You can also check out on-demand platforms that connect caretakers with caregivers. If you choose to use these platforms, they’ll take a small percentage of the total transaction fee.
If you want to take your business to the next level, consider becoming a full-time daycare provider. More details can be found here.
4. Start a Cleaning Business
Of course, you can use the above business model to start almost any service-based business for free. In fact, when I was younger, I would clean my neighbor’s house and iron her work clothes on Saturday mornings for extra cash.
Choose the services you want to offer: house cleaning, laundry, yard work, maintenance, repair, food prep, or cooking, and let people know you’re available for hire.
If you’re having trouble finding enough clients, you can use an on-demand app to connect you with potential customers. These apps take a percentage of your earnings, but you’re introduced to a broader network of clients, and they’re free to get started.
5. Become a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Like the above service-based business ideas, pet sitting is an easy way to make money on your own terms. Decide which kinds of pets you’d like to watch and what types of services you’d like to offer. According to Indeed, the average pet sitter in the US earns $14.38 per hour. Walk multiple dogs at once, or add in extra services like feeding, waste pick up, or bathing, and increase this number even further.
A while back, I interviewed a professional pet sitter, Patti Moran, and she shared some great tips for starting your own pet-sitting business. Again, if you’re having trouble securing enough clients, you can also use money-making apps to connect with pet owners.
6. Provide Freelance Writing Services
You don’t need to be an English major to be a freelance writer; this is an excellent way to make a living if you enjoy writing – and the more you write, the better you get.
While I don’t advocate selling yourself short or devaluing your worth, there is a time and a place for freelance job sites. These sites are job boards for freelancers and businesses; where you can connect, shop around, and, most importantly, get some money into your pocket. While some of these sites may offer smaller payouts, they are a great place to gain experience and build up your portfolio.
Freelance Job Boards:
After freelancing for a few months, you should have some good samples, testimonials, and experience that will give you the leverage to start going after higher-paying clients. Remember to set up your digital footprint from the beginning; social media sites are free to join and are great for building your customer base.
Other Freelance Services to Offer
Not a writer? No problem! Most of these freelance sites have gigs for proofreaders, bookkeepers, graphic designers, translators, editors, transcribers, virtual assistants, and so much more! If you have a professional skill that you can offer to the public, use this free business model to start your own freelance business.
7. FREE Business Opportunities
While most direct sales and internet business opportunities have a small startup fee, there are a few that do not. Each company allows you to set up shop online for FREE. Then for each item that is sold through your shop, you’ll earn a specified commission.
Here are a few businesses you can start with no money:
- Avon – Makeup, skincare, and beauty products
- Country Scents – Candles, melts, and home decor
- Kaeser & Blair – Promotional products
- She Anna Bella – Jewelry, handbags, and scarves (Canadian)
- Spreadshirt – Graphic t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more
- Teespring – Apparel, home decor, and accessories
Are you looking for something different? Many direct sales companies offer a FREE starter kit if you meet certain milestones during your first 30-60 days. You can check out this master list for direct sales opportunities.
8. Sell Stuff For Money
You can pretty much sell anything online nowadays, from old clothing and books to CDs, DVDs, games, toys, printables, art, crafts, cars, etc. Look around your house to see what you’re no longer using, use the platforms below to sell your unwanted belongings, and cash in!
Sell Stuff Online:
Meet In-Person to Sell Stuff:
Design and Sell Things Online:
- Absolute Arts – Art
- Creative Market – Stock photos, printables, templates, and fonts
- Society 6 – Everything
While selling items might not seem like a business, some individuals turn it into one by reselling. Often called retail arbitrage, this is where individuals buy something for cheap and then sell it at a higher price for a profit.
