By skyforbes 
The most profitable businesses are usually the boring ones.
While they might not be the talk of the town, these businesses offer things that people always need, like car repairs or basic groceries.
In this article, we’re going to look at some simple but money-making business ideas. They might not be flashy, but they can put steady money in your pocket.
Before we move on to other more serious jobs to make money from home, I would like to show you some GPT sites you can use to make money online in your spare time.
Freecash: Freecash is a new survey site where you can collect points by taking surveys, watching videos, and similar.
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Branded Surveys: Branded Surveys is an app like Survey Junkie. Share your opinion to get free gift cards and PayPal money! Share your opinion to get free gift cards and PayPal money!
Scrambly: Looking for other easy ways to earn money online? Try Scrambly and get paid to play new games, shop online, complete surveys, and try different products and services!
Solitaire Cash: Solitaire Cash is an iOS and Samsung game that lets you play Solitaire for money. The app lets you compete in cash tournaments against other players of similar skill levels. Tournament games cost money to enter and pay anywhere from $1 to $55+.
1. Laundry Service
Think about it: everyone needs clean clothes, but not everyone has the time or desire to do laundry. That’s where a laundry service comes in.
You don’t need much to start—just a washer, dryer, and a knack for folding clothes neatly. Plus, there’s always demand.
To get going, you’ll need detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, laundry bags, baskets, and folding supplies, which will cost around $50 to $100.
If you’re using your own washer/dryer, your only additional cost is utilities. If you’re using a laundromat, expect to spend about $50 to $100 on your first few loads for clients.
You’ll also want to spend $50 to $100 on marketing—flyers, a booking form, Facebook ads, or business cards.
All in, you can start a basic home-based laundry service for $150 to $300, and offer personalized service that big commercial laundries can’t match.
See: 7 Ways To Get Paid To Do Laundry
2. Vending Machines
Ever feel peckish during a long workday? You’re not alone, and that’s where vending machines come in.
The best part? Once you’ve bought the machine and filled it with snacks, it practically runs itself. Businesses will often charge a small fee for letting you place your vending machine in their space.
After that, the money you make from snack sales is all yours. It’s almost like printing money, but in a way that also satisfies people’s mid-day cravings.
This is what we call passive income: your vending machines are out there working for you, even when you’re not.
You can get your first machine up and running for around $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the type of machine and where you place it.
A used snack or drink vending machine in good condition can be found for about $800 to $1,200, especially if you buy locally or through online marketplaces.
You’ll also need to stock it with inventory—chips, candy, drinks, or even healthier options—which typically costs $100 to $200 to fill up your first machine.
Add in $50 to $100 for cleaning supplies, labels, and minor maintenance tools. If you need to pay a small monthly fee to the business where you place your machine (a location commission), that usually comes out of profits later, not upfront.
All together, you can get started in the vending machine business for $1,000 to $1,500, making it one of the more passive side hustles once it’s set up and stocked in a high-traffic location.
3. Commercial Cleaning
Offices, stores, and other commercial spaces need to be cleaned regularly, but not every business wants to hire a full-time janitor. That’s where you come in.
With some cleaning supplies and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you’re good to go. Reach out to local businesses, and soon you’ll have a list of regular clients.
To get started, you’ll need a good set of supplies: disinfectants, glass cleaner, mop, broom, vacuum, microfiber cloths, gloves, and trash liners. Expect to spend about $200 to $300 to put together a professional-grade cleaning kit. You might already have some of these items at home.
Add $50 to $100 for basic business materials like a logo, flyers, a website or booking page, and maybe a t-shirt with your business name for a professional look. If you want to go a step further, liability insurance can cost $100 to $200/year, but many small clients won’t require it upfront.
Altogether, you can launch your commercial cleaning service for around $300 to $500, offering high-quality cleaning to local businesses
4. Lawn Care
Got a lawnmower? You’re practically in business. Lawn care is always in demand, especially during the warmer months. Whether it’s mowing lawns, trimming bushes, or planting flowers, people are happy to pay for a well-kept yard.
Start small by offering services to neighbors and friends, and as your reputation grows, so can your business. Before you know it, you’ll have a full schedule and maybe even need to hire some help.
If you already own a lawn mower, you’re halfway there. If not, a solid push mower can be found used or new for $150 to $300. Add a weed trimmer and leaf blower, which together can cost $100 to $150, and you’ve got the essentials to offer mowing, edging, and cleanup services. You’ll also want to grab fuel, oil, safety gear, and a gas can, which adds about $50 to $75.
