Business ideas that can make money

 

Start a mobile snack bar.
Various types of food trailers are available, suitable for selling all kinds of edible goodies. Whether it`s hamburgers, beefburgers, chips, sandwhiches or ice-cream, there`s plenty to choose from. A medium-size investment is required, particularly when buying new. But if you can purchase a used trailer in good condition, then you could probably save a fair bit of money. Check out the Exchange & Mart as one source of new and used trailers.. You will need to learn all the regulations related to hygiene, safety and the selling of food in public. But if you find a good location, this type of catering can be very profitable indeed.

Design and make a puppet theatre.
Hire out your services as a childrens` entertainer for birthday and xmas parties etc. Put on a show that children love to watch. Advertise your services in the Yellow Papers, but recommendations are the best way to gain more business.

Organise antique fairs.
An interest in antiques is desirable, but not essential. Hire a suitable hall and rent out stalls to sellers of antiques. Arrange to advertise the fair through local newspapers and posters. Place a large noticeboard outside the hall to catch peoples` attention and charge a small admission fee.

Open a bed and breakfast house.
This is an ideal opportunity for people living in a poular tourist area. If you have two or three spare rooms or more then you`re halfway there. Visitors will require an efficient breakfast service, along with easy access to the bathroom, and a comfortable and clean bedroom. Preferably with extra facilities such as a tv, telephone and wash basin. Also provide tourist information literature for good measure. Advertise in various B&B guides, as well as placing a suitable sign outside, or in your front window.
Read article: Bed & Breakfast - The Easiest Home Business

Design and bake unusual party cakes based upon the interests of the person whose party it is.
For example, cakes made up in the form of sports equipment, musical instruments, or modes of transport. Cakes of unusual design can also be used for special functions and events where food and drink is being served.

Sell a selection of plants at regular car boot sales.
Alternatively, sell them from a roadside stall. Place signs 100 metres from the stall in either direction to inform approaching motorists,

Invent a cartoon character which appeals to people of all ages.
Produce a regular short comic strip in a format designed to suit newspapers and general publications. Successful cartoons can sometimes make a lot of money for the inventor. Suggested reading: How to Draw and Sell Cartoons

Buy a large van and offer your services as a roadie for new bands and dee-jays.
There are always plenty of young people who are in the process of forming a band and just starting out on the road to hopeful success. Some of these bands are getting bookings and need reliable transport and help to carry their equipment to gigs. There are disk jockeys who would also find this service useful. If you`re interested in the entertainment business, this idea could be right up your street. Contact bands direct, or contact agents who deal with bands to inform them of your service. You might also consider advertising in selected music magazines.

Start a business that specialises in organising trips abroad for sports fans.
These excursions could, for instance, be to football matches, motor-racing events, tennis tournaments etc. Advertise your service through local newpapers.

Buy and sell old telephones.
People still have fond memories of the old style phones. They also make a nice change from the modern bland phones in use today. But if a sense of nostalgia isn`t your cup of tea, you could always deal in novelty phones. i.e. Mickey Mouse etc.

Start a mailing service for direct mail advertisers.
This would involve combining a selection of leaflets or cards advertising various products and services that might appeal to the general public, or names from a specified mailing list. After placing the advertising material together in one professionally designed envelope, the mailing is sent to prospective customers. The fee for this service would be approximately half the cost incurred to advertisers preparing and sending out their own mailshot.

Start a business that removes graffiti.
Find out your nearest supplier of industrial cleaning materials and equipment. Advertise your service to local businesses, government bodies and community organisations.

Start your own picture framing business.
With practice and the right tools, professional results can be achieved quickly. To get started you`ll need a mitre cutter, a pin hammer, pliers, clamps, a mount cutter, a glass cutter, staple gun and a supply of mounting boards, picture mouldings, glass and hardboard for backing the pictures. Eventually you would need to invest in professional picture framing equipment for fast and accurate mitring and mount cutting. You can advertise your services in the local newspaper.Suggested reading: Home Book of Picture Framing

Open up a collectors museum.
The museum would be dedicated to a collection of old items that are fondly remembered and popular with visitors. Themes such as toy trains, vintage toy cars, dolls houses, photographic equipment, film memorablia etc., could be easily displayed in a large house or rented premises. Choose a suitable location within easy reach of a popular tourist spot or large populated area. Charge a small admission fee or apply for government funding.

