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12 Part-Time Business Ideas for You to Make a Killing
When a terrific business idea pops up, it is tempting to quit your 9-5 job and embark on an entrepreneurial venture. However, starting a full-time business from scratch comes with a plethora of risks that neophyte entrepreneurs are rarely equipped to undergo. Although there are now more resources than ever, amateur sellers will still be better off with a safer bet.
The good news is: you do not have to put those brilliant business ideas on the back burner. By making them a part-time hustle, you will be able to test the waters without pouring in much effort and money. Find the best part-time business ideas in this blog post to jumpstart your next endeavor.
Should You Start a Part-Time Business?
First off, let’s leaf through the current state of the part-time business market and when you should go for it, as opposed to a full-time one.
According to a statistic this article, below are some of the highlights regarding part-time hustles in 2024:
- The U.S. side hustle market is valued at $2.58 trillion.
- 50% of millennials have a side hustle, while Gen Z-ers have a higher number of 70%.
- One in three Americans has a side gig, in which 50% of people do it because they want to, not necessarily due to financial constraints.
And most notable of all:
- Three-quarters of people love their part-time hustle.
These statistics are undeniable proof that the part-time business market is incredibly lucrative, which more and more young adults are taking advantage of. While it seems like a good idea to get your feet wet instantly, it is crucial to know what the right part-time businesses to start are. Let’s go into the pros and cons of a part-time business below for more insights.
Pros and Cons of Starting a Part-Time Business
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Pros of Starting a Part-Time Business
Low upfront cost
A part-time business requires less capital than a full-time one. Instead of spending banks on a full-fledged business, you can feel it out by gradually investing as the business grows to avoid financial strains.
Time flexibility
Part-time jobs enable merchants to achieve work-life balance more easily than a typical 9-5 one, where you can make your own hours and choose to stay active/inactive during certain periods in a year.
Extra source of income
Your financial stability is further secured with the addition of another job. Whether you start a part-time gig for the experience or with the money in mind, the extra source of income is always a positive bonus.
Market testing
If you have plans to expand your business eventually, a part-time hustle is the perfect fit to market test ahead of time. Valuable feedback on products, services, eCommerce stores, etc. can be gathered with a part-time business before scaling up.
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Cons of Starting a Part-Time Business
Slower growth rate
Since a side job does not eat up much of your time and resources, it will take longer for your business to grow, especially when it calls for an active online presence and community networking.
Limited customer support
If you are the sole owner of your part-time business, it could be a challenge to stay on top of customer support 24/7. This can lead to potential customer dissatisfaction.
Our verdict: Given all the pros and cons of operating a side hustle, it is irrefutable that this business model is definitely worth a try. When it comes to part-time business opportunities, the sky’s the limit. In this era where eCommerce is more prevalent than ever, these ideas are even easier to materialize. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty right in the next chapter.
Explore the Best 12 Part-Time Business Ideas for Your Next Venture
1. Dropshipping
Join the dropshipping movement and run a thriving part-time job using this versatile business model.
If you have read through our blog collection, the topic of dropshipping is not a foreign concept. With platforms like Shopify offering top-notch assistance, anyone can get the ball rolling on their own dropshipping business in minutes.
With minimal upfront investment, you can set up an online dropshipping store and sell products without worrying about inventory or shipping. Dropshipping allows you to partner with suppliers who handle storage and delivery, so you can focus on marketing and customer service.
Pro tip: Dropshipping is a solid side hustle for aspiring entrepreneurs. Start by choosing a suitable niche and product to embark on, then consider pricing strategies, including the possibility of reverse dropshipping
Side note: If you choose Shopify for your part-time business, there's absolutely nothing to worry about. With a wealth of apps to support your store-building efforts, like GemPages, you're set up for success
2. Affiliate Marketing
Connect with brands to promote products and turn them into a profitable side business.
If you are passionate about sharing your prowess online, affiliate marketing will take it up a notch. The practice is simple: promote products and services through affiliate links on your social media, website, or blog and earn commission based on the number of sales made. This is one of the most effortless part-time business ideas from home that many online personalities have grown fond of.
Important note: Right here, right now, we're excited to introduce an intriguing affiliate program with GemPages. By joining this one, you can earn up to 50% in recurring commissions for every paid store you refer to, with no limits. Discover the opportunity and join forces with GemPages today! Don't hesitate to become our partner.
3. Content Creating
Take advantage of your main job and start creating content for wider exposure.
There are two ways to go about content creation: make it about your full-time job, or treat it as a separate part-time hustle. It is not hard to come across makeup brands or restaurants that produce content around their specialties on a daily basis; on the other hand, a corporate employee could have a fashion-centric account that is treated as a part-time hustle. No matter how you approach content creation, it is an ideal business idea to make money through ads and sponsorships.
