10 Business Ideas for Under $500
Now is a great time to start a business, and there are many reasons why. First of all, the internet has leveled the playing field in terms of startup costs and social media marketing offerings.
We also offer lots of free online help and coaching. And finally, since working from home has become the norm due to the pandemic, you don’t have to pay expensive rent.
This means that today it is possible to start a business for less than $500. Here are 10 options that will make you whistle.
1. Direct shipping
Dropshipping is an e-commerce system that allows you to sell products online. No need to buy or stock up on inventory It’s an incredibly inexpensive way to start a business. Instead, you partner with a wholesaler or distributor who stocks your products and sets up an online store to sell them.
Your supplier handles inventory and shipping, so you can focus on marketing and customer service. You and the wholesaler will then split the profits.
2. Online education products
This business includes creating and selling online courses or e-books. You can offer courses or e-books on a wide range of topics, including business, personal development, technology, and other areas of interest. The cost of starting this business is relatively low, as you can use a website builder like Teachable or Thinkific to sell your courses and e-books on Amazon.
Why a business credit card can transform your small business
This business credit card simplifies accounting and tax reporting by conveniently and efficiently separating personal and business expenses.
Business cards can also offer valuable perks like reward points, cash back, and expense tracking tools, which can help you better manage your finances and save money in the long run.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Here, you promote other companies’ products or services and earn a commission on sales. You can promote your products through your website, social media channels, e-newsletters, TikTok, and more. Is there a market for this? According to Forbes, online sales are expected to total more than $6 trillion this year.
4. Etsy store
If you’re crafty, selling handmade items like jewelry, candles, and art on platforms like Etsy can be quite profitable. Social media and word of mouth help you market your products, and these channels cost you nothing. You can scale your products as demand grows.
Now let’s take a look at some offline businesses that are inexpensive to start.
5. Mobile notary
Becoming a mobile notary is a flexible, affordable business that can generate a steady income. With a small investment in notary training, certification, and supplies such as notary seals and journals, you can begin providing services such as witnessing signatures for legal documents, real estate transactions, and other important paperwork.
And as a mobile notary, you can offer the added convenience of traveling to your clients’ locations, making your services more accessible, attractive, and marketable.
6. Car detailing
Keeping with the automotive theme, why not arrange for a car detailing service? The overhead is low because you only need basic cleaning supplies like soap, wax, vacuum cleaner, and microfiber cloths. This is another business where it makes sense to offer a mobile option.
7. Fitness trainer
If you have a passion for fitness and have expertise in fitness, nutrition, yoga, or similar fields, you can easily and inexpensively start your own personal fitness business. We can offer sessions at your home, at a local park, at a client’s home, or even online.
8. House cleaning
House cleaning business never goes out of style and is always needed. Start-up costs are minimal and you can start by offering your services to friends and family or advertising locally. Cleaning the house is something people love to do in good times, but during tough economic times, it’s quite a bit of a downturn as they often end up working extra hours and don’t have time to clean the house themselves.
9. Gardener
Lawn care is another low-cost business that can grow quickly through word of mouth. Basic initial investments are in equipment such as lawn mowers and trimmers, as well as transportation. Offering seasonal services, such as leaf raking or snow removal, can also provide year-round income.
10. Remove junk
People have to carry things all the time. If you have a truck or have access to one, this may be the right business for you. You can advertise on Craigslist for almost free and offer your services to homeowners, real estate agents, and business owners who need junk removal.
So there it is. There is no need to keep trying for The Man. With ideas like these, you can become your own boss with a rich bank account balance sooner than you think.
