There was a time when working at home was merely a pipe dream. However, thanks to the advancements in technology and access to high-speed internet, WFH has become a reality for millions of people around the world. Here are 101 home-based businesses you can start today.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made working remotely the new normal.
Why work for someone else when you can easily and affordably start your own business from the confines of your home? In fact, many home-based businesses only require a computer and internet connection — which most of us already have.
Even if you have to secure a certification or purchase equipment, the cost and entry-level is still minimal. The key is that your idea is something you enjoy doing and are good at. Most importantly, there should be a demand.
I would also be remiss to mention that you also don’t have to strictly work from home. Some ideas may have you traveling around town. But, that’s still a home-based business since that’s your HQ and you are your own boss.
With all of that out of the way, here are 101 home-based businesses that you can get started with today.
Arts & Media
1. Start a blog.
Perhaps the easiest and most affordable way to earn a passive income is to launch your own blog. In fact, if you have a Gmail account, you can use Blogger for free. While that may work when starting out, you’ll probably want to switch to something more professional, like WordPress. It’s the most popular content management system out there and costs around $3.95/month.
One key piece of advice, however. Even though you can begin blogging today, it’s going to take time to grow your audience and monetize your site. But, if you’re patient, consistent, and deliver quality content, you have the income potential is limitless.
2. Freelance.
If you have knowledge and expertise, then this is another easy way to earn money from home. But, just like blogging, it’s going to take a while for your freelance business the thrive.
Until then, you may have to accept some lower-paying gigs on sites like Fiveer to get your name out there.
The good news? If you stick with it and constantly expand your network it’s possible to become a millionaire as a freelancer.
3. Self-publishing.
Do you have a compelling story to tell? If so, you can write a book and self-publish it on sites like Amazon. Some self-published authors are making as much as $1 million a year.
4. Grant writing.
If you’re familiar with non-profits and can write clearly and concisely, then this is a solid WFH option. And, because this is more of a niche area, you can command higher pay than most other freelance writers.
5. Sell your art.
Painters, illustrators, and sculptors have a variety of ways to make money as an artist. The obvious would be selling your original pieces on your own site or marketplaces like Saatchi Art.
You could also be commissioned by individuals or companies. Or, you could license your work for stock sites.
6. Become a YouTuber.
Do you have a camera? Are you charismatic and are passionate? If yes, then there are plenty of opportunities for you to cash-in on becoming a YouTube personality.
But, what if you’re over YouTube? You can still make money streaming live videos on sites like Twitch and TikTok.
7. Podcasting.
Podcasting is all the rage these days. And, if you have the right gear and an interesting or niche topic to discuss, then this could be another form of passive income.
8. Voice artist.
With so many people producing podcasts and videos, there’s definitely a need for voice-over artists. Even if it’s just recording a brief intro, you could make this worth your while as you build your portfolio. Check out sites like Fiveer or Many.com to get the ball rolling.
9. Photography.
Just because everyone has a camera on their phone doesn’t mean that there isn’t a need for photographers. There is still a need for talented individuals in areas like photojournalism, portrait photography, and stock photography.
10. Drone trainer or videography.
Are you a decent drone pilot with a good idea? Then combine these talents and become drone videography. Or, you teach others how to fly their own drones. After all, it’s expected that drone growth will increase thanks to the applications in agriculture, insurance, media, and construction and mining.
11. Graphic design artist.
Even if you don’t have a background in graphic design, it’s easy to learn the fundamentals. What’s more, tools like Stencil have made this skill even easier to access. As such, you can then create your own digital or print design work.
12. Web design and development.
These skills are still in high-demand everyone is expected to have a website. If you don’t possess the skills, you can learn from sites like Codecademy or Treehouse. From there, you can start your own freelance side hustle until your business takes off.
13. Make your own phone cases.
There is a growing demand for mobile phone cases and accessories. Some folks are even raking in six-figures off this. You can jump on the bandwagon by using Case Escape to make your own phone cases and then sell them on Etsy.