Start a business organising `Adventure Days Out`.
These could include exciting activities such as ballooning, rally driving, off-road driving, abseiling etc. Target business executive types with a direct mail brochure. Activities like these attract a fairly high fee due to their nature. Hire experts with suitable expertise and training ability where required. See www.daystoamaze.co.uk

Buy and sell used garden furniture thats in good condition.
Items might include tables and chairs, picnic benches, garden seats, hammocks etc. Further items could be added later such as overlap fencing panels, garden sheds and if you`re handy at carpentry you could also stock self-made, wooden plant containers and window boxes.

Set up a cleaning service for businesses.
Companies with shops, offices, warehouses are all potential customers. The usual simple cleaning materials can be used along with industrial vacuum cleaners and floor polishers. Start small, but think big. Expand your business by employing others as more work comes in. It`s a competitive business, but there`s always room for another reliable and professional service who can deliver the goods at the right price.

Start a walking tourguide service.
Research the local history of popular historical tourist spots. Plan a historical tour around places of interest within reasonable walking distance. Inform the local tourist information centre, and leave leaflets for tourists to let them know where to find you. Three or four tours a day, reasonably priced, to guide around a dozen people or more, can be well worth the effort.

Train to be a website designer.
If you`re a computer buff with an eye for good design, the internet has opened up a huge opportunity for competent web designers to make a good living, designing websites for businessr. A good grasp of html, java and cgi scripting is essential. An understanding of ecommerce is also obligatory. Thankfully. the process of design, has been made easier by software packages such as Dreamweaver, Adobe GoLive and NetObjects Fusion. If your skills need honing a little more, check the internet to see what training courses are available.

Buy and sell secondhand photographic equipment.
Either set up a shop or sell via the internet. Used equipment can be advertised as wanted through classified advertising or bought from auction. Check the online auctions also. Research the going rates for particular models and try to buy lower. Keep in mind that some equipment may be collectors` items. You could also sell goods on commission. Advertise in photography magazines and local press.

Start a party plan business specialising in sexy lingerie.
Ideal for the ladies, this business can be very profitable and fun to run. Send for a number of catalogues and price lists from varoius suppliers to compare products and prices. Compile a list of the best items and purchase a small stock of each one, using one of each for demonstration purposes. Hand out brochures and order forms at the party and use an attractive friend to demonstrate the goods.

Party plan sales are also ideal for selling a range of products such as perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery and gift items.
Good organisational skills and a good sense of humour go a long way to making this type of business a success. Apart from these basic qualities, all you need is a good selection of products to sell at the right price. Check the trade directories and `trader` magazine for sources of supply.Read article: Party Plan Sales Programmes

Specialise in fitting close-circuit security cameras in private homes and commercial outlets.
Security cameras are everywhere these days, but there`s still a lot of businesses who don`t have them yet. Plus, the market for home security is huge. Now that video cameras are much more compact and easily fitted, while crime and vandalism continues unabated, there`s great potential for an energetic person to make this business an instant hit. For equipment, check the exchange & Mart and trade magazines.

Start a walk-in solarium business.
As an alternative to buying or hiring a sunbed, which takes up a lot of space in the home, a service like this is ideal for everyone seeking a golden tan in double quick time. A capital investment is required for equipment and premises to run the business. The environment should be clean and modern with suitable changing room facilities. Advertise your service in the local press.

Buy and sell keep-fit equipment in good condition.
Many people often buy equipment such as exercise bikes, rowing machines, multi-gyms etc., while going through a phase of trying to get fit and healthy. Although some take the alternative route of joining a health club, there are still people who prefer to work out in the privacy of their own homes. If you cater for the latter, you could sell or hire out good quality used equipment at an easily affordable price. This is a business best operated in highly populated areas.

