INTRODUCTION

If you need more income and another job is not the answer, this listing was designed for you! We've prepared a selection of up-to-date businesses that can be operated in or from your home on a part-time basis. Most of these businesses require no special training and relatively little investment. The most critical requirements are your:

- willingness to work and
- dedication to your business

Look through these suggestions for subjects that sound interesting. Consider each as representative rather than specific. For example, if you know nothing about African Violets (#01) but are good with roses, by all means substitute roses for African Violets. And, don't overlook the possibility of blending these (or other) suggestions to form the ideal business combination.

When you have decided on your business, check state and local requirements for licenses, permits and make arrangements for start-up supplies. You will probably need business cards, a ledger and a rubber stamp with your Company name and address. Although your beginning supplies should be adequate, they need not be fancy or expensive. Don't stock up too much as you will probably need to make adjustments as you learn the needs of our
market. It is always a good idea to:

- write out your business plan - an outline of what you intend to do
and how you plan to go about it.

- List what you will buy from whom, how much it costs, where it will be stored, how you will advertise, what price you will charge, your gross and estimated net profits and when you will re-order. Include everything you can think of that your business will involve. The action will "force" you to organize your business (in your mind
as well as on paper) and greatly increase your chances for profit and success.

In this (or any other) business, give careful thought to your capabilities and your potential market. Select something that you already know (or like and are willing to learn) and will stick to - that people in your area will pay for. Your product or service should be priced competitively, but at the level to yield a fair profit. This
motivates customers to buy and you to work even harder!

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW BUSINESS!

ACCOUNTING. The "simplified" tax code has the public more confused than ever. You can earn excellent part-time profits by offering tax consultation and tax preparation in your community.
ACCUMULATION SALE. Gather items from job lot purchases or any source. Clean up and store until you have enough to hold a sale from your home. Then arrange and sell.
AIR DUCT CLEANING. Contract with restaurants (mostly) to perform this necessary service on a one-time basis, or to clean and maintain them on a scheduled basis.
AWNINGS, WINDOW. Design, sell and install permanent and fold-up fabric and or metal awnings for storefronts, patios, house windows, trailers and mobile homes.
ADULT DAY CARE CENTER. Operate a center to look after elderly and/or handicapped people. Offer refreshments, games, activities and assistance, but not health care.
AFRICAN VIOLETS. Specialize in the propagation and care of this popular indoor plant. Nurture, hybridize and sell when in full bloom. Carry accessories, such as pots, shelves and lighting. Keep a small but permanent ad .
ALTERATIONS. Replace buttons, let out cuffs, shorten sleeves, turn collars, repair tears for clothing stores, laundries and cleaner who don't already offer this service.
ANITQUE DEALING. When qualified, buy and sell bona fide antiques from your home showroom or gallery. Visit antique auctions regularly. Keep ads in paper to buy and sell.
ANT FARMS. Collect ant colonies and construct glass cases to display them. Learn about ants first so your colonies will survive! Include info cards with each case on the type of ant and its history
APPLIANCE LEASING. Buy (new or used) and lease appliances to individuals, landlords, rental agents and commercial operations. Service your own equipment while leased.
APPLIANCE REPAIR. Repair household and light commercial appliances in your shop or on service calls. Sell parts and replacements, take in trades; fix and resell them.
APPRAISALS, HOME. Make official residential appraisals for home owners who want to sell, insurance companies, lending institutions and prospective buyers. Give written certificates.
APPRAISAL SERVICE. Make certified appraisals of assets in your area of expertise and provide written evaluations. Schooling or state licensing required in some situations.
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS. Make (or buy) your specialty artificial flowers and plants. Sell a selection of arrangements, baskets and special occasion creations; take custom orders.
ART GALLERY. Display selected art items tastefully in your gallery. Offer your own creations plus those you buy to resell. Accept consignment products to round out your assortment
AUTO DETAIL APPOINTMENTS. Go to client's home by appointment to wash, wax and vacuum their car. Charge extra to scrub tires, renew plastic and rubber, to pick up the car and have it serviced.
AUTO MARKING Engrave (vibrator or drill bit) or etch (acid creme) auto serial numbers on bottom corners of front and rear window glass as a theft deterrent
ARROWHEADS. Collect, buy, sell and MAKE (with deer horn and clove) Indian arrowheads for hobbyists, displays and demonstrations. Sell instruction and/or information booklets and do-it-yourself kits.
AUTO UPHOLSTERING. Install auto and truck headliners, side paneling and seat covers from your garage or workshop. Offer a choice of material and color combinations.
AUTO PARTS REBUILDING. Work with garages and mechanics. Specialize in rebuilding one part (carburetors, master cylinders, electronic ignitions) for one or several makes. Install kits, ream and/or refit
AUTO SECOND OPINION. For a fee, check customer's car to determine repairs needed and probable cost. Provide your expert and UNBIASED opinion. Offer list of several repair shops.
AUTO THEFT PROTECTION. Offer a variety of devices, systems and price ranges that you can install and maintain to prevent your customers' cars from being stolen.
AUTO TOUCH-UP. Repair minor dents, cover rock chips, remove rust, polish, clean tires. Renew rubber and plastic, deodorize to help bring the best price or trade-in. Advertise under Auto/Trucks For Sale, with a price
AUTO PAWN SHOP. Hold cars as collateral for short-term loans. Hold the title (if clear) or, "buy" the car with a 30 day or so buy-back price agreement or limited power of attorney. Check laws and obtain legal
AWNINGS, WINDOW. Design and install permanent and fold-up fabric and or metal awnings for storefronts, patios, house windows, trailers and mobile homes. Offer a selection of materials, colors and prices
BABY DOLLS. Create dolls with fine wigs from client baby's own baby hair as keepsake dolls. Try to get cloth from baby's actual clothes to make similar looking outfits for the doll (work from a picture if possible).
BARBEQUE. Use a portable (trailer?) meat smoker to take to fairs, parades and festivals. Have a supply of prepared sandwiches ready, but always have a fire AND AROMA (throw in a little suet or sauce)
BELT BUCKLES. Stock a selection of belt buckles for truckers, workers, etc. Have special designs and insignias made for local groups. Arrange to offer good prices on leather belts as well (import some to sell
BENCH RENTALS. Build bus-stop style benches and with city permission, place them free of cost to the city at various bus-stops. Pay a sign painter to apply advertisements for clients who pay you by the month
BIRD TRAINING TAPES. Make endless or auto-reverse tapes to teach bird to talk, whistle or sing. Sell or rent the necessary equipment to mount in or near cages. Record the owner's own voice giving the instructions on tape.
BIRDHOUSE BUILDING. Build and decorate fine, scientifically designed bird houses and feeders for birds native to your area as well as those that migrate to or through your area. Make up little info folders for each model.
BIRTHDAY LISTS. Compile birthday (anniversary, etc.) of people in your area to rent as mailing lists to local merchants. Or, contract to mail out cards each year on behalf of the merchants.
BREAD SPECIALTIES. Bake unusual or otherwise unavailable varieties of home made breads: oat bran, low calorie, ethnic, salt free. Keep a small ad in paper, take orders for loaves fresh from your kitchen and/or deliver
BRUSH CLEARING. With you truck, tractor and shredder, contract to clear brush and small trees from lots and acreage. Haul off excess debris or use a composter to recycle and sell organic refuse
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT. Buy surplus equipment from bankruptcy sales and auctions. Store and clean-up, but do not repair (let buyer do that). Advertise bargain prices for qualified buyers and sell at triple your investment.
CEMENT BLOCKS. Mold small orders of standard or custom blocks (building, stepping stones, curbs) in all shapes and colors. Make molds when necessary of plywood and tin. Take orders, sell form your "yard
TRUCK LETTERING. Use pre-cut, self-stick vinyl letters to produce long lasting, professional truck signs (no art talent required). Use chalk snap lines to mark lines and center, peel and press in place. Stock and offer a variety
CEMENT MARKERS. Make "engraved" cement or liquid marble markers and signs. Mold "backwards" letters into various colors and textures of plastic-like cement for carved in effect
CHINA AND GLASS DEALER. Collect and deal in antique and interesting china and glass items. Buy at auctions, antique stores, private and public sales and through your advertisements.
CITY LOT CLEAN-UP. Work with the city to learn of lots that must be cleaned up. Contract to do the required work on lots they designate (city adds bill to owner's taxes). Contact absentee (or local)
CLIENT LISTINGS. On your computer, input and maintain customer (or business) information: customer info, purchases, credit records, employee information, etc. Provide periodic and custom sorts (including mailing lists
COLLECTION AGENT. Represent one or more commercial agencies (don't tell one about another, though). Solicit delinquent accounts for collection from local businesses for a percentage of monies the agencies collect.