14. Sell t-shirts.
Whether you’re into fashion or just have clever niche ideas, it’s not all that difficult to design and sell t-shirts online. In fact, between Canva and partnering up with a print-on-demand drop shipper, anyone can get started on this business today without having a house full of inventory.
15. Refurbish and upcycle furniture.
Do you have some old furniture collecting dust? Do you peruse Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or affordable pieces? If so, you can fix these items up and resell them.
16. Sell handmade goods.
If you’re talented enough to make homemade goods like jewelry, leather products, lamps, or jams, you can put them up on platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
17. Social media consulting.
Are you a whiz at Facebook ads, Instagram stories, or navigating LinkedIn. If so, plenty of people would gladly pay for your services to help them step-up their social media game. To be honest, though, expect an average wage instead of six-figures you have heard some people brag about.
18. Launch a subscription service.
Here’s the beauty of subscription boxes; they can be whatever you’re into. For example, you could have one dedicated to wine, business supplies, clothing, or comics. Additionally, because this is a recurring business, it’s easier to anticipate what you’ll be making each month.
B2B Services
19. Business consultancy.
Are you a seasoned business owner or entrepreneur? If so, you could assist others in helping them start, build, maintain, and grow a business of their own.
20. Employee recruitment.
Many small businesses are outsourcing HR responsibilities like recruiting and hiring. While a necessary and important investment, most employers simply don’t have the time. As such, they’re willing to work with a headhunter who will attract top talent for them.
21. Bookkeeping.
Are you organized and good with numbers? If yes, then you can put those talents to good use as a bookkeeper. You don’t need much experience. But, because you’re responsible for keeping and maintaining financial records, you shouldn’t take this job lightly.
22. Accounting and tax preparing.
Are you a CPA or have a background in accounting? If you answered yes, then why not set on your own?
As for tax preparation, it’s a task that few of us care for doing. If you don’t mind this, however, it can be a lucrative home-based business. Best of all? You can take training courses to catch you up to speed on the latest changes regarding tax codes and deductions.
23. Event management.
As an event manager, you could plan anything from a fundraiser to an open house to a block party. Another area that may get overlooked would be helping businesses package their services or products at industry events.
24. eCommerce solutions.
Whether it’s an aspiring entrepreneur or a brick and mortar store, you can help others design and run an online business. Some necessities would be creating a mobile-friendly site, launching a digital marketing campaign, and finding the best payment options.
25. SEO specialist.
Do you know how to optimize websites in order to get higher rankings? Well, this is absolutely a job that you can do from literally anywhere. And, it’s something that you can teach yourself.
26. Data entry.
If you’re accurate, organized, a solid communicator, and possess mad-keyboarding skills then data entry might be right up your ally. Some would say that this can be tedious work. But, it doesn’t require a degree and the bar to entry is low. That’s not too shabby considering that the national average for pay is $19/hour.
27. Data analysis.
“Data analysis is defined as a process of cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information for business decision-making,” states Guru 99. “The purpose of Data Analysis is to extract useful information from data and taking the decision based upon the data analysis.”
Businesses rely on data to help them improve processes and grow their business. Because of this, possessing this skill is a low-cost investment that could net high value.
28. Project management.
As a project manager, it’s your responsibility to see a project through initiation, planning, execution, control, and completion. That means you need to be organized, a known problem-solver, and an excellent communicator.
If that sounds like you, businesses may bring you in when launching an important project. The reason? Maybe no one on their team possesses these skills. Additionally, it may be more cost-effective. And, you can bring a fresh perspective.
29. Cybersecurity services.
It’s anticipated that by 2021 cybercrime damages will reach $6 trillion! That’s up from $3 trillion in 2015. To prevent this from happening, you could consult businesses on how to protect themselves from cyberthreats.
30. Live chat customer service.
All you need to get started is solid communication skills and reliable internet and phone services. From there, you can find jobs on sites like Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter, or SimplyHired.