For marketing, flyers, local Facebook ads, and a simple logo or business cards might cost another $50 to $100. In total, you can be up and running for around $300 to $500, and with just a few regular clients each week, you’ll quickly cover your startup costs.
4. Storage Unit Rentals
People have stuff—lots of it—and they often need a place to keep it. Enter the storage unit rental business. This is another great way to earn passive income. You’ll need some land and the actual storage units to start. Once those are in place, customers pay you to keep their belongings safe and sound.
Aside from occasional maintenance and security checks, the business pretty much runs itself. Customers pay a monthly fee, providing a steady income stream that requires little effort on your part.
Starting a storage unit rental business typically requires more capital than most small businesses but offering personal storage space from home or rural property can be done for under $2,000.
Your initial costs might include locks, shelving, security cameras, weatherproofing materials, and insurance, which together can cost around $500 to $1,500, depending on how much space you’re converting and how secure you want it to be.
5. House Painting
You’d be surprised how much a fresh coat of paint can transform a home—and how many people are willing to pay for it. The start-up costs are pretty low; you’ll need some quality paint, brushes, rollers, and a ladder to get going.
Once you’ve done a couple of jobs and people see your work, word-of-mouth can keep you busy. And while you’re actively working on a project, the end result sticks around for years, serving as a long-term advertisement of your skills.
For interior or exterior painting, your initial supplies will include brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths, painter’s tape, ladders, and safety gear. A solid starter kit can be put together for around $200 to $300.
If you don’t already own a ladder or extension pole, factor in another $50 to $100. All in, you can launch your painting business for $300 to $500.
6. Window Washing
Dirty windows are like a smudge on a home or business’s reputation. Window washing may not be glamorous, but it’s necessary, and it can pay pretty well. Plus, the overhead is low.
All you really need are some squeegees, cleaning solution, and maybe a harness for multi-story buildings. Many businesses and homeowners are willing to pay for this service regularly, offering you a consistent source of income.
A basic setup includes a squeegee, bucket, scrubber, scraper, extension pole, microfiber cloths, and glass cleaner all of which can be picked up for around $100 to $150.
If you’re planning to do two-story homes or storefronts, you may want a taller ladder or water-fed pole system, which can cost another $100 to $200, but you can start with single-story jobs and upgrade later.
7. Carpet Cleaning
Carpets collect dirt and stains like a magnet, and no one likes the look or smell of a dirty carpet. A carpet cleaning business requires a bit more of an upfront investment for a quality carpet cleaning machine, but after that, it’s mostly about the labor you put in.
Many people and businesses are willing to pay for this service, especially if they have children or pets, or if they’re an establishment that entertains guests.
You don’t need a huge van or industrial equipment to begin. Many solo entrepreneurs start with a portable carpet cleaner, which you can buy for around $250 to $400.
8. Tax Preparation
Taxes are the thing everyone has to do but most people dread. That’s exactly why a tax preparation service can be so lucrative. With some training and certification, you can help people navigate the maze of tax codes, deductions, and forms.
Once tax season rolls around, people will be more than willing to pay for your expertise, turning their dread into your steady income. While it’s not entirely ‘hands-off,’ much of the prep work can be done on your own time, allowing for some flexibility.
Many successful tax preparers begin with a short course or certification, which typically costs around $200 to $400 through programs like IRS-approved providers, H&R Block, or local community colleges.
Once you’re trained, your main tools are a computer, tax preparation software, and an internet connection. Software like TaxSlayer Pro, Drake, or TaxAct Pro can run $200 to $300 for a basic license, though some offer pay-per-return options to reduce upfront cost.
9. Bookkeeping
Every business, big or small, needs someone to keep an eye on the numbers. Bookkeeping may not be the most glamorous job, but it’s essential.
The startup costs are low, especially if you’re working from home. All you need is a computer and some accounting software. From there, it’s about building a client list.
This is a business that not only pays well but could also provide consistent work. Many small businesses don’t need a full-time bookkeeper but are happy to contract the work out, offering you a potentially steady stream of income.
You can take an online bookkeeping course or certification program for $200 to $400, which is optional but highly recommended to build credibility.
You’ll also need accounting software like QuickBooks, Wave (free), or Xero, which may cost $20 to $50/month, depending on the plan you choose.
10. Document Shredding
In a digital age, the importance of safeguarding sensitive information has never been greater.