COIN SEARCHING. Buy rolls of coins from banks (whatever denomination you can afford). Search through them for coins worth over face value. Keep all of these and replace with "regular coins and trade back in
COLLECTIONS. Accumulate collectibles (glass, matchbook, baseball cards, comic books). Make up (from common specimens) starter collections to sell to beginners. Sell valuable pieces individually to collectors
CONCESSION BOOTH. Operate a booth or stand at a recreation area, flea market, shopping mall or parking lot. Sell your own products and/or consignment items. Carry some attractively priced items.
COPY-READY MASTERS. With your desktop publishing system and "laser jet" printer, convert customer's material into copy ready masters that can be reproduced locally. Especially good for small orders
CURB PAINTING. With a stencil and fast-dry black spray paint house numbers on all curbs in a city block then go back and request a $2-$5 "donation" from occupants. Pass out circulars the day before announcing your service.
CUSTOM CLOTHING DESIGNS. Paint, block print or transfer unique or custom designs onto items of clothing: smocks, T-shirts, jackets and fabrics to be made into clothing. Use designs, illustrations, cartoons.
DESERT GLASS. Collect and sell sun-baked, weather-beaten glass in interesting colors. Make your own version by baking and/or sandblasting suitable objects with inexpensive equipment. Advertise in hobby magazines.
DISTRESS SALES. Buy household items cheap at auctions and close-out sales. Clean them up and sell as your own right out of your living room .
DOG HOUSES. Build standard (bargain priced) and custom (higher priced) dog houses in different sizes, shapes and colors. Include insulation, treated wood on bottom, insect repellent pillows or storage areas under the roof as options.
DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE. Make exquisite, scale furniture for doll houses. Or, buy inexpensive imported items and upgrade them. Normally, a little re-enforcing, sanding and a coat of stain makes all the difference in the world!
DRIFTWOOD ART. With sandblaster, power or hand held wire brush form and finish interesting pieces of driftwood (and other woods) into decorations, lamps, candle holders and plant mounts
ELECTROPLATING. Offer a chrome (and other) metal plating service in your shop. Advertise in the newspaper and list with auto, RV parts stores, auto restorers and body shops. Between jobs plate items to sell
FENCE INSTALLATION. Install fences for private homeowners. List with hardware stores and keep a small ad in the paper. Expand to furnishing the materials for a single bid. Offer a variety of fences.
FISHING LURES. Use a fly-tying rig to tie flies and sell by the dozen to individuals, bait shops, sports and department stores. Design, manufacture and decorate fishing lures especially for waters in your area
FLYER DISTRIBUTION. Hire kids or adults to distribute ads, samples, coupons, announcements door-to-door or on parked car windows. Charge extra to record occupant reactions. Contract with individual businesses
FURNITURE RESALE. Select and buy promising articles of furniture cheap at garage sales, stores (trade-ins) and furniture auctions. Clean up, do minor repairs and sell from your home. Concentrate on items that seem to do well
KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING. Refinish in-home kitchen cabinets. Remove old finish; sand, fill dents with colored putty, stain (or paint), replace worn hardware, apply new finish and install new external door knobs & pulls
TREE SURGERY. With a little training and experience, anyone can trim, treat, fill and seal tree "wounds". Start with small jobs and gradually increase as you build confidence and buy more equipment.
ROOF COATING. METAL. Renew rusty and/or leaky metal roofs with paint, rust killer, galvanizing, aluminized tar or insulating (foam) toppings. Charge by the square. Tip: use mobile home coating (aluminum or white)
RENTAL PREPARATION. Prepare apartments for occupancy: paint, do minor repairs, cover scratches, remove stains, replace bulbs, mow lawn, fix faucets and drains. Work with individual owners, and real estate companies.
SURPLUS SALES. Buy bargain priced items at auctions and sales. Store neatly in a secure area; advertise to find buyers who need (and will pay for) them. Open your warehouse one or two days a week or sell large items
ROCKING CHAIRS. Make beautiful, durable rocking chairs. Offer a variety of woods, finishes, sizes and styles to fit every customer. Charge extra for carving, special styles or made-to-measure models
GAZEBOS. Build gazebos. Display a standard model at a good price that you can deliver or customer can assemble. Then offer larger sizes and various extras, such as shape, screens, shingle roofs, benches
GLASS ETCHING. Custom etch (with acid, engraving bit and/or sandblaster) glassware for individuals to-order and for wholesaling to retail stores. Offer monograms, town or company logo, family crests, art designs etc..
GOURD CULTURE. Grow and process a variety of interesting gourds. Make them into decorations, utensils, painted figures, bird houses. Retail gourds and do-it-yourself finishing kits. Retail seed packets with instructions
GOVERNMENT AUCTIONS. Go to major state and federal auctions and bid on items for subsequent resale. List with auction authorities to receive notices of pending auctions. Learn and follow the rules to find bargains.
GRAPHOANALYSlS. After learning the art and getting a diploma, offer your services as a handwriting analyst to individuals, law enforcement agencies and attorneys. Start with local readings; work fairs for experience.
HANGING PLANTS. Specialize in hanging plants (flowers, ferns, vines) of all sizes and descriptions. Display For sale when in peak condition in attractive pots, with interesting holders and hangers. Advertiseyou take trades!
HOME HANDYMAN. Perform handyman services for those who can't or don't have the time. Advertise clearly what you do, keep your appointments and guarantee your work (to the extent of your hourly wages)
HOTHOUSE FABRICATING. Build and sell small hothouses, some with temperature controlled venting. Offer electric heating systems for use in the cooler climates and be prepared to give advice on their use.
HOUSE CLEANING. Offer one-time or periodic house cleaning services. Perform the heavy tasks (shampoo rugs, clean stoves, wash windows, floors, defrost). Have a check-list of jobs to be done and agree on price beforehand.
HOUSE PAINTING. Contract to paint houses and apartments or rooms by the job. Have assistance on hand when needed. Increase your profit by supplying quality (only) paint and supplies and bidding on the entire job.
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS. CASSETTES. Make recordings of yourself or others teaching and demonstrating their specialties. Start with simple operations (making a will; cleaning a VCR); graduate to more complex instructions .
INVENTION PROMOTION. Purchase three to six month option rights on interesting inventions for relatively low fee. Run test promotions and buy only the successful ones .
INVENTORIES. Specialize in taking inventories for area merchants (at their convenience - usually after hours). Work alone or have a qualified team on call. Check with an insurance company to bond yourself and assistants.
JACK REPAIR. Repair hydraulic jacks (take a course if necessary) in your garage shop for individuals, garages, mechanics, retail stores. Buy, sell, take in trades and rebuild all kinds. Offer special prices to mechanics.
JEWELRY BOXES. Make fine jewelry boxes to sell to and through gift stores, catalog sales and individuals. Line with velvet, offer lacquered, inlaid, shell or seed versions. Have varied finished and storage arrangements.
KITCHENWARE RENEWAL. Specialize in the renewal of fine cutlery, pans and wood kitchen utensils. Refinish and reshape, install new handles, reline, make pieces to match missing parts of sets. Offer personalization service.
KITES. Build, sell and demonstrate all kinds of kites and accessories. Start a program to sell advertising space to sponsoring merchants during "meets" that you help stage (e.g. open, between schools, towns). Give away kites as prizes
LAWN MAINTENANCE. Contract to mow lawns by the job or season. Charge extra to edge, rake, collect and remove clippings. Refer related jobs to cooperating businesses for a finder's fee or commission.
LIBRARY RESEARCH. Use your talent and the public library to provide research data, technical details and background information for clients who need their "homework" done. Charge by the hour, page or a flat
LIGHTING SPECIALIST. Design, sell, service and install lighting systems for external residence and business buildings. Use 12 volt systems among shrubs for security and beauty; colored spotlights for unusual effects.
LITTLE LEAGUE CARDS. Take pictures of small fry baseball (etc.) players and print on baseball-like cards, complete with their names, position and other "official" information. Offer in sets with extra copies .
MAGAZINE. SUBSCRIPTIONS. Sell a variety of magazine subscriptions from your "office". Use "gimmicky" ads, give credit for leads and prizes for multiple sales. Do lots of telephone canvassing
MAILING LISTS. Compile mailing lists from various local and wider area sources (buy voting registration lists, check on buying tax and license lists). Sell names to brokers or keep current and rent them yourself .
MARBLE CASTING. With "synthetic marble", cast, finish and market figurines, ashtrays, office (pen bases) and commercial (trophies) items for wholesale accounts (stationery stores, etc.).