31. Virtual call center.
Similar to live chat customer service, you’ll assist people over the phone. With platforms like Toky, this couldn’t be easier. But, you could start your own by working with local businesses. For instance, you could team up with a local B&B in order to make reservations or answer questions during off-hours.
32. Transcriptionists.
Here you convert voice recording into text documents. For some, this may not sound like the most exhilarating business. But, if you’re observant and can type quickly, you’re in. Just note that some fields, such as the medical, will require certification.
33. Personal or virtual assistant.
Anyone can become a personal or virtual assistant. As long as you’re attentive, organized, and tech-savvy, you’re good to go. While you shouldn’t expect six-figures, the national average is over $67,000 per year.
34. Start-up venture brokerage.
A venture broker is simply someone who brings together entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who lend them money. By beginning these folks together, you may be able to command a commission rate between 5% to 15%.
35. Debt collection.
Is your skink incredibly thick? Are you persistent? If so, individuals and businesses can hire you to chase down payments. However, you may need a debt specialist certification and the requirements vary by state.
Education
36. Remote language teacher or tutor.
Anyone can become an English language teacher or tutor thanks to virtual communication skills. Some organizations like Qkids are paying $16 to $20 per hour. And, don’t sweat if you don’t speak any other languages. A lot of students just want to practice.
37. Online teaching and tutoring.
Thanks to online platforms like Care.com, TutorMe, and FlexJobs you can land virtual teaching or tutoring gigs.
38. Private tutor.
Are you a former teacher? Would you consider yourself an expert in a specific academic subject? If yes, then you could start your own home tutoring business where you could charge between $30 and $40 per hour.
However, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, some parents with means are hiring private instructors. In some care, families, and neighbors are pulling their resources together to create “pods.”
39. Online course creator.
Thanks to massive open online courses (MOOCs) like Coursera, edX, and Udemey, you can learn from the comfort of your home. But, did you also know that you can also create your own course? It’s possible if you have a skill worth sharing and are familiar with basic editing, capture software, and using a webcam.
40. Private school application consultant.
Applying to private educational institutions can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. Thankfully, if you have experience with these schools and their admissions process, you can be an assist. Just don’t be like Aunt Becky and try to cheat the student’s way into a school.
41. SAT tutor.
While the price can vary by region, on average the cost for SAT tutoring is $70/hour. It might take some patience and luck to get there. But, if you’re a college graduate and have excelled at standardized tests, then this is an option.
42. GED test preparation.
In most cases, you just need to be a high school graduate. However, if you work for a company that specializes in GED test prep, you may need a bachelor’s degree. Regardless, the entry is low and you can advertise your services at local community centers or libraries.
43. College application consultant.
“A college consultant is hired to help students achieve acceptance into the college of their choice,” explains Study.com. “Consultants help students by setting goals, being realistic about their college prospects, and advising the student on their high school academic and extracurricular choices.” They should have “an intimate knowledge of schools, degree programs and admission practices.”
It wouldn’t hurt to have some experience in college admissions offices. But, if you want to become a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) you’ll need a master’s degree.
44. College essay editor.
Do you possess strong communication skills? Are you known for being a top-notch proofreader? If so, you can edit essays for prospective college and university students.
45. Niche instructor.
Can you play a musical instrument? Are you a proficient artist, dancer, wood maker, cook, or designer? If so, you can share your skills with others — for a price of course. They can either come to your home or you could do this online via YouTube or webinars.
46. Cover letter and resume writer.
Composing a cover letter and resume is a unique skill that not everyone possesses. If you belong to this elusive group, you can make this into a career — or at least a supplemental income. In fact, if you browse Fiverr, some of the top-rated individuals are charging $50 a pop.
47. Open a home-based daycare center.
If you’re a parent or are good for children, this type of business should be on your radar. And, with so many of your neighbors looking for childcare as they work remotely, this could become a thriving business. Just note that you need to have a kid-friendly, reasonably-sized home, as well as obtaining local licenses or permits.
