Do you want to start your own business and make a little extra money? It can seem daunting at first, since there are so many others out there trying to get something started. The key is to find a niche and then fill it. You need a creative idea to get going. The good news is that there are some businesses that you can start if you have a little creativity — and some time. Here are 4 creative business ideas: [Also see 5 Creative Business Startup Ideas]
1. Sell Items Online — For Others
One of the most interesting businesses you can start is to sell items online for others. There are plenty of people who don’t want to go through the trouble of putting items up for sale on eBay, Amazon, Craigslist or local online classifieds. Many of them don’t have the tech savvy to do it. If you have an account with a web site that allows you to post items for sale, you can provide a valuable service. Post the item up, and manage the sales. You can even ship the items for your clients (for an extra charge). Claim a percentage of the sale price, and you’re on your way.
2. Luxury Portable Toilets
If you have a little cash to throw around, or a small business credit card, you can purchase portable toilets that can be rented out. Instead of just renting them out, though, you can make them a little bit nicer. Clean them up. Add air fresheners, include nice soap and lotion, fluffy hand towels, and decorate the inside. These nicer portable toilets could be rented out for upscale outdoor events like weddings, company parties and special receptions.
3. Late Night Food Delivery
One of the coolest businesses I saw while at college in Syracuse, NY was started by a couple of people offering to deliver large cookies to dorms late at night. This was perfect for late night study sessions while in college. Many delivery services close by midnight, and you can gain an edge by offering to deliver from 10 pm to 3 am. And you don’t have to just bake cookies; you can make pizzas and keep a stock of sodas available as well. If you live in a town with a university, it can be a great way to make extra money, while providing students with something they are probably willing to pay for.
4. Scrapbooking
If you have a talent for scrapbooking, you can start a business helping others put together scrapbooks. They can bring over their photos, and you can put them together, in an attractive and memorable presentation. It is also possible to start a business as a digital scrapbooker. If your clients have blogs that they update with pictures of vacations and kids, you can offer to put together scrapbooks from these blogs. This is becoming increasingly popular, but many people don’t have the time or know-how to put together these scrapbooks, even using the online resources that are available to help with digital scrapbooking. However, they might be willing to pay you to present their memories in a beautiful way.
What are some of your ideas?
Miranda is freelance journalist. She specializes in topics related to money, especially personal finance, small business, and investing. You can read more of my writing at Planting Money Seeds.