METAL RECYCLING. Pick up, sort, process (dismantle, clean wires) waste metals from any source. Accumulate into lots, wait for periods of high prices and haul to salvage yards. Advertise to buy surplus metals
MINIATURE GARDENS. Create various sizes of garden-like display containers of live plants for hospital sick rooms, boxes for balconies, rooftop planters, offices and residences. Include instructions for care .
MOSAIC TILE. Buy patterns or create custom designed pieces and install in an exclusive design for each customer. Offer exquisite kitchen and bathroom designs, as well as spa and even swimming pool arrangements.
MOSQUITO PATROL. With a sprayer mounted on your vehicle, contract to drive through neighborhoods on an established route and spray for mosquitoes (normally with a light malathion mixture in diesel). Work with city .
MOVIE MAKING (SHORTS). With your 16MM or VCR camera and related equipment, make custom instructional, informative, promotional and advertising clips. Use for board meetings, briefings and for cable advertising.
MOVING ASSISTANCE. With your truck HELP clients move (versus "move" them - to stay legal). You can help them pack load, move, unload unpack. Have stand-by crew ready to assist. Charge for your time and expenses.
NATURE'S PRODUCTS. When in an area with wild products (hickory nuts, maple syrup) that you can harvest, do so! Process, package and sell as genuine products of nature. Clear your operation with the health department first.
WINDOWS AND SCREENS. Repair windows: replace glass, repair frames, renew or rebuild screens. List with hardware stores and keep an ad in the paper. Fix one broken pane or bid to renew windows.
NECKTlES. Make exclusive, hand made ties from exotic materials from all over the world. Offer a selection of designs, attach your exclusive label and advertise. Try local stores first then try larger markets.
NEEDLECRAFT. Make your own style of homemade items (pot holders, towel rings) to sell on consignment, to catalog companies, or at a booth at fairs or flea markets. Present them in tasteful fashion with your label attached.
NElGHBORHOOD NEWS. Compile, publish and distribute a neighborhood newspaper with local news, opinions and interesting features. Include lots of names; sell space for opinions, announcements and advertisements.
ON-CALL CLERK. Register with several stores to be called for temporary or emergency fill-in (for the store or an individual), for clerical or sales situations. Should pay more than normal wages and could lead to a permanent job.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT. Build and install (and maintain) playground equipment: forts, slides, Climbing/monkey bars, sandboxes, swings, teeters, circle rides. Use commercial patterns or design your own.
PET PHOTOGRAPHY. Specialize in pet portraits: in their home, your studio or in their own "natural" setting. Offer a package price for so many of each size. Go to dog shows and take pictures of willing subjects (the losers too!).
PICNIC TABLES. Build standard, custom and deluxe model picnic tables Offer a variety of sizes, styles, finishes and colors. Expand to folding model and sets with umbrellas. Offer matching chairs & end tables.
PICTURE FRAMING. Make unique picture frames for stores, artists and clients from moldings, scraps, unusual fabrics. Set up jigs for the standard sizes. Between orders make standard sized frames that can be finished.
PIES AND COOKIES. Take orders for or contract for your specialty baked goods. Deliver to wholesale customers in containers that appear to be full and have your name and logo imprinted on the cartons.
PILLOWS. Make and decorate designer, fancy, or "down home" pillows. Sell to boutiques, fairs, through party plans, sales catalogs and advertisements. Offer a variety of sizes & shapes. Do custom work for client's decor.
PLANT SCULPTURE. A profitable specialty: braid trunks, shape into interesting forms. Trim, bend, graft, to create valuable sculptures that bring premium prices. Use pictures in your ads; sell each plant as an individual creation.
PRODUCT REPACKAGING. Buy bulk products (nails, beans, vinegar) by the ton or barrel. Re-package into neatly labeled packets, pints or boxes a sell for much more. Check with a local attorney on any restrictive laws
PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY. Take flattering, descriptive pictures of merchandise, clothing and satisfied customers for advertisements, catalogs and brochures. Send sample brochures to prospective clients.
PROOFREADING. Review manuscripts and printed copy and advertisements for accuracy and grammar. Get more to review for content quality and technical accuracy. Work with editors, writers, publishers and educators.
PROPERTY PORTFOLIOS. Prepare photograph and property description folders. Make up folios for private parties (to make sure their property is shown in the best possible light), and for real estate companies
RE-UPHOLSTERY SERVICE. Recover overstuffed chairs and sofas for clients in your shop (sell fabrics). Buy good furniture that needs recovering cheap at auctions to re-upholster and resell at a nice profit. Take trade-ins to re-do.
YARD CLEAN-UP. Contract with homeowners, Realtors and rental agents to clean up yards after winter, evictions, storms. Mow, remove debris, water, replant, fertilize. Use periodic ads in the paper.
TOY MANUFACTURING. Create, manufacture and market unique toys that you can make in your shop . Market to local stores, catalog sales houses or by mail. Go to and have your own booth at fairs.
WRITE FOR CHILDREN. Write poems, Sunday school stories, puzzle explanations, riddles, etc. for children. Sell to local papers, children's book publishers or in your own booklets. Check Writer's Guide in Library for more info!
GAG WRITING. Specialize in one liners and short funny situations. Sketch your ideas, list each on a separate card and file by subject matter. Offer your collection to cartoonists or comics. Get their addresses from Writer's Guide.
SCHOOL DESK SALES. Buy old school desks at sales and closed rural schools. Refurbish and decorate into nostalgic furniture, and children's furniture. Sell restored items individually, wholesale to stores or finish to order.
PROMOTIONS. Organize community and commercial promotions: order bumper stickers, posters; arrange for news releases, interviews, photo sessions. Plan agenda, schedule workers, coordinate events for a fee or percentage
PEN PAL SERVICE. Advertise in both home and overseas publications for correspondees. Charge for addresses or for a subscription to your club news with paid advertisements placed by those seeking penpals.
COSTUME RENTAL. Make (buy, sell) and alter costumes for parties, Halloween, promotions, school plays. Expand to formal clothing rentals (tuxedos, gowns).
DANCING SCHOOL. Instruct others in your dance specialty in group or individual classes. Be sure to "showcase" students to encourage them and publicize your business!
PAPER MACHE SCULPTURE. Create a selection of your "standard" caricatures, piñatas and offer custom versions. Assemble do-it-yourself kits with full instructions.
SALAD SERVICE. Make and deliver, fresh daily salad packets to small stores, lunch counters and cafes. When ready, submit bids to larger serving operations.
MAIL ORDER SALES. Find the right product, "showcase" it, advertise it, and sell it by mail (ads and/or mailing lists). Caution: heavy competition and many "sharks"!
WINDOWS AND SCREENS. Repair windows (replace glass, repair frames). Renew or rebuild screens. Offer different screens, and package prices for all new screens.
BUILDER'S CLEAN-UP. Work with contractors to clean up during and after construction jobs. Sweep out building, haul away all debris. Salvage leftovers as bonus.
COUNTER REFINISHING. Refinish, repair damaged counter tops in homes, businesses and for rental or housing agents. Advertise and list your service with hardware stores.
FURNITURE MAKING. Start with one or two popular items that you can "mass" produce easily and sell well such as bunk beds or patio chairs. Gradually add other products.
INSULATION SERVICE. Start a service to install roll, foam or bat insulation, or use your truck or trailer mounted blower to install blown-in attic and wall insulation.
MARBLE CASTING. With "synthetic" marble, cast, finish and market figurines, ashtrays, office (pen bases), home (door plates), commercial (trophies) items to order.
PILLOWS. Make and decorate designer, fancy, or "down home" pillows to sell in boutiques, fairs, party plans, sales catalogs and/or advertisements and mail order.
SECURITY PATROL. Contract with neighborhood residents to provide security patrols (car, foot) in areas needing additional protection. Notify and work with local police.
WALK WAYS. Specialize in walk ways and sidewalks of brick, stone, wood or cement. Bid on complete jobs, including materials. Expand to ramps for the handicapped.
LIMOUSINE SERVICE. Provide a chauffeured limo for special occasions and prestigious business situations. Take kids to prom, newlyweds to their hotel, meet visiting VIP's.
OIL RECLAIMING. With a mechanical filtering system, collect used oil from service stations and mechanics. Purify (strain), bottle and market as reconstituted oil.
CO-OP STORE. Form a co-op business to display and sell member products (crafts, produce, merchandise). Members share expenses, ownership, work and profits.
BEAUTY AIDS. Sell general or specialized beauty (or ethnic) supplies in your home salon or by appointment. Represent established lines and/or sell your own brand.
BOOKKEEPING SERVICE. Provide (even beginning) bookkeeping services to (especially one-person) small businesses in your area. Expand to complex systems and computer.
CREDIT CLINIC. Advise and assist people who have gotten into debt. Contact creditors to set up a repayment schedule. Show clients how to avoid future problems.