Health & Wellness
48. Personal fitness trainer.
Are your fitness buff or gym owner looking to improve your cash flow during the pandemic? If the answer is yes, then you can tap into the online marketplace by offering virtual lessons. Or, you could have personal training sessions in your home — or take to clients’ homes.
I recommend reading this article from the AFPA for advice on how to get started.
49. Meditation or yoga instructor.
Similar to the above, you can host in-person instructions in your home or public spaces like a park. Additionally, you can take this online and charge for virtual instructions.
50. Acupuncturist.
As long as you’re trained in acupuncture, the startup costs can be relatively low — you probably need a couple of hundred dollars for the equipment. What if you don’t have a location in your home? You may want to look into renting a space at a community acupuncture clinic.
51. Chiropractor.
You’re obviously going to have to have the proper education and requirement to open your own practice. But, if you do, you can do this from your home if you have the spare room and equipment.
52. In-home or mobile masseuse.
Again, you’re going to need to be trained. The good news? Not all states require certification. Regardless, this is another health-related and low-cost business idea that you can do from home or even take on the road.
53. Nutrition consultant.
You will have to be a licensed nutritionist. However, you can consult clients from literally anywhere.
54. Telethrapist.
COVID-19 has taken a toll on our mental health. If there’s a silver lining though it’s that it’s put a spotlight on teletherapy. If you have the licenses and certifications you can work with clients virtually from whenever you like — just make sure that it’s a quiet and private location.
55. Personal chef.
We’ve all been there before. We hit the gym but still can’t lose weight because we’re eating unhealthy. Don’t beat yourself up over this. It can be tough to do this when you’re so busy.
If you can put together healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, there’s a real opportunity here for anyone looking to improve their health.
56. Medical courier service.
If you have a reliable vehicle and are organized and reliable, this is a low-cost business idea. Basically, you drive around picking-up and delivering documents, lab specimens, or prescriptions. The pay may not be much when starting out, but over time you could expand by hiring other drivers.
57. Mobile medical app developer.
According to Statistica, from 2012 to 2018 the mHealth market has increased 5 times. Specifically, during this timeframe, it’s risen from $6.7 billion to around $33.59 billion. And, by the end of 2020, it’s expected to reach $58.8 billion.
With that in mind, you can tap into this market with ideas like developing an on-demand doctor, price comparison, or health reminder apps. Even if you aren’t a developer, you could outsource this and spend your time marketing it.
58. Mobile hearing aid specialist.
Did you know that “nearly one in three people over the age of 65 suffer from some level of hearing loss and may require hearing aid services?” As a consequence, this is an in-demand field where you could earn over $50,000 annually. You will have to spend a couple of months going through a program, such as the online one offered by the Hearing Aid Academy (HAA).
Hospitality & Food Services
59. Home bakery.
Whether you’re known for your homemade bread or cakes, this is an obvious business idea that you can do from home — as long as you have the kitchen and equipment. Just be aware of any local insurance and permit requirements.
60. Catering service.
If you’re more of a cook, then why not open-up your own catering service? Again, just be wary of local insurance and permit requirements. And, to stand out, focus on a niche like making only organic foods.
Eventually, if things go well, you can expand your business. For example, you could set up a roadside stand. Or, you can invest in a food truck.
61. Rent out a room or your home.
If you have a spare room or entire property not being used, you can list it on Airbnb, VRBO.com, and Vacasa. How much you charge depends on the location. For example, you’re going to charge much more if the listing is in Manhattan as opposed to Wichita.
62. Travel planning.
Wait. Can’t you just go on Expedia or Kayak? Definitely. But, that doesn’t guarantee that you’re going to get the best deal on a flight or lodging.
Moreover, it takes a lot of planning to develop an itinerary or narrowing down what you want to do. That’s exactly why there’s still a need for travel planners. You would keep an eye out for deals and handle all of the travel arrangements.
