I’m looking at starting a side business to help ease the strain of inflation, to pay down a little debt, and put a little money back for some upcoming expected expenses (2-6 years) and whatever unexpected ones may arise.

I have a full time job (regular day shift hours) and a family so I don’t want to take on too much. I also have the ability to retire from my current job in less than 3 years so if I could start building something now and turn that into a full time gig when I retire that would be great.

I’ve read the cookie cutter ideas online and nothing sticks out. I can use a computer ok but am not computer savvy at all so that limits it. I would probably lean more toward a trade of some kind. I used to mow yards on the side and actually liked it so that may be an option. I have a couple of ideas but they would require specialized schooling/training that I can’t take on right now.

Any ideas you’d like to throw out? If your idea turns me into a millionaire there would be an awesome karma down the road

If you steer clear of Para’s territory, there’s a future in Hotdog-On-A-Stick franchises.

In all seriousness, though, I’ve toyed around with the idea of a pressure/soft washing business. Seems relatively easy to learn without spending a fortune on startup.

-Rob

Get a flatbed truck and 4 diesel generators. Cruise the highways looking for EVs that have toasted their batteries trying to get that last mile.

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
If you steer clear of Para’s territory, there’s a future in Hotdog-On-A-Stick franchises.

In all seriousness, though, I’ve toyed around with the idea of a pressure/soft washing business. Seems relatively easy to learn without spending a fortune on startup.

-Rob

I looked at the pressure washing thing a few years ago. There’s a lot of money to be made in it.

My bro in law does pressure washing during the summer for extra cash. I'm amazed at what people will pay for.

He retired late last year from working for their township after 25 years or so... He worked in maintenance...snow plowing, bridge repair, Spring cleanup, etc...

He's going to do pressure washing 20-30 hours per week this year. All cash business...

If you do pressure washing please learn how to do it correctly. Everything is not concrete, and I’ve heard horror stories about things getting ruined, ie outdoor furniture, and windows.

If you can cut grass and enjoy it, there is always good money to be made there.

One other idea, and I don’t know how difficult the certification process is, but house inspections are in high demand and they make good money. Not a crazy amount of equipment costs. Don’t know if that interests you or if you have any related knowledge that would be of benefit. I know some of these guys are retired builders, but some have no background in construction.

Start slinging dope. Is that legal in KY? I haven't lived there since I graduated from WKU.

Seriously though, what are your current skills? What can you build on NOW without having to jump through lots of hoops? Obviously, you shouldn't post your resume, but that's the kind of thing I'm asking about.

I started my own LLC on the side doing explosives classes/trainings and consulting. My career already involves that topic area, and I love teaching.

Since you already work full time, I would highly recommend you find something you LIKE to do on the side. Otherwise, it will be harder to maintain it. Or your sanity.

Age? and general health?

Lawn care (mowing/landscaping, not chemical application) is a low-capital entree into self-employment. A few years behind a mower, while building a customer base and hiring dependable folks you can leverage for sufficient revenue can work wonders. But, if you don't want to hire, you can still succeed in this field as someone who appeals to a very high-end clientele who want bespoke service and who will be very very particular in their desires, not just mowing, but responsible for the total look of their property. A boutique groundskeeper if you will. Saying "no" to these kind of folks will doom your business, as will hiring staff who just want to put in eight (or ten or twelve) hours for somewhat less than minimum wage, and who will leave you as soon as they learn enough English, and/or job skills to think they can make it on their own.

It's probably not fun work, but I'm sure it pays real well - cleaning up dog shit. You'd be amazed by how many trucks I see around Phoenix advertising what they do. The funny business names practically write themselves.

I work in the ghetto and it seems, the more ghetto the apt complex, the more dogs the tenants have. And they never clean up after them. I have to think the supers hire these companies to clean the place up now and then.

Body peircing.

I mean, c'mon, yer just making holes.

If you can also tie flies, it's makes it as easy as snagging in a hook, and on to the next fish.

Instant body art!

Small tow behind pop-up vendor booth and you could cover a lot of territory.

Good idea, but the Health Department may require licensing.

Here in the Yoop, there is a going business taking care of part time residents cabins and camps for them when they are vacant. Might need a capable 4X4.

Tattoo artist or semi-professional race car driver...I can never decide.

In seriousness, if I could do it all again, I'd take every dime I ever spent on education and spend it all on a truck, a mower, a trimmer, and a medium size chainsaw.

I don't know how it is where you are, but around here lawn/tree/handyman services are four to six months out to schedule anything - and whatever you thought it was going to cost, you can double it for your lowest bid.

Collectibles mining aka garage sales/estate sales and selling on EBay or FB Marketplace.

One caveat, learn about and deal with things you aren’t interested in. That way you’re not reluctant to let go of the items.

Get certified to be a home/property inspector?

See if there is a market for child care in your area.

$680.00 per child times five kids.
All in cash.
That's straight time,
People who deliver early or pickup late
Or
Both pay much more.

And house cleaning,
There are more old people now than ever before,

And they are paying cash money for reliable people.

But that's in our area with low unemployment.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bendable,

quote:

Originally posted by honestlou:
…
One other idea, and I don’t know how difficult the certification process is, but house inspections are in high demand and they make good money. Not a crazy amount of equipment costs. Don’t know if that interests you or if you have any related knowledge that would be of benefit. I know some of these guys are retired builders, but some have no background in construction.

A riding buddy of mine got certified for catastrophic housing inspections after he retired from Boeing. He is registered (or whatever the term is) with several insurance companies and responds after tornadoes, hurricanes, major hail storms etc.

Seems like a pretty sweet gig. Computer, digital camera, tape measure and not much else needed. Everything else he gets on location (rental van, pickup or SUV, ladder and such). Good pay on a per inspection scale along with a generous per diem.

Makes enough in the 3-4 month “season” to cover his annual need.

I’ve seriously toyed with the idea when I get to that point.

OnlyFans!

Post one pic of yourself in your tightie-whities then have people pay to prevent you from posting any more

I'm going start a business of weaving prayer rugs out of det cord. I heard that profits will go through the roof.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cooger:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BurtonRW:
If you steer clear of Para’s territory, there’s a future in Hotdog-On-A-Stick franchises.

In all seriousness, though, I’ve toyed around with the idea of a pressure/soft washing business. Seems relatively easy to learn without spending a fortune on startup.

I suspect it is kind of location specific. At our Florida place there was a couple that owned a Pressure Washing business. They had to be making money hand over fist. Serious backlog to get an appointment with them. They would spend several days in a row in our park alone multiple times a year. Just going from one home to the next.
Went to call them the other day and they are out of business. Suspect there's a divorce or something going on as it was a husband, wife and kids running this business.
I did some quick figuring after the last time they were here and figured they were easily pulling in over six figures. Washing houses!