ROOFING. Repair, replace or rebuild roofs on homes and commercial buildings. Buy materials wholesale and charge retail. Subcontract some jobs for a commission.
TREE TRIMMING. Trim and shape trees and shrubs for private and commercial clients. Be sure to learn proper trimming, pruning and sealing (against pests) methods.
LUNCH WAGON. Drive your lunch wagon to business/construction/public sites to sell hot food, snacks, drinks. Work with management for parking and customer dining space.
COOLING SERVICE. Prepare complete meals at home, from your traditional or customized (gourmet, ethnic, traditional) menu to be delivered and served hot, or picked up.
BONSAI PLANTS. Grow (or buy) and arrange into attractive pots or arrangements. Retail from your home, shop or wholesale to flower shops, greenhouses and nurseries.
COLLECTION SELLING. Collect prints, recipes, hobby objects, relics, etc. to buy and sell by mail. Accumulate a supply. Learn subject well enough to trade and advise.
GARAGE CLEANING Contract to clean out garages, sheds and attics for individuals, rental agents and absentee landlords. Get paid for the work AND keep things of value.
ICE CREAM ROUTE. With portable refrigerator, sell ice cream on a daily neighborhood route. Include cold (hot in winter) drinks and other snack foods for variety.
METER REBUILDING. Buy surplus water and electrical meters from utility companies. Use special equipment to test and rebuild them for resale to RV parks, apartments.
RENTAL PREPARATION. Prepare apartments for occupancy: paint, do minor repairs, cover scratches, remove stains, replace bulbs, mow lawn, check faucets and drains.
TRANSLATION SERVICE, If bilingual, offer your services for verbal translations or do paper (letters, advertisements, instructions) translations in your "home office."
GARDEN PREPARATION. Dig (Rototill), treat, fertilize gardens for customers. Plant, cultivate, weed, maintain (water, spray), even harvest for extra charges.
COMPOSTING SERVICE. With your portable composting machine, go to client locations and reduce their brush and trimmings to compost. Charge to clear AND to compost.
CATERING SERVICE. Prepare old fashioned, gourmet or special occasion meals for clients to pick up. Use insulated canisters to keep the food hot (charge deposit).
BLACKSMITHING. Operate a small blacksmith shop in your garage or shop. Do repair and custom work. Make things to sell (weather vanes, railings) between orders.
CHAUFFEUR SERVICE. Use your "1imo" (van, station wagon) to pick up people at airports, shopping tours, to/from games, parties (check insurance, license needs).
DAY LABOR AGENCY. Specialize in providing mostly unskilled workers for short-term jobs. Keep list of workers. Be able to deliver them when, where they are needed.
HERBAL AND SPICE TEA. Blend and sell different blends of herbal teas. Include leaflets with history and folklore in each package. Use uniquely decorated containers.
JOB HUNTER COACH. Provide brush-up or short-term specialized training for job hunters (new equipment, latest programs, skill enhancement) as long school alternative.
NAIL POLISH MANUFACTURING. Buy red lacquer in bulk and bottles in bulk. Mix in various colors, bottle and sell. Add your own nail polish remover (acetone mixture).
TILE WORK. Specialize in ceramic tile: install in bathrooms, sinks, floors. Work by the hour or better still, submit bids for jobs, including the tile (at retail price).
QUILTING. Make and sell beautiful homemade quilts from "scraps" in your "spare time." Take color photographs of each quilt and make a "catalog" to show them.
PLANT SCULPTURE. A profitable specialty: braid trunks, shape into interesting forms. Trim, bend, graft, to create valuable sculptures that bring premium prices.
LAPIDARY (GEM MAKING). Operate a "rock shop" in your garage. Cut, polish facet, shape and mount gems in findings. Sell mounted, unmounted gems and jewelry.
HOME HANDYMAN. Perform handyman services for those who can't or don't have the time. Make good money and save customers the cost of an expensive technician.
FLOWER DRYING. Raise or buy dryable flowers and shrubs for retail and wholesale customers: one kind packets or arrangements. Sell kits with complete instructions.
DUMP TRUCK. With your own truck, take orders from your "home office" to deliver loads of fill, topsoil, sand, gravel etc. to homeowners, landscapers and contractors.
CEMETERY CARE. Contract with cemetery associations, authorities (or families for small plots) to provide care for grounds, or specific services for individual graves.
DELIVERY SERVICE. Contract with local markets, drug stores and pizza parlors to deliver to their customers on a retainer basis. Call in for orders or use car phone.
IRON CHAIRS. Locate and restore old iron chairs and tables. Remove rust, re-weld as necessary, sand and apply quality primer and rustproof paint. Sell and guarantee.
CEMENT JOBS, SMALL,. Contract small jobs with your mixer, equipment and truck. Haul your own materials. Do small profitable jobs big companies can't afford to bid on.
MOVING ASSISTANCE. With your truck, HELP clients move (vice "move" them - to stay legal). Have standby crew ready to assist. Charge for your time and "expenses."
TAlCHAN or OIGONG CLASSES. Specialize in leading and teaching Asian aerobic exercises. They should be especially attractive to office workers and the elderly.
BAIL BONDING. Establish a bail bonding service in your community AFTER checking on state and local laws. Place your phone number and name on a BIG sign near the jail!
CARPET REPAIR. Repair burns, tears, bad and worn spots in carpets for individuals, rental agencies, businesses, hotels. Good sideline for carpet cleaners, dyers, installers.
TREE FARMING. Start from seed or obtain seedlings (liners) from large growers. Plant, provide minimal care and wait for market size growth, then dig up and sell.
JANITORIAL SERVICE. Contract to clean business and institutions on regular basis. Find out exact requirements and submit your bid on each contract. Bond all employees.
METAL CASTING. Operate a metal foundry in your garage workshop. Cast parts to order and/or make things to sell. Buy or pick up scrap metal to melt down or re-sell.
FLEAMARKET BOOTH. Buy one or more categories of merchandise from closeout suppliers and operate a flea market booth. Keep stock in a van and drive to and from.
JICAMA FARMING. Grow and market the delicious (and expensive) water chestnut-like jicama (heck'-e-ma), a sweet potato related climbing vine that likes long, hot summers.
PRIVATE USED CAR LOT. Rent space to private owners to display their "for sale" cars, etc., on your car lot. Put up a sign, take calls, sell placards to sellers.
TAMALES AND TACOS. Take orders for tamales, tacos (or other specialties) in your kitchen for customer or pick-up (or delivery to restaurants). Freeze leftovers.
POOL TABLE REPAIR. Recover and refurbish pool tables for businesses and private parties, sell materials, buy and sell used tables. Sell and/or repair accessories.
HOUSE PAINTING. Contract to paint houses and apartments by the hour or job. Pay high school or college kids a percentage or hourly fee to help, provide the paint.
FLOOR REFINISHING. Sand, bleach, repair and refinish wood floors. Refurbish linoleum with your own or rented equipment, install new linoleum and baseboards.
FLOWER BUSINESS. Grow and supply freshly cut flowers to markets and florists. Offer seasonal or specialize in one or two greenhouse/shade house varieties.
BAR-B-QUE. Set up a portable meat smoker to take to fairs, parades and festivals. Have a supply of meat ready, but keep AROMA going to attract more business.
MOLDING Cast cement statues, birdbaths, waterfalls and lawn ornaments. Offer texture & color variations, custom finishing, water and lighting kits.
CROSSWORDS, FOREIGN LANGUAGE. Design and market crossword puzzles: words in one language, definitions in another. Sell to language schools and by mail order.
RECIPE SALES. Perfect your favorite recipes. Promote and sell them individually, in small sets, or collections. Sell something that will make the cook look great!
SNOW CONE STAND. Sell shaved ice cones from your stand or van: as many flavors as possible. Include other products to increase sales: hot coffee on a cold day.
PRODUCT REPACKAGING. Buy bulk products (nails, beans, vinegar) by the ton or barrel. Re-package into neatly labeled packets, pints, boxes and sell for much more.
MUSIC, LIVE. Arrange for live music for weddings, parties, festivals, banquets, even club dates. Have several types of groups, styles and price ranges on call.
DEHYDRATING BUSINESS. Build your own (solar?) drier to dry in-season fruits and vegetables. When cured, package for retail and/or wholesale customers.
CUSTODIAL SERVICE. Contract to maintain office buildings and warehouses: change light bulbs, fix windows, oil fans, fill cracks, fix leaks, replace locks, replace tile, etc.
CONSIGNMENT SALES. With a display area, accept and tastefully display interesting items (only) to sell on consignment. Have forms for written sales agreements.
SELFMADE OPPORTUNITIES. Find a "deal" on a piece of new or used equipment (watch the paper; go to sales). Learn to operate it properly and start your business!
