Starting Your Own Small Business Today on the Cheap
Of course the conventional wisdom is that when you don’t have a ton of cash on hand, or an existing employment situation from which you might transition to full-time freelancing, starting a business is tough. That’s true – if you choose the wrong sort of business.
The fact is, it is not nearly as tough if you do it right.
What do I mean by that? One way to succeed right now is to start an inexpensive part-time, home-based business.
Some Self-Employed Opportunities When Just Starting Out
No, none of the ideas below are get rich quick plans, but they certainly can help you get some extra dough now, and maybe even more later. Here then are some freelance businesses that can be started right now without a lot of time or money:
1. Deliveries / Driver:
Especially with the price of gas evening out a bit, this might make sense. Businesses of all sorts (in bigger cities especially) need stuff delivered every day. Print up some flyers, charge less, and away you go.
2. eBay sales:
We once had a pal who spent every weekend at garage sales buying old motorcycle parts which he then sold during the week on eBay. He made several thousand dollars a month. His motto? It’s all in the buying. Think of something you know well, hunt it out, and resell it on eBay. Buy low, sell high.
Related: How to Make a Fortune on eBay
3. Residential and commercial cleaning:
House cleaning is a tried and true freelance-based business, and it can lead to more lucrative commercial contracts. The cost to get into this sort of business is almost zero.
4. Transcription:
Doctors and lawyers especially contract out transcription services.
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5. Window washing, spa and pool cleaning, snow removal, etc:
Simple service businesses like these can be started with very little time and money and require nothing but some elbow grease. Again, especially in this economy, the secret is to undercut the competition in terms of price.
6. Pet-sitting and house-sitting:
No, you won’t make a ton of money, but these sorts of businesses can be a nice source of extra income. (Although the dog sitter up the street seems to have 20 dogs a day, every day. Lets see… 20 dogs x$20 a day = $400 /day. X 5 days a week = $2,000 a week. Not bad, not bad at all!)
7. Hauling:
With a truck and a Craigslist ad, you can have a business removing junk for people.
Related: How to Start a Moving or Hauling Business for Little or No Money
8. Independent sales representative or manufacturer’s rep:
Thousands of companies hire independent salespeople to get their products into store and handle their product lines. This job would likely take you on the road for long stretches. Consider handling the products of several different companies.
9. Gardener:
If you have a green thumb this might be the right business for you, but of course it tends to be seasonal work with most of it coming in the spring and summer, along with some leaf cleanup in the fall.
10. Childcare:
Of course this is a business that requires extra responsibility and due care, but it can also be very rewarding and can be started with little money.
This list is really just a sample to get you thinking. If you have a specialized skill, such as automotive repair or being bilingual, you could parlay those as well into a shoestring startup. The important thing is that you open your eyes to the possibilities.
More Ideas to Consider…
View Comments (25)
I want to have extra income
Hi,I want to start a business of selling scientific and medical equipment,what can I do to get money and start
perfectly and efficiently wrote article that helps me a lot to understand it .i got very informative knowledge thanks for sharing this
Could someone contact me at michiroyal09@gmail.com. I'm interested in starting my own business. I jus need the right info and mentor. Thank you.
Hiii purnima i have a genuine business idea from which u can earn a good amount of money and can work from home easily with zero investment..if interested mail me on sydneyrbi0@gmail.com
I'm only 19 I've worked in tons of call centers and finally realized I will not be a slave to someone else's million dollar idea . I want to quit my job and start making money everyday to at least take care of my essentials Rent , Car Note , Power/Electricity , etc. But how do I instantly make money out of these ideas
I'm only 19 I've worked in tons of call centers and finally realized I will not be a slave to someone else's million dollar idea . I want to quit my job and start making money everyday to at least take care of my essentials Rent , Car Note , Power/Electricity , etc. But how do I instantly make money out of these ideas.
Hi,
I am from India, tamilnadu. I am a semi-qualified cost accountant with more than half a decade of experience in International Finance & Accounts BPO. If you can get some Accounting work from micro and small companies, i will do it if required I can make it as a team work here you will receive your commission. In our area outsourcing is possible due to low cost employment. If you have any questions you can email me at zenfashions.india@gmail.com
I am self-employed, but my a friend of mine asked the question:
"so, what is your position in your job?"
I did not expect someone to ask any question like this.
Do self-employed people have any positions?
If you are self employed you are the CEO, product representative, clerical support staff, shipping and receiving clerk and general flunky... I call it being a slave to the dream = absolutely the best job in the world if you are organized and dedicated.
Interesting topics of discussion will be interested in bringing this to doorsteps of Africa
I will like more information on parcel delivery