That’s where document shredding services come in. Businesses and individuals alike need a secure way to dispose of confidential information.
Starting this kind of business is fairly straightforward: you’ll need a commercial-grade shredder and a way to transport documents.
To begin, you’ll need a heavy-duty cross-cut shredder, which typically costs around $150 to $300.
You might also want to invest in lockable bins or containers (used for secure pickup/drop-off), which can cost another $50 to $100 each.
Depending on your services, a basic dolly or cart for transport and some heavy-duty trash bags will add another $50 or so.
11. Public Notary Service
Becoming a public notary is one of the easiest and most affordable businesses to start, especially if you’re looking for a flexible side hustle with steady local demand. You don’t need fancy tools or a storefront just the proper certification, a few supplies, and a way to reach your community.
Your main startup cost is the notary commission/license, which varies by state but usually falls between $50 to $150. You’ll also need a notary journal and an official stamp/seal, which together cost about $30 to $50. Some states require a short training course or exam, which could add another $30 to $100 depending on location.
Add in $50 to $100 for business cards, a Facebook page, and listings on notary directories like 123Notary or Google Maps—and you’re ready to go.
All in, you can become a certified notary and start offering services for around $150 to $300, handling everything from legal documents and loan signings to mobile notary visits and estate paperwork.
12. Waste Management (Small Scale)
Let’s be real, garbage isn’t going anywhere. That’s why waste management is an evergreen business opportunity. Whether it’s regular trash collection, recycling, or specialized waste disposal, there’s a need for these services in every community.
To get started, you’d need to invest in waste collection vehicles and proper permits.
The setup might require more capital, but once the operation is running, it can provide a steady cash flow with the potential for long-term contracts, especially with local governments or businesses.
13. Pest Control
No one likes unwanted visitors, especially when they have more than two legs.
Pest control services are crucial for both residences and businesses, and demand spikes during certain seasons when pests are more prevalent.
You’ll need some equipment and potentially certification in handling chemicals, but the investment can pay off.
Just think about it: nobody wants to deal with a bug or rodent problem themselves. Offer monthly or seasonal packages to clients and you could find yourself in a business that not only pays but keeps you busy all year round.
To begin, you’ll need a state license or certification, which typically costs $100 to $300 depending on your location and required training.
You’ll also need basic safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask) and pesticide application tools like sprayers, bait stations, and traps. Also, plan to spend $150 to $200 on equipment and supplies to get started.
14. Parking Lot Maintenance
Parking lots are like the front yard of a business; they’re the first thing customers see. That’s why keeping them clean, safe, and well-marked is crucial.
Starting a parking lot maintenance business isn’t too complicated. You’ll need some basic equipment like a sweeper, a line striping machine, and perhaps a pressure washer.
The beauty is, once you’ve got a few contracts under your belt, the work becomes regular. Businesses, apartment complexes, and shopping centers all need this service, making it a venture with steady income potential.
For a basic setup, you’ll need a broom, push sweeper, dustpan, trash grabber, reflective vest, and heavy-duty trash bags.
You can put all that together for around $100 to $200. If you want to offer painting services (like curb or line re-striping), a line marking machine and paint will cost about $150 to $250, depending on the size and quality.
15. Basic Grocery Store
People gotta eat, right? While big supermarket chains dominate many areas, there’s still room for a basic grocery store, especially in smaller towns or urban neighborhoods.
Think of it as a scaled-down version of a supermarket, focusing on essential items that people run out of and need to replace quickly—things like bread, milk, and eggs.
The startup costs can be a bit steep, but the demand is always there. Plus, once you’re up and running, you could become a cornerstone of the community.
16. Basic Auto Repair and Oil Change Services
Cars are like pets; they need regular check-ups and occasionally get sick. Basic auto repair and oil change services are essential for anyone with a vehicle, and not everyone has the time or skills to do it themselves.
You’ll need a garage space and some initial equipment, along with certified mechanics if you’re not one yourself. The demand is almost guaranteed; cars always need maintenance or repair.
For a basic setup, you’ll need a jack, jack stands, socket set, wrench set, oil pan, funnels, gloves, and cleaning supplies.
Expect to spend $200 to $300 for quality gear. Add $50 to $100 for initial oil, filters, and fluids to cover your first few jobs.
Need more business ideas? Check out:
15 Six-Figure Business Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Try
17 Old-Fashioned Ways to Earn Money the Classic Way
13 Quick Cash Gigs To Make Some Extra Money