CEILING RENEWAL. Clean (renew) walls and acoustic ceilings in homes, offices, condos, stores. Save customers the price of new paint or ceiling. List with hardware stores.
CEMENT BLOCKS. Mold small orders of standard or custom blocks (building, stepping stones, curbs) in all colors. Take orders, sell from your "yard" and through nurseries.
BEAN SPROUTS. Grow fresh bean sprouts on a rotating basis: have new crop every week or as needed to supply restaurants, vegetable markets and retail customers.
MIDNIGHT SNACKS. Prepare and deliver hot coffee, sandwiches and other snacks to night shift workers, night owls and late parties. Advertise on all night radio.
BATIK CREATION. Learn this ancient process: dip fabric in wax, crinkle, scratch or melt design into the wax, then dip into dye. Clean, stretch, dry into a valuable decoration.
BALLOON STAND. Set up your booth or table with an air tank (helium) and supply of balloons and accessories. Sell at parades, fairs, flea markets, wherever kids are!
JEWELRY CREATIONS. Use your talent and ingenuity to mass produce or individually create exquisite jewelry -- from virtually anything from diamonds to sliced bamboo.
SHUTTLE SERVICE. Use your van to pick up and deliver commuters in cities. Save your customers the cost of a second car or risk of leaving their vehicles untended in parking lots.
SEED PACKETS. Collect and label packets of selected wild flowers native to your area. Include picture, instructions and folklore on each package. Advertise in garden magazines.
CROSSWORD PUZZLES. Construct crossword puzzles for local (then larger) markets; Offer variety of subjects, themes and sizes and subjects in different degrees of difficulty.
GENEALOGY. Trace and document family archives. Provide full records to descendants. Offer a package service based on routine checks of information provided by clients.
FLEA MARKET. Set up and manage a flea market at your (own or rented) location. Charge for spaces and booths, sell drinks and snacks. Advertise, provide parking and protection.
GRAPHOANALYSIS. Upon completion of training, offer your services as a handwriting analyst to individuals, law enforcement agencies and attorneys from your office or by mail.
LEATHER HARNESS REPAIR. Specialize in the repair of leather harness and tack (in areas with horses). Go to shows and list with tack stores and advertise in horse publications.
SLIDE SHOWS. With your slides and equipment, offer a selection of narrated presentations to interested groups (PTA, church groups, clubs). Mail ads to prospective customer groups.
MUSIC BOXES. Assemble, finish and install music works in standard models and your own unique music box creations. Sell through ads and displays and to local and catalog stores.
SEMINAR PROMOTION. Conduct business or learning seminars in your area of expertise or hire experts to cover virtually any subject. Lease the hall, promote, sell tickets and snacks.
UMPIRING. Work as an umpire for little league, company or institution teams (any non-professional sports). If necessary, start as a volunteer for experience. Move up when qualified.
REAL PEOPLE DOLLS. Make and dress doll representations of real people (heroes, historical, client/client's kids). Include info card; present in attractive glass display boxes.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS. Compile, publish and distribute a neighborhood newspaper with local news and opinions. Include lots of names (balance required), sell copies and ads.
DRIVING SERVICE. Drive other people's cars for them: drive second car to their new home, be their vacation driver, deliver car/truck/RV to them at the station and take the bus home.
OPINION SAMPLING. Contract to conduct opinion polls in your area - by phone, door-to-door, or on the street. Work with businesses, media, list with an ad agency, or just place ads.
BOOKBINDING. Set up a bookbinding and book repair service in your shop. Advertise and list your service with libraries, bookstores, printers, schools, literary clubs, collectors.
WOOD NOVELTIES. In your wood shop, make whirl-i-birds, small cabinets, and novelties to sell at flea markets, wholesale to local stores and sales through mail order catalogs.
GREETING CARD MAKING. Design and print (have printed) standard and custom greeting and all occasion cards. Include personalized, area, school and "company" oriented versions.
CRAFTS INSTRUCTION. In your own craft shop (or the public library), conduct do-it-yourself craft courses and projects for pupils. Don't overlook special projects just for children.
ELDERLY TRANSPORT. Provide scheduled "taxi" service for elderly and/or handicapped. Run regular daily routes with side trips and shopping "sprees" in between scheduled runs.
PASTE CRAFT. Glue unusual fabrics onto hard surfaces (trays, dishes) to sell in craft shops. Sell finished items and also the materials. Teach the art and sell do-it-yourself kits.
FIREWORKS. Put up a lockable stand and big sign in a prominent (legal) area. Sell fireworks in season and lease the booth and BACK of the sign between fireworks seasons.
BALLOON STAND. Set up your booth or table with an air tank (helium) and supply of balloons and accessories. Display and sell them at parades, fairs, flea markets.
HOME HANDYMAN. Perform handyman services for those who can't or don't have time. Make it clear what you do and get paid for your time, not fixing things. Save customers money!
REPORTING, LOCAL. Gather information and write items about your neighborhood, club or town for your home town paper. Make your articles interesting to potential readers in the area.
HOME SITTING. Agree to stay in OR look after houses, apartments while owners are away (water flowers, remove papers, turn on lights). Call the owners in the event of emergency.
RAG DOLLS. Make and sell rag, sock and similar stuffed dolls in your own unique fashion. Attach your own label and offer on consignment to stores in your area and nationwide.
STAMP DEALING. Buy, sell and/or trade postage stamps of the USA and/or world. Buy in bulk, sell packets, mixture sets and singles to beginning or intermediate collectors.
CANDLE MAKING. Turn a hobby into a profitable business. Design your own line, offer custom styling, scents and special effects. Between orders, make a variety of items to display.
KITCHENWARE RENEWAL. Specialize in the renewal of fine cutlery, pans and wood kitchen utensils. Refinish, install new handles, reshape, make pieces to match missing parts of sets.
OWNER'S AGENT. Check on and report condition of absentee owner's property (whether rented or vacant). Recommend (and arrange for, when authorized) necessary repairs or maintenance.
HOMEOPATHY. Specialize in natural remedy products and related folklore. Provide information on "reputed" remedial properties, but be very careful not to represent as "cures".
WOODEN TOYS. Set up an assembly line to mass produce native wood toys from your shop for large markets. Rent booths at shows to help locate big buyers; contact mail order houses.
RESIDENTIAL POSTCARDS. Take pictures of picturesque or well-kept homes and make into postcards. Mail to homeowners with offer of additional copies at a "special, reduced" price.
SEWING CLASSES. When qualified, hold sewing classes in your home. Offer full courses and special "how-to" seminars for specific techniques. Sell material and supplies to students.
HANGING PLANTS. Specialize in hanging plants of all sizes and descriptions. Display only when in peak condition in various types of attractive pots, holders and hangers.
MERCHANDISE APPRAISAL. When qualified, offer a "certified" appraisal service to prospective buyers, sellers, insurance companies and market surveyors in your field of expertise.
QUILTING. Make and sell beautiful homemade quilts from "scraps" in your "spare time". Take color photographs of each quilt, attach your label and make up a "catalog" to show them.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL. Rent out your tools and equipment (after retirement?). Expand your rental inventory by looking for bargains at sales and buying large items for rental contracts.
CHILD PICK-UP SERVICE. Pick up and deliver client's kids after school, theater, games. Pick-up, deliver to parties, but charge if you have to stay with them until the parents return.
CANE MAKING. Gather promising green hardwood pieces (like hickory) and bend and shape into interesting canes. Look for unusual shapes. Add tips, special effects and a nice finish.
UNDERCOVER CRITIC. Evaluate restaurants, hotels as a patron. Report findings to owners, head office, or compile info for your own column or dining and accommodation guide.
HERBAL AND SPICE TEA. Blend and sell different blends of herbal teas. Include leaflets with history and folklore in each package. Use uniquely decorated, preferably tin containers.
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR. For a one-time fee, represent and advise either the real estate buyer or the seller (real estate agents represent neither really, they just want the sale).
RENTAL AGENCY. Represent homeowners or real estate agents. Place ads, show properties, collect rents, have repairs made, check on renters; have units readied for new tenants.
COLLECTION AGENCY. Work with one or more professional collection agencies; solicit delinquent accounts from local businesses. Earn a percentage of monies they collect.
COOKBOOK PUBLISHING. Publish a cookbook of your own favorite recipes (usually a catchy, interesting subject collection). Promote and sell through appearances, ads and stores.
HOME LIBRARY SERVICE. Go to homes (businesses) with large book collections Set up system for clients to maintain, or provide librarian services on a periodic basis. Sell kits!
HERB HOUSE. Grow, process and sell herbs that grow well in your area (or greenhouse). Package products separately and in blends (pickling preparations, sausage or chili seasoning).
