	Linear	Potential for residual income (income continues without your involvement)
Hours?	Flexible	Locked in	Flexible
Overhead costs?	Low to medium	High	Low
Working with others?**	Hiring, training, managing employees if desired	Hiring, training, managing employees is necessary	Recruiting and training other associates is necessary
Payroll preparation?**	Possibly	Yes	No (Company does this for you)
Stockpiling and inventorying products?**	Possibly	Yes	No
Shipping or delivering products?**	Yes	Yes	No (Company does this for you)

* Start up costs for franchise operations that are NOT home-based are between $50,000 and $7 million
** Employees, payroll, inventory, and shipping together comprise what we call the "comparative hassle index" referred to in the summary that follows.