Start a home security firm.
This would involve keeping watch on houses and commercial premises on housing estates. An ideal business to run in areas where crime and vandalism are a common problem. For a small monthly fee, individual residents and shop owners would pay you for regularly driving around the area, keeping an eye on their property while they are at work or away in the evenings. As your client list grows so do your profits, while the realatively small overheads involved will diminish. Basically, all you need to get started is a small car or van with security signs printed on, a base to work from, a mobile radio and phone, and a suitable security guard outfit. As the business grows, extra staff can be taken on as required. Obtain work by canvassing door-to-door with suitable ID and credentials.

Set up and run a mobile discotheque.
Your business would cater mainly for organisers of private functions, such as engagement parties, wedding reception parties, anniversary parties, 18th birthday parties and so on. If you fancy yourself as a Deejay, that`s fine, if not you can hire someone who does. All you need to get started is a twin record console with amplifier, a set of flashing disco lights, a tape/cd player and a big collection of popular records. Have some well designed business cards printed, and a few small leaflets and posters. Advertise in the local press and the Yellow Pages.

An alternative to running a mobile disco is to hire out the equipment to others.
You could also offer a range of equipment that caters for musicians who need replacement gear in an emergency. This could include keyboards, microphones, guitars and drums, plus special effects equipment such as fog machines etc. A fairly heavy investment is required to get up and running, plus it`s a risky business, but looking on the bright side, there isn`t a great deal of competition. Suitable insurance will be required of course, to cover loss or damage, and public liability. This can be a major expense. But if that doesn`t put you off, get your business off the ground advertising in music mags local press, and target potential customers with a well designed brochure.

Arrange day trips to racecourses and other special events.
These could include events such as music festivals, major exhibitions or theatrical productions. A regular service could be set up for regular customers, depending on the popularity and nature of the service offered. Racing enthusiasts and football fans might use your services repeatedly. Travel arrangements might include travelling by coach or train, possibly overnight accomodation, and obviously, entry tickets would be included in the overall price. Whatever discounts you can obtain, will of course, become part of your profits. Good organisational skills are a must. Advertise your service in the local press and the appropriate magazines.

Sell antiques from a market stall.
Antiques and bric-a-brac can be picked up cheap from auctions, car boot sales and jumble sales, then resold on for a profit. Pay particular attention to collector` items. A good knowledge of antiques is required, but beginners can also learn as they go along. Having an eye for a bargain when scouring the car boot sales can bring surprisingly good results. Sometimes exceptional profits can be achieved if you spot the right item. Research the subject thoroughly. Some excellent books can be found at your local library. They may not be a substitute for years of experience, but everyone has to start somewhere.

Offer a service to transfer cine film on to videotape.
This isn`t as difficult as it sounds. Good results can be achieved with a good quality camcorder and a suitable 8mm projector. The trick to getting it right is all in the setting up and the type of projector used. A dual guage projector is best, suitable for standard 8mm and super 8mm films. It will also need to have a variable speed control to get the best results. Once you have the right equipment there are very few overheads in running this type of business, and profits can be good. See also the Photography section.

Design and produce crossword puzzles for magazines.
There`s a lot of newspapers and magazines which print crosswords for their readers. Some puzzle magazines are filled with them. If you like the idea of creating your own crosswords, and you`re clever enough to do it, you can sell your creations to make it worthwhile. There`s even computer software available which can help you along the way, Check the internet for sources.

Start a business organising boat trips at a popular seaside resort or lakeside tourist area.
A suitable used boat could be bought, or hired from a local boat owner. If you lack boating experience, hire someone who does. If the person you hire owns the boat, then arrange to split the profits. Sell tickets from a nearby booth in a prominent position to attract passing tourists and promote your business through local shops and tourist information centres.