NEEDLECRAFT. Make and sell homemade items (pot holders, bonnets, towel rings). Attach your label and sell on consignment, to mail order catalog companies, or through parties.
HOUSEHOLD INVENTORIES. Conduct official independent inventories and evaluations of personal collections, valuable furniture and family assets for insurance or probate needs.
TOUR ORGANIZER. Arrange for a bus, refreshments and agenda; sell tickets (cancel when not profitable). Offer guides, musicians, box lunches; package rates for out-of-town events.
TOWN HISTORY. If none exists, "publish" a booklet about your town. Sell direct or offer to merchants to sell or give away as goodwill (consider including paid advertisements).
PET TOMBSTONES. Mold concrete markers for pet graves. Place reverse "epitaph" letters into the mold, pour in your mixture, remove and polish into an "engraved stone".
CONSUMER ADVISOR. Advertise your free advice by phone of what and where to buy products for best values. Select from a list suppliers who pay you a fee to be recommended.
RESIDENCE RECIPROCAL. Arrange for home/farm/condo owners to swap homes for vacations. Charge membership plus a small amount for matches. Advertise for members in travel magazines.
BRIDGE LESSONS. Give Bridge, etc., lessons in your home when you are qualified. Charge by the lesson, or course. Hold tournaments, award prizes. Publicize your student's achievements!
VENDING MACHINE. Buy, fill and place coin operated candy, gum, cigarette, drink or postage machines in strategic locations. Maintain, refill and collect coins on regular route.
BASKET WEAVING. Design, make and sell a variety of your basket creations: plain and decorated . Sell various fibers, plans and do-it-yourself instruction kits.
CAT FURNITURE. Specialize in furniture and accessories for cats: toys, scratch poles, inside and outside sleeping boxes, leashes. Grow, dry and package your own catnip for toys.
HOME SECURITY. Provide clients with thorough check of their homes/businesses. Recommend specific security measures and procedures to eliminate or minimize risks and exposure.
BUILDER'S CLEAN-UP. Work with contractors to clean up after construction jobs. Sweep out building, pick up and haul away all debris and salvage leftovers as bonus.
VIDEO WILLS. After determining legal requirements in your state, use teleprompter and script to record client's official will. Offer update services. Combine with inventory service?
BROMELIADS. Specialize in culture of these beautiful pineapple relatives with their hauntingly beautiful bloom. Sell growing on driftwood arrangements for highest prices.
POMANDERS. Revive this old Egyptian art: process oranges into hardened, long-lasting sachets. Use spice and perfume mixtures and penetrating cloves. Package attractively and sell!
BULLET CASTING. Cast and sell custom made ammunition for unusual or special purpose weapons. Build an inventory of popular sizes in spare time; sell kits and supplies.
WINDOW BOXES. Build cedar or waterproofed wood flower boxes for windows and to hang over railings. Use rustproof screws or nails. Offer various sizes and tin lined models.
BOTTLE STRETCHING. Make unusual vases and figures by heating, stretching and sometimes cutting various bottles in your ceramic kiln. Do custom "stretching" of client pieces.
WELCOME WAGON. Visit and personally welcome new arrivals on behalf of stores, professionals, organizations and officials in your community. Deliver coupons and complimentary offers.
CACTUS CULTURE. Propagate, grow, groom and arrange native and exotic cacti for retail and wholesale markets. Prepare information cards about the species to include with each plant.
FUND-RAISING. Help local organizations raise money. Plan, promote, organize and manage their efforts. Receive commissions from suppliers plus a percentage for your expert management.
CERAMIC FINISHING. Apply your expert finishes, designs and/or details to ceramic ware for retail or wholesale clients. Make items to retail, display or wholesale between jobs.
DOLL CLOTHES. Difficult work for expert seamstress, but pays well. Work with doll makers, collectors, sell at fairs and through advertisements in doll related publications.
DECOY FINISHING. Buy "carved" bird decoys and hand-finish to resell or custom finish for particular clients. Specialize in one specie or offer a variety of birds. Make some into lamps!
FISHING GEAR REPAIR. Repair fishing rods, reels and nets. Sell replacement parts. List at boat basins and lakes; advertise in fishing guides, store bulletins and a large sign by the lake.
BUSINESS TUTORING. Teach your skills to others, either in classes or individually. Help others get jobs, land accounts and get promotions. Good for retired managers, executives.
SCHOOL TYPING. Operate a typing/word processing service for other students: type assignments in draft and then in final form. Charge by the page; extra to correct spelling and/or grammar and for rush jobs.
TEACHER DIRECTORY. Collect and publish names, credentials, photos of teachers in your area or at your school. Include their education, some background, current duties, interests and other qualifications. Sell to educators and the teachers.
CHAIR CANING. Use cane, plastic or other interesting materials to weave chair, etc., seats and backs onto casual and picturesque chairs for clients. Buy old chairs at bargain prices & re-glue, refinish, re-cane and sell.
MINERALS AND GEMS. Where petrified wood, meteorites, jade or other potential gem minerals are available, gather, sort and process them. Sell finished jewelry and polished or cut stones, create displays.
GARAGE SALES. Buy a variety of bargain priced items at auctions and other garage sales (learn which things sell best). Clean them up (don't repair). Store until sufficiently stocked, then have your own sale " or "joint" sales.
BALLOON BOUQUETS. Make up and sell balloon arrangements for special occasions. Add other unusual features, such as "talking" strings, delivery in costume or with a song (from a pocket recorder?).
TELEPHONE SALES. Call listed or phone book names to sell merchandise, services or subscriptions for a commission or hourly basis. Consider adding your own products where you keep all the profit.
BASKET WEAVING. Design, make and sell a variety of your basket creations: plain and decorated (or with arrangements). Include a small descriptive folder with each basket indicating it's lore.
CAT FURNITURE. Specialize in furniture and accessories for cats: toys, rug covered scratch poles, inside and outside sleeping boxes, leashes, even clothing. Grow and dry your own catnip for toy stuffing and sales.
TUTOR REFERRAL. List teacher specialties and availability for private sessions. Advertise for students and schedule them for tutor sessions. Arrange for student group tutorials for reviews to brush up for exams and tests.
LITTLE LEAGUE CARDS. Take pictures of small fry baseball, etc., players, posed in uniform with their equipment Have printed on cards with name, position and other' information. Sell in sets with extra copies for parents.
CACTUS CULTURE. Propagate, grow, and arrange native and exotic cacti for retail and wholesale markets. Prepare information booklets about the species for each plant. Expand to hybrids and grafting and unusual specimens for extra profit.
CALLIGRAPHY. Easily learned by an artistic person: work through stationery stores, distribute (calligraphed, of course) cards (display one in local paper). Print graduation announcements, wedding invitations, place cards and theme paper covers.
SHRUBS. Learn to start, train and nurture shrubs that do well in your area. Display the best specimens in proper sized pots and planting mixtures. Include an info folder with each . Charge to deliver, plant and guarantee.
CHILDREN'S STORIES. Compose (or adapt) stories to relate at kid's parties. Create your own props and encourage audience participation. When story line is perfected, write it for publication.
CHRISTMAS DECORATING. Make up a variety of Christmas (or any holiday) decorations to sell at peak periods. Offer prepared and customized arrangements, for room decorations or to mail home. Buy your supplies in bulk .
STAND-IN DAREDEVIL. Advertise your service to perform difficult (awkward, embarrassing or proxy) tasks for clients (break dates, apologize, pay overdue debts). Charge for your time, mileage and for any actual physical risk.
DAY LABOR AGENCY. Specialize in unskilled or semi-skilled workers for short-term or part-time jobs. Keep list of workers, their job qualifications and their availability. Be able to deliver workers when and where needed
DECORATIVE PATCHES. Design patches, quilted names and sew-on decals for sweat shirts, garden shirts, club jackets etc. Make up models to show. Offer custom made garments, patch adding service, or do-it-yourself kits.
RENTAL PREPARATION. Prepare apartments and rent houses for re-occupancy. Do touch-up painting, minor repairs, cover scratches, remove stains, replace bulbs, mow lawn, fix leaky faucets and drains, shampoo rug etc.
POPCORN PRODUCTS. Make up, seal and market various popcorn base products. Give your recipes unique, exotic names. Create colorful holiday, special occasion containers to attract attention and show off your product.
LAWN DISPLAYS. Make and sell painted plywood holiday displays for lawns Offer lighted versions; charge extra to deliver and set up or pick up. Use Outdoor plywood (preferably signboard) quality.
BABY SITTING SERVICE. Accumulate a list of qualified, bonded sitters and advise them of your rules. Advertise your service and rates. Deliver and pick up sitters if necessary. Pay sitters a percentage of the fee .