63. Local tour guide.
If you live in a tourist destination, this is an excellent way to make some cash on the side. One of my buddies purchased a van and drives people to and from local wineries when they’re on vacation. The business is starting to take off so much that he’s contemplating purchasing a second vehicle and eventually franchising the idea.
64. Florist and flower arranging.
Do you have a green thumb? How about a knack for putting together lovely arrangements? If the answer is yes, then let this business idea bloom. I would start by working with wedding planners and funeral planners so that you can build your portfolio.
65. Wedding coordinator.
Speaking of weddings, it can be a stressful experience when planning one of your dreams. That’s why so many people hire wedding planners and coordinators.
A degree isn’t required. But, you must be able to wear multiple hats and handle stress. There is an interesting article over at Brides that details how five expert wedding planners got started. It’s definitely worth the read if you’re interested.
Of course, with your connections and skills, it may be feasible to branch out. For example, you may be called upon to plan a birthday, anniversary, or retirement parties. Some other suggestions would be baby showers or corporate events.
66. Children’s services.
If you’re a parent then this could be essentially killing two birds with one stone. Let’s say that you drive your child to school or extracurricular activities. You could start a ride-sharing business for children whose parents aren’t available to do the same.
Another idea would be a nanny or babysitting service. Or, you could be hired by new parents to baby-proof their homes.
67. Eldercare.
According to the National Institute on Aging, between 2010 and 2050, the 85-and-over population is expected to increase 351% globally. What’s more, the global number of centenarians is projected to increase tenfold. As such, these individuals will need care or assistance with things like running errands or home repairs.
Unless they require medical care, a background in healthcare isn’t required. For instance, they may just need someone to go to the grocery store for them.
Personal Services
68. Grocery/food shopping and delivery.
Between Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates this can be competitive. But, if you enjoy shopping and have a reliable vehicle, you can grab a slice of the pie. After all, being crunched for time and reluctant to go out because of the coronavirus there is a demand.
Like most other ideas, try to gain a competitive advantage. For instance, you could focus primarily on delivering lunch to offices or picking-up groceries for the elderly.
69. Makeup artist.
Instead of clients trying to squeeze in an appointment at a busy salon, launch a mobile makeup artist business. That means you would travel to hotels, offices, or their homes when needed. Of course, you could also book appointments at your home. And, to increase revenue streams, consider offering online tutorials.
70. Doula and birth coaching services.
“A birth doula is a trained labor coach who assists you during labor and delivery,” explains BabyCenter. “She provides you with continuous emotional support, as well as assistance with other non-medical aspects of your care.”
Additionally, doulas “can provide guidance that will help you make informed decisions about birth options and resources. While she’ll never make any decisions on your behalf, a doula can also serve as a liaison and communicate your wishes with the rest of the birthing team.”
Another opportunity would be a postpartum doula. Here you would go to the home of new mothers and help them get settled.
71. Pet grooming or sitting.
If you live with a pet and have space this should be a no-brainer. Even better, the startup costs and skills required are minimal. And, once you increase your clientele, it’s possible to rake-in over $50,000 annually.
72. Home or office cleaning.
If you enjoy cleaning and have the right supplies to start, you can offer to clean homes, apartments, or commercial properties in your neighborhood. It might not be glamorous, but it’s realistic to charge up to $30 or $40 per hour.
Bonus tip: If you want to set yourself apart offer premium services like exterior power washing or floor waxing.
73. Handyman service.
Is there such a thing as a recession-proof business? That’s not guaranteed. But, this comes as close as that can be — especially if you’re a jack-of-all-trades.
As opposed to being an expert in one specific area, you can handle basic plumbing, electrical, and painting duties. It’s an ideal business idea if you live in an apartment complex or housing development. You could also network with property managers and owners to secure consistent work.
74. Drop-off repair service.
Are you a pro at repairing specific items like computers, vacuums, or furniture? If so, you can have customers drop-off these items at your home so that you can repair them. But, you could snag more business if you offer a pick-up service as well.
