Although more and more people than ever before are setting up on their own, not everyone has the time to dedicate themselves completely to a new business. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that you need to miss out. Here, we suggest five side-hustles that are ideal for doing alongside your full-time job – at least until you’re ready to take the plunge.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping start-ups are currently among the most popular independent businesses around, and it’s easy to see why. Essentially, these companies work by acting as a middle man between the customer and the supplier. You won’t need to keep products in stock, eliminating the need for costly storage space – you just order from your suppliers on-demand. To be successful, experts estimate that you’ll need to spend around 10 to 15 hours a week promoting your store, building relationships with manufacturers and growing your customer base.
Crafting
Selling your crafts online is an ideal option if you already have a creative hobby that you pursue in your spare time. Whether it’s macrame, pottery, jewellery or upcycling, there’s a market out there for the things you love to create. To begin with, it will probably make sense to sell your products through a marketplace such as Amazon or Add to Cart – but further down the line you might want to consider your own website too.
Print on demand
If you’re an artist or a designer, print on demand can be a great way to make some extra cash without having to gamble lots of money on stock. The way it works is simple: you collaborate with a manufacturer to produce items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags etc. emblazoned with your own designs – but you only need to pay for them once an order is placed. As such, it’s a relatively risk-free way to explore your business potential.
Affiliate marketing
If you already have a strong online presence, such as a popular YouTube channel or blog, affiliate marketing can be a great way to monetise your situation. In return for promoting a product or a service, you will receive a commission based on results – typically either sales, clicks or leads. Not sure if it’s right for you? It’s easy to get started – just sign up for free with an affiliate marketing program and give it a go. You might be surprised by how much residual income you can create.
Pet services
One of the most pandemic-proof industries, it turns out, is pet products – and it’s relatively easy to jump on the bandwagon in your spare time. Whether it’s a dog walking business, a supply store or a product aimed at pet owners, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved without committing a large amount of hours. You can even make a surprising amount of cash whipping up homemade dog treats from your own kitchen – it’s all down to the right marketing skills.