GARAGE CLEANING. Contract to clean out garages, sheds and attics for individuals, rental agents and absentee landlords. Charge by the hour or bid on the entire job. Get paid for the work and keep anything of value.
COMPUTER TUTOR. Go to client's home or office and instruct them to use their equipment and operate their programs. Advertise your consulting service to prospective buyers of equipment and programs.
GARDEN PREPARATION. Offer digging (Rototill) service, with options to treat and fertilize gardens for customers. Plant, cultivate, weed, maintain (water, spray), even harvest for extra charges.
GOPHER CONTROL. Contract to rid yards and gardens of these pests. Clean up hills (smooth, water down). Set traps, use gas "bombs", gas engine exhaust or treated bait. Guarantee your service for 90 days.
GOURD CULTURE. Grow or process a variety of interesting gourds. Make them into decorations, utensils, painted figures, bird houses. Retail finished gourds and do-it-yourself finishing kits. Sell seed packets with instructions to grow gourds.
HOLIDAY, SPECIAL EVENT BASKETS. Prepare holiday and special event baskets of fruit, flowers and other "goodies." Have a retail display and take custom orders. Offer local stores baskets on consignment: let stores take orders for you for a commission.
HOME HANDYMAN. Perform handyman services for those who can't or don't have the time. Advertise clearly what you do, keep your appointments and guarantee your work. Make money while saving your customers an expensive service call.
HOME STUDY COURSES. Sell/rent new and used home study courses. Buy new courses on sale (when available) then buy them back from students (when in good condition). Consider giving tests and issuing a diploma upon successful completion.
HOSPITAL GROOMING. Assist patients with nail, hair, skin care in hospitals and nursing homes. License may not be needed when you help patients to "do it themselves". Make appointments for this service or visit on a scheduled or route basis.
HOUSE PAINTING. Contract to paint houses and apartments or rooms by the job. Have assistance (other students?) on hand when needed. Increase your profit by supplying quality (only) paint and supplies and bidding on the entire job.
PET SITTING. Feed, water, exercise, clean up after and check on pets twice a day (or as agreed) in their homes while owners are away. Offer additional services, such as checking the mail. Call owners or veterinarian if there are any problems.
WOODEN NAME TAGS. With template, scroll or jigsaw, fashion desk signs, name tags, door names, etc., from various types of ordinary and expensive wood and plywood. Apply exotic finishes and use quality bases. Native woods may be popular.
EXERCISE COMPANION. Serve as a walking, jogging or aerobics companion for company, morale support and extra protection (good in cities). Carry any necessary (legal) protection (e.g., canes). Help client stick to their exercise schedule.
CUSTOM CLOTHING DESIGNS. Paint, block print or transfer unique or custom designs onto items of clothing: smocks, T-Shirts, jackets and fabrics to be made into clothing. Use designs, illustrations, cartoons, school emblems, popular themes.
LIGHT HAULING. Use your pick-up or van to pick up groceries, haul off used bricks or deliver a large doghouse. Advertise with magnetic truck signs, in the yellow pages and paper. Hire helpers when jobs require; even others with trucks.
REPORTING, LOCAL. Gather and write items about your neighborhood, school, town for local or home town paper. If necessary work free (at first) to gain experience and "name." For early acceptance, write articles about local people.
MACRAME. Make and sell a good selection of hangers and hangings. Take orders for custom work. Find (and keep secret) good sources for materials, make up and sell do-it-yourself kits. Place your creations on consignment in local stores.
ERRAND SERVICE. Run errands for individuals and businesses: go to the corner store or across the country. Deliver and pick up messages, important papers, messages. Use helpers (on percentage basis) when needed to ensure prompt service.
CHILDREN'S TOWN HISTORY. Write a booklet about your (or their) town just for kids. Include photos or drawings to stimulate and hold interest. Sell copies to doctors, dentists, hospitals and banks (to use in their offices or give away).
PAPER ROUTE. Operate one or more newspaper routes. Large routes can be operated with a car, especially with two people. More than one paper can be handled when schedules don't conflict (just don't tell either about the other).
SIGN RETOUCHING. Use quality regular or luminous paint to re-touch painted signs (no special talent needed!). Charge much less than sign painter and provide results that spruce up your customer's image and ave them a good deal of money.
PET CAGES. Build standard and custom cages for birds, cats, hamsters. Offer a line for travel and/or shipping as well as models that can double as a place to keep the animals while the family is on a trip. Include cage covers and accessories.
SHOPPING SERVICE. Go grocery shopping for busy or house bound clients. Get their list, buy and deliver. Use your shopping and pricing knowledge to get clients the best values for their money. Charge a percentage of the bill for your services.
POOL AND SAUNA CARE. Provide regular or on-call cleaning and regular maintenance for home and commercial swimming pools and sauna systems. Work with distributors or place ads for your service. Refer repair work for finder's fees.
DISK JOCKEY. With your music library, equipment and talent, take charge of the music at parties, business banquets and weddings. Offer a selection of music and package deals. Agree on the type of music and length of time you are to play.
TEMPLE RUBBINGS. With a large lumber type crayon and large sheet of rugged paper, copy stone or metal relief designs. Place the paper over the design and rub with the crayon to form a rustic representation. Seal (spray), frame and sell.
PUPPET MAKING. Create your own puppets (cartoon, caricatures or custom faces). Give shows at children's (or young adult) parties. Train both "actors" and puppet makers. Charge for your shows. Make and sell puppets, skits and accessories.
ROOMMATE REFERRAL. List and "match" singles, etc., desiring company and expense sharing help. Consider apartment needs, proximity to job or school, finances AND personalities. Good part-time project for person with a computer!
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY. Specialize in class, team and school group photography. Sell picture packets, trading photos, graduation photographs, prom and homecoming photos plus pictures of students involved in school events (games, honors, etc.).
PLANT INSTALLATION. Work with nurseries. Deliver, properly plant and prune new trees and shrubs. Provide initial watering and starter chemicals. Leave verbal and/or written instructions with customers on how to properly care for their shrubs.
SHUT-IN SERVICE. Call and/or visit temporary or permanent shut-ins on behalf of absentee or working relatives. Take books and magazines, play games, read to them, listen to them, and be their friend. Report any problems to the relatives.
SNOW CONE STAND. Sell shaved ice cones from your stand or van: with as many flavors as possible. Have a large sign with enticing illustration. Include other products to augment sales: candy, popcorn, hot dogs and coffee for cold days.
SNOW REMOVAL. Use your shovel or snow blower to clear walks on a one-time basis or by the season (retainer plus time basis) for private residences and/or business locations. Sell and apply chemicals to help keep waIkways clear.
STORM WINDOWS. Advertise each spring and fall to put up and take down storm windows. Expand to a complete winterizing service: caulking, weather stripping. Carry a small supply of needed materials to sell to customers.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES. Record (tape or VCR) school band, plays, recitals. Sell complete copies as well as selected "up close and personal" shots that features one person or a small group. Sell these to proud moms and dads (or the students).
BALLOON STAND. Set up your booth or table with an air tank (helium) and supply of balloons and accessories. Sell at parades, fairs, flea markets, ball games, wherever the kids are! Booth can be a light trailer that unfolds, ready to set up.
TELEPHONE CANVASSING. Contract with salesmen or businesses to obtain leads for them or customer info from your telephone operation. Charge by the number of leads provided. Hire assistants as needed; graduate to selling your own line.
TOWN HISTORY. If none exists, "publish" a booklet about your (or any) town. Sell or consign to merchants for resale. Or, show merchants a draft, sell ads and let participating merchants give them away as "permanent" advertising. Or, both!
TRASH CAN HOLDERS. Improve the environment: offer several models, colors and price ranges of dog-proof but eye pleasing trash can bins and holders with covers. Arrange to sell new trash cans that fit the holders for an extra commission.
MOTHER NATURE'S SEEDS. In your travels, gather (pick, buy) wildflower seeds. Seal and label, then take home and cultivate carefully to produce seeds for nature's plants "from around the nation." Sell in individual and mixture seed packets.
BIRDHOUSE BUILDING. Build and decorate fine, scientifically designed bird houses and feeders for native birds as well as those that migrate to or through your area. Make up little info folders for each model listing its application.
BIRTHDAY LISTS. Compile birthday (anniversary, etc.) mailing lists to rent to merchants. Or, contract to mail cards out each season on their behalf, with their return address. Get info from tax and voting lists, from drawings and contests.
FLYER DISTRIBUTION. Hire students to distribute ads, samples, coupons, announcements, door-to-door or on parked car windows. Charge extra to record occupant reactions. Contract with individual businesses and advertising agencies.