75. Mobile or at-home car-wash and detailing.
Besides cleaning supplies and some elbow grease, this is a business anyone can launch. While you could do this at home, if you have space, a mobile option may be your best bet. Why would someone drive to a car wash when you would come to them.
76. Automobile maintenance and repair.
If you have the know-how, tools, and garage, why not open up your own maintenance and repair shop? If automobiles aren’t in your wheelhouse, zero-in on something that is. Examples could be a bicycle, lawnmower, or wheelchair repairs.
77. Notary public.
As a public notary, you basically serve as a witness to legal documents. That means you validate everything from affidavits, business agreements, deeds, and oaths. The requirements vary by state, but this could be a side-hustle that earns on average an annual salary of $36,000. But, you could tap into a larger market by being a mobile public notary.
78. Barbershop or salon.
If this is a talent that you possess, all you need is the right equipment and a space to work — which could be a garage or even your kitchen. To manage your appointments, however, make sure to use scheduling software. And, I would also highlight your styling abilities on Instagram or tutorials on YouTube.
79. Dry-cleaning delivery and pick-up.
Here’s one of those errands that seems like a nuisance. But, that’s a problem you can solve by offering a service that picks-up and drops off dry-cleaning. Because you can simply drop pieces off at a local dry cleaner, you only need a reliable vehicle and some promotion.
80. Seamstress or tailor services.
One of my grandma’s friends did this for years on the side. Whenever we bought a new piece of clothing that didn’t fit right we would go to her house for alterations. The point is, this has long been a viable home business. And, it remains so today if you know how to do so.
81. Sustainable landscaping.
Landscaping is one potential business idea. However, think outside the box here and launch a sustainable landscaping business. Here you would use eco-friendly products and develop strategies to thwart negative environmental problems like excess stormwater run-off and the propagation of invasive species.
82. Decluttering services.
If you’re all about that Marie Kondo lifestyle, then help others declutter their homes. While you may initially assume that this is a cleaning service, there’s actually some psychology involved as this can help alleviate stress.
83. Junk removal.
Here’s another opportunity to make cash if you don’t mind getting a little dirty. And, there are actually a couple of ways to go about this.
Let’s say that a homeowner has passed away. The family may hire you to clean out the home. Another option would be picking up trash that municipalities will not, such as batteries or large pieces of furniture. You could also gather metal and take it to a scrap yard for a couple of extra bucks.
84. A local moving company.
If you have a pick-up, van, or truck you can start your own moving company. As opposed to competing with companies that will move items across the country, you will focus on local moves. For instance, if someone purchased a couch at a yard sale they could contact you to take it to their home.
85. Life or career coaching.
While similar, there are slight differences. Mainly, a life coach assists people with reaching personal goals. A career coach focuses on career opportunities, decisions, or transitions.
If these are areas that you help others improve in, then it’s yet another business that you can start from anywhere.
86. Uber or Lyft driver.
While not always constant, this can be an extra way to make cash on the side. While there are a number of hacks you can employ, like having snacks in your car or not driving surges, you could do this when running errands. Or, if you live near a populated area, you could stay at home until someone requests a ride instead of driving around aimlessly.
Technology
87. Computer repair service.
It may seem tough to compete against the likes of the Geek Squad or the genius at Apple. But, what if there aren’t any Best Buys or Apple stores in your proximity? That might be a room for you to open up your own repair shop from your home.
It would be money though if you offer services that they don’t. For example, a couple of years ago, my friend split coffee on an air Mac book. The Apple store couldn’t retrieve everything from the hard drive because it was fried. But, a specialty shop was able to do this.
Another idea would be to instruct the elderly on computer basics. Or, you could assist people in installing software either in-person or over the phone.
88. Printer and copy machine maintenance.
Yes. Even in a digital world, there are still times when you need to make copies of documents on actual paper. If you know how to repair these devices, it could be another service you offer.
89. Tech education/software installation service.
Another idea would be to instruct children or the elderly on computer basics. You could even consult businesses on how to use the latest business software that they’re recently upgraded to.