Learn more: Transforming Words into Wealth: 10 copywriting hacks for the best conversion
4. Virtual Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant is one of the most common part-time jobs for officegoers to make an extra source of income.
A virtual assistant is one of those classic jobs that one can perform no matter where or when. With a functional computer and steady internet connection, different types of service can be provided. Ranging from classic customer support to email management, this role is available year-round due to the upsurge of online, cross-continent companies.
Learn more: eCommerce Insights: Key Statistics and Trends in 2024
5. Freelance Work
Many young employees have chosen to become freelancers for time and work independence.
This era of digital natives brings a wide array of remote work opportunities, in which freelance jobs are more prevalent than most. If you have a knack for photography, drawing, writing, graphic design, and so on, chances are that you can make an extra income out of it. Since you are the one to decide the amount of work to tackle, the liberty and flexibility of being a freelancer are unmatched.
Learn more: How to Sell Digital Products on Shopify for Profit
6. Art and Crafts
Put your artistic skills to good use with an art and crafts business idea.
Art projects can be done just for funsie, or as a marketable business, it is all up to you. Your creative talents at painting, jewelry making, pottery, knitting, stained glass, etc. can all be used to run a fruitful part-time business. Local art fairs are a hotbed for selling these handmade goods, while outlets like Etsy and Amazon Handmade are excellent for making an online presence for yourself.
7. Vlogging and Streaming
Become an online personality through the fascination of vlogging and streaming - a growing profession for people of all ages.
If you love sharing your hobbies with the internet, vlogging or streaming is the way to go. With YouTube and Twitch being your golden geese, multiple types of content can be created and monetized through ads, donations, and sponsorships. The terms game streamers or fitness vloggers are no stranger to the average online user, and the pool is constantly getting bigger. This is one of those fun mediums for the ones who seek some extra income on the side.
8. Tutoring
Taking on tutoring is a great way to make money and constantly hone your academic skills.
The act of tutoring is universally known, and it takes different forms based on your skills and availability. This esteemed side gig involves a wide range of learners, subjects, hours, and goals - all decided by you. Tutoring is an amazing part-time job for educators who want to sharpen their academic competence and make a killing out of it.
Learn more: Shopify Tutorial: Everything For Success [2024]
9. Consulting Service
Capitalize on your expertise to provide customers with an A1 consulting service in your free time.
Feeling confident in an area or profession? This is a sign for you to take up consulting and start giving out expert advice to the people who need it most. From niches like business strategy, legal service, health and wellness, to technology and financial planning - a professional consultant is always needed. Fill that gap by opening your own part-time consulting service today.
10. Home Cleaning
Make quick bucks with a few hours of house cleaning every week - a routine side job with much freedom.
Having free time after work and looking for ways to be productive? Home cleaning might be the answer you are searching for. With little overhead cost in cleaning supplies, networking, and transportation, this business idea is the perfect match for people who take pride in cleaning and organizing. Depending on your location, there are cleaning companies that one can apply to for easier client-searching.
11. Home-Baking
Make use of your baking skills by opening a part-time home-baking business.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and want to spread the joy, look no further than a home bakery as your next business venture. Cakes, cookies, pastries, bread - all can be made in the comfort of your kitchen. This side hustle does not require a hefty startup cost, but decent knowledge is needed to ensure the utmost quality of your products. If baking is your jazz, this will be a no-brainer to make some extra bucks in your free time.
12. Upcycling Clothes
Work up amazing projects with used clothes and make some extra money on the side.
Transforming old garments into stylish clothes is an art, a profitable art form that is. If you have an eye for creative projects, this part-time business idea has tremendous potential to rake in the greens. Similarly to art and crafts, minimal capital is needed to buy tools and materials. Once you’ve gotten everything locked down, your sustainable creations can be sold at flea markets and online.
Start a Side Hustle to Diversify Your Income Today
Being your own boss is many people’s dreams, but a few manage to actualize them. Somehow, it is daunting to dedicate your life to a full-time business venture, hence the popularity of part-time ones. We hope these part-time business ideas have provided you with the needed guidance to kick it into gear, it is never too late to turn your dream into reality.
FAQ about Part-Time Business Ideas
1. Virtual Assistant
2. Freelance Work
3. Dropshipping
4. Art and Crafts
5. Affiliate Marketing
6. Content Creating
7. Vlogging and Streaming
8. Tutoring
9. Consulting Service
10. Home Cleaning
11. Home-Baking
12. Upcycling Clothes
