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Photo by Microsoft Edge on UnsplashAre you looking for a side hustle? Are you someone who needs flexibility in their job? Do you want to use specific talents and skills to turn a profit?
Maybe you dream of having your own business but you don't have a lot of money.
You may be surprised to learn about the opportunities that await! Look into the cheapest businesses to start from home and decide if they're right for you.
First Steps
Photo by bruce mars on UnsplashBefore starting a home-based business, ask yourself:
What skills do I have?
What credentials (certificates, degrees, etc.) have I earned?
What are my business goals (hours, income, clients)?
Is there a market for the business I want to do?
Do I want my business to operate online or in person?
How much money can I spend on start-up costs?
Answering these questions will help you determine what your ideal home business is.
Did you know?
Post-WWII housewives had their first opportunity to become home-based business owners through Tupperware (plastic food storage containers). They would sell the containers to friends and family members. Tupperware parties became very popular in the 1950s and 60s.
1. eCommerce Businesses
Photo by Marga Santoso on UnsplashOne of the most popular and cheapest businesses to start from home is an e-commerce store. E-commerce stores sell goods or services online. What makes these businesses so cheap are the lower overhead costs (no rent, utilities, etc., of a physical storefront), As a result, online businesses can often offer discounts, coupons, and bundled pricing.
Launching an e-commerce store allows you the freedom to sell the products you believe in. However, you'll still need market research to determine what sells.
Your e-commerce store will typically be a virtual storefront where customers can add items to a digital shopping cart and complete purchases through secure online payments.
2. Manual Labor & Maintenance
Photo by Jared Muller on UnsplashAnother one of the cheapest businesses you can start from home is manual labor and maintenance jobs. These can range from construction to landscaping to repair. Many manual labor jobs offer cheap start-up costs since they require basic equipment or supplies that you may already own.
If you have construction experience, a handyperson business would allow you to take on projects of your own, such as building fences, hanging drywall, or framing buildings. You may only need a few tools and machines to start!
Becoming a landscaper would allow you to use your yard work experience and skills to clean up yards, plant flowers, and trim hedges. Some basic gardening tools and machines may be all you need to get started.
If you have cleaning, painting, or carpentry skills, a maintenance or repair business is another one of the cheapest businesses to start from home. Consider:
cleaning services β you'll need basic cleaning supplies to clean homes or vehicles.
repairs β you can repair vehicles, bicycles, or appliances.
restorations β you can restore an item to its original condition or state, such as furniture, electronics, or antiques.
Any of these jobs would require basic tools or supplies to get started. You might need to consider renting a workspace, however, if you don't have a garage or basement of your own.
3. Creative Businesses
Your creativity can become a cheap business to start from home, from writing, to painting, to graphic design, and more!
Writing
If you have a way with words, you may find writing to be one of the cheapest businesses to start from home. This could include:
copyediting
ghostwriting
digital content production
freelance writing
You might even consider publishing your own book! Some publishing sites will publish a print-on-demand book for free!
Graphic Design
Consider graphic design or web development if you have a creative eye for design. You can create logos, fliers, newsletters, or websites with little or no investment. There are free and open-source sites that will allow you to create and design elements for resale.
Photography
Maybe you enjoy taking photos. Photographers can have successful home-based businesses. A simple camera or even your phone may be all you need to get started.
ArtQuiz
Ava has $200 and wants to start a candle-making business. What are the smartest, low-risk ways for Ava to get started? Select all that apply:
Ava can test her business idea with little cost by using skills she already has. Itβs a smart way to reduce risk and learn as she goes. Some basic supplies and a cheap web space to sell the candles are good ways for her to get started quickly. Since she's making her own candles, a dropshipping course isn't necessary.
Take Action
There are hundreds of other cheap businesses to start from home. The start-up cost for these businesses will vary depending on your skill set and the type of business you want to own.
Check out these resources to help you get started:
This Byte has been authored by
Wendy McMillian
Learning Designer
B.S., M.A.T.