Make up a number of attractive hanging baskets, each containing a colourful floral arrangment.
Sell them by calling on residents who live in upmarket residential areas. Carry them around in a brightly painted handcart or a suitable small van. Suggested reading: Beautiful Hanging Baskets

Buy and sell, or hire out, good quality tents and camping equipment.
There`s lots of people who have bought tents and only used them once or twice. Thinking they might use it again sometime, they store the tent away. Eventually they realise they will probably never use it again. Like many things, tents and camping equipment are often just bought on a whim. By taking advantage of this fact, you can often pick up some real good bargains and resell or hire them out for profit. Advertise in the classified wanted ads so you can pick and choose the best from what you see. Buy at the end of the summer months to get the best deals. Ideally, a small shop or unit would be used to set up the business. To start with though, you could work from home using a large garage for storage.

Are you good with figures? Train to become a book-keeper.
There are lots of small businesses who need the services of a good book-keeper. Chartered accountants charge a steep hourly fee for their book-keeping services. Which means you will have no trouble finding work, if your rates are more reasonable. After training, you should be able to keep simple records, balance the books and fill in tax returns for any small business. Check your local futher education centres, advertises of correspondence courses and information on the internet for courses available in book-keeping.

Start a business which designs and makes lucky charm key rings and bracelets.
These could include items such as a lucky horseshoe, rabbit`s foot, or four-leaf clover made in a plastic, silver, gold or enammelled design. The best ideas can be sold through gift and souvenir shops. Another possibility is to produce personalised key rings or bracelets with peoples names on them.

Buy and sell cherished number plates.
Private number plates are hugely popular in the UK. Start by buying plates at auction and resell while advertising for more plates to buy. Check the transfer regulations and become familiar with the documentation required. You`ll need to become familiar with plate values, what sells well and what doesn`t. Some plates can be worth a small fortune. Build up your selection for sale and advertise in motor magazines, Exchange & Mart and Autotrader.

Sell music cassettes, cd`s and videos from a market stall.
New and used products can be sold together. For used items, advertise in the wanted section of local newspapers, and national magazines. Offer the best going rate for good quality merchandise. Add approximately thirty percent profit on goods resold. You could also sell by mail order once a large stock has been built up.

Buy and sell toy train sets and accessories for enthusiasts and collectors.
Although electronic toys have become the main attraction for young children, there is still a market for toy trains, not only for children, but a generation of adult enthusiasts who still enjoy it as a hobby. Advertise in the wanted column of your local paper. Sell through train magazines by mail order and collectors fairs.

Organise secondhand book sale events.
Hire a small hall, set up some stalls and invite people to sell their old book collections. Charge a small entrance fee and a basic charge to stallholders. Where possible, organise a place for visitors to sit down and provide suitable refreshments.

Start a walking menu board service.
Not as popular as it used to be, but still a useful service. Ideal for students who need a bit of pocket money. If you make the right contacts through canvassing and supply the advertising boards, you could pay other students to work for you, while you take some commission for yourself. A dozen small contracts should make it worthwhile.

Start a business organising city tours by bus, or coach excursions to historical sites of interest.
An open top double decker bus would be ideal for city tours, or a single decker for out-of-town trips. Arrangements could be made to hire these vehicles if purchase is out of the question. Advertise the tours in busy tourist areas and through tourist information centres.

Specialise in selling sports trainers.
Buy from wholesale sources and sell from home. Alternatively, sell by party plan or set up a market stall. Sell locally at below shop prices and build up your sales through word of mouth.

Produce and sell a range of wooden floor sculptures.
These for example, could be based on wild animals such as bears, wolves or african animals i.e. giraffes, tigers, lions etc. They can be made to stand on a wooden or stone base, or as a freestanding ornament. Sell through upmarket furniture stores.

Start a sandwhich round catering for local businesses.
Many businesses, particularly firms which are situated out of town and on industrial estates, often don`t have the luxury of a works canteen, or even have the good fortune of having a local shop nearby. This would serve as a good opportunity to set up a mobile sandwhich delivery service providing an assortment of different kinds of sandwhiches and drinks. You will of course need to comply with certain food hygiene laws and provide a way for customers to order and receive their orders within a reasonable time. For instance, orders placed before 10 a.m. will be received by 12 noon. To get started, canvas firms that aren`t already being catered for, leaving a suitably impressive menu and pice list. Gradually, as your business builds up, take on extra staff to meet demand.

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