Or, you could assist people in installing software either in-person or over the phone. Recently, I tried to hook-up a printer and it was unnecessarily complicated. I almost threw it out the window. I definitely would have paid someone else to save me from the aggravation.
90. IT systems consultant.
Because, on average, a salary for an IT systems consultant is over $71,000, many small businesses don’t have this position in-house. That means they’re going to outsource to people who are interested and knowledgeable in computer hardware, software, networks, and business administration.
91. Chatbot developer.
If you have the ability to develop chatbots that can automate customer services or other communication processes, it’s possible to fetch six-figures. And, this can certainly be done from your home.
92. VR/AR app developer.
According to Statista, the “virtual reality software market is projected to continue to grow strongly to reach a value of around 24.5 billion U.S. dollars by 2020.” If you can develop immersive VR and AR experiences, you can definitely claim a portion of that revenue.
93. 3D printing services.
Sure. You’re going to have to invest in a high-quality 3D printer. When do though, the sky’s the limit when it comes to potential business ideas. As noted in Fundera, you could create customized glasses, earbuds, or collectibles. You could also print detailed models, prosthetics, or promotional products.
94. Audio or video production.
With so many creators focusing on video and audio content, there’s a demand for those who can edit this content. When starting out, you may need to take lower-paying jobs on freelance sites until you expand your network and build a solid reputation.
95. Flip websites.
Because websites are the bread and butter of businesses these days, this can be a profitable business. Visit sites like Flippa, Trademysite, or Afternic and purchase a domain that you see potential in. From there, build it up so that it increases in value. At the minimum, this means improving the design and adding quality content.
Misc.
96. Rent out your vehicle.
Don’t want to physically drive people around as a Lyft or Uber driver? No worries. You can still make money off your vehicle by renting it through Turo, HyreCar, or Getaround.
97. Dropshipping.
“Dropshipping is great because you don’t have to worry about having to keep track of inventory and ship products,” explains Choncé Maddox. “You usually don’t have to buy the products from the dropshipper until you sell them.” That means you don’t need much capital to get started or worry about storing a ton of inventory.
“Get good rates on dropshipping so you can mark the price up a bit for consumers and earn a profit,” suggests Choncé. It’s going to take some research and time to build a relationship with the manufacturer, but it can be worth it. Oberlo is a great place to get started.
98. Direct sales.
Is there a certain product that you constantly rave about? If so, why not cash-in on your enthusiasm by starting your own direct sales business? Full discretion though, most direct-sales companies will charge a start-up fee.
But, if you have the passion and are decent at sales, I recommend that you check out this list of direct sales business ideas from The Work at Home Woman.
99. Invest in stocks.
Here’s a tried and true way to make money from literally anywhere. The key, when starting out with trading to avoid risky stocks and trading with smaller amounts. That may sound counterproductive. But, it will protect yourself until you get the hang of this and have a buffer.
100. Invest in real estate.
Investing in real estate may start out as a side hustle. But, if you play your cards right, it can become a profitable full-time job.
You can do this by listing the property on Airbnb, renting it out full-time, or flipping it. You could also consider real estate investment trusts or REITs.
101. Sell your junk.
Here’s an experiment. Go through your home and look at all the stuff you no longer need or use. Instead of being a hoarder, sell it online. For years that meant eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
Today, there is a wide range of sites for you to sell your stuff, such as:
- LetGo: Furniture, cars, books, computers, and more.
- Declutter and Gazelle: used electronics.
- Poshmark: clothing, handbags, and jewelry.
Keep in mind that for this to be profitable, you need to consistently sell. If you run out of items, ask your friends and family.
I have a friend who sells clothes on Poshmark and is always getting items from her friends and family. In return, she gives them a small cut.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are plenty of easy and low-cost business opportunities for you to launch. At the same time, just because you could start a business today doesn’t mean you’re going to immediately turn a profit.
It’s going to take some time before you make some great cash. But, the sooner you get started, the faster you’ll get paid. Get started with this Checklist for Starting a Home-Based Business.