RESIDENTIAL POSTCARDS. Take flattering pictures of well-kept homes (business fronts, too!) and have printed as postcards. Mail sample postcards to homeowners with an offer of 2 dozen or so additional copies at a "special introductory" price.
LOCAL HEROES. Research and write items about local citizens that qualify as heroics (police, scouts, lady pioneers, ancestors, office holders). Sell to local publications, subject's family. After writing several, publish as a collection.
SAWDUST MOLDING. Use free sawdust (yours or from mill) Mix with glue, sand, pumice, etc. Mold into figurines, lamp bases and other products. Develop your own sawdust, glue, coloring recipes. Make molds with rubber mold compound.
MINIATURE GARDENS. Create various sizes of garden-like display containers of live plants for hospital sick rooms, boxes for balconies, rooftop planters, offices and apartments. Include instructions for plant care so your products will last.
BUILDER'S CLEAN-UP. Clean up nails, wrappers, wood scraps after construction jobs. Sweep out building, pick up and haul away all debris. Salvage leftovers as a bonus. Work with contractors in your area - call them and offer your services.
TEXTBOOK EXCHANGE. Buy, sell trade and rent textbooks, reference books and clean workbooks in demand near educational institutions. Offer your service by mail to new students. Advertise that you take in trades (last year's subject for this).
SCARECROWS. Create interesting and authentic scarecrows for gardeners and garden displays. Sell do-it-yourself kits, complete with frames, straw, old clothes, frames, hand and face parts. Design and offer wind-driven movements as extras.
HOUSEHOLD PACKER. Work on-call with moving companies and/or advertise your services to self-movers (list with truck rentals). Find a source for packing materials and make an extra commission on them. Help customer move for an additional fee.
ESCORT SERVICE. Supply (legitimate) escorts for social events, official and business functions. Advertise for on-call escorts. Interview, qualify and have bonded. Have strict rules on conduct with signed employee contract agreements.
EDUCATIONAL CASSETTES. Make, duplicate and market cassettes: technical studies, bible readings, children's stories, educational lectures (with permission), textbook chapters, language declensions, etc. Sell to stores or rent to students.
BUTTON MAKING. Make and sell buttons and badges for promotions, special events and elections (both sides!). Work from a corner in your home; travel to and set up booths at fairs. Prepare buttons in advance for games, causes, celebrations.
AUTO THEFT PROTECTION. Offer a variety of devices, systems and price ranges that you can install (and maintain) to help prevent your customers cars from being stolen. Work with security supply houses and/or design your own deterrents.
DAMAGE REPAIR. Restore property damaged by vandalism. Hire fellow students to clean, paint over graffiti, make minor repairs, replace glass. Provide owners with itemized list of duties performed and supplies utilized (for insurance).
LAMP SHADES, PHOTO. Make lamp shades from translucent, heat resistant materials with family or fellow student photos (with school emblems, pretty coeds, football heroes). Use client's pictures or take them anew to adorn the custom lamp shades.
COPYRIGHT FREE BOOKLETS. Advertise and sell unprotected booklets from government/state/university printing facilities. Reproduce them (most are copyright free), but do not claim authorship. Offer a selection to customers answering your ads.
ETHNIC ARTIFACTS. Buy/create and market one category of products (Indian, Black heritage, German). Focus your advertising and expertise on a specific market segment. It's cheaper than "shotgun" advertising and undoubtedly, more profitable.
TELEVISION COMPUTER PICTURES - lease a computer printer and a video camera and a monitor screen
that produces large-size, high contrast portraits of customers in 30 seconds, while they wait. You will find this a sure-fire crowd attracter, as the printer chatters away. Set up in a crowded resort are. Charge at least $4 a picture, framed in a simple mat, almost all of which is gross profit. Net cost of all materials, about 8 cents. Hot source: The equipment to do this is available from Sketch Division, 140 Wood Road, Braintree, Mass. 02184
BADGE MAKING - Rent a small multilith printing machine and a badge sealing machine, and using self-adhesive Presstype for typesetting, design and set cut sayings for the badges. Sell as a custom service, making slogans to order, or make a wide range of far-out sayings in bulk quantities and sell them to local gift and novelty shops for
resale.
CONSIGNMENT SHOP- It requires very little capital and accepts goods for sale from members of the public and sells these items for them on a commission basis. You might try a wide variety of items at first, to see what sells best and most regularly.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL - Be the source of supplies for do-it-yourselfers. Working only Saturdays and Sundays, when they do, you rent out power tools, such as circular saws, jigsaws, reciprocating saws, gasoline chainsaws, electric drills, electric planers, belt and orbital sanders, routers, paint sprayers, wallpaper-removal steamers, staple guns, pumps, home cleaning machines, Roto-tillers, and other equipment for daily fees. Operate out of your garage.
TALENT BUREAU FOR PARTIES - Using local ads, or your own contacts, line up 10 to 20 local entertainers, magicians, comics, puppeteers and other talents, and supply them for parties, club meetings and other functions. Have a list of films you can also supply for the same, or other groups, which they can project themselves, if they wish, or you will supply an operator.
THROWING PARTIES FOR PROFIT - Everyone loves to go to a party, and nowadays some smart operators make a mint running them for everybody who wants to attend. You can too! Hire a hall and a band, plan to set up a bar (if you can get a temporary liquor permit), and promote it with ads, handbills, bumper stickers and lamp-post posters. Special parties aimed at a particular group do best, such as singles, or under-thirties, or over-forties. This idea is especially good in college towns.
START A HOBBY CENTER - Make money on your unused space (and maybe the power tools you've already paid for!) Turn your basement into a woodworking center, your spare bedroom into a photo darkroom, and your garage into a pottery workshop with a wheel and a small kiln. Rent the space and equipment by the hour, expand into more hobbies as time and money permit, and charge additional fees for instruction in any of those fields you're good at.
ORGANIZE A BABYSITTING SERVICE - One of the troubles most people find is that their babysitter is always busy just the night they want to go out. You set up a service, finding good reliable teenage girls and boys, middle-aged or older women, and act as a go-between, providing sitters whenever your customers want them, collecting the fees, and paying the sitters. Advertise your service, and handbills house-to-house locally being a good way.
MAKE MONEY FROM YOU HOBBIES - Are you an expert at something that you do at home for fun? Then make it pay off for you! If you're a gourmet cook, give cooking lessons in the haut cuisine. If you're an accomplished painter in oils or water-color, offer a portrait-painting service. If you're a skilled carpenter, design and make custom cabinets to order. Almost any hobby you're good at can be turned to making a profit if you think about it carefully, and decide who could use your expertise - as a consultant in that field, if nothing else. All you really have to do to get started is to place an ad!
PUBLISH A BUY/SWAP PAPER IN YOUR TOWN - Get money from both ends in this sweetheart deal. Publish the weekly paper with classified ads from the public offering stuff for sale, arranged according to category, and charge the people for their ads (some operators let them pay only if and when they sell, but in that case charge them a percentage of the selling price, 5% for smaller items, 2% or 3% for automobiles), and then sell the newspaper (suggest price is 25 cents) as well, through local newsstands and by subscription (in the mail). Once you have a fairly decent circulation, local merchants will also pay you for display ads, because they know people really read buy and swap newspapers religiously cover-to-cover.
CUSTOM PHOTO DEVELOPING - Quality is essential, and speed is generally also required, although you can charge a premium for rush service. If you already have an elaborate dark-room set-up in your home, so much the better, but if not it can be fitted in anywhere you have room, the basement being ideal, since windows are not a requirement. You must be able not only to develop and print every normal size of film from 35 mm to 8" x 10" but handle enlargements up to a minimum of 30" x 40", and preferably 5" 8*" or more, and do copying both of opaque material and slides. An ability to offer retouching, restoration and coloring as well is helpful, even if you have to send that specialized work out.
PUBLISH A PART TIME JOB DIRECTORY - Make this a newsstand book, as well as offering it, with small ads, by mail order. List all the possible jobs people can get part-time, especially angling it at college kids on vacation, teachers after school hours, housewives with time on their hands, and moonlighters looking for part-time second jobs.
RUN A CHILDRENS "EXPLORER CLUB" Take kids on Saturday and Sunday outings. Ten kids each day, to zoos, farms, theaters, children's shows and sports events. A small micro-bus (rented and, or eventually bought) can be used to travel in. Many parents are delighted to have weekend days to themselves, even though it costs them some dough.
BE AN INSTRUCTOR - Teach whatever you know. Your trade, profession, cooking skills, a second language, woodworking, chess, photography, knitting, karate, bridge, auto repair, etc. People will pay for good lessons in these useful and enjoyable skills.
RUN A FLOOR SCRAPING/POLISHING SERVICE - You buy or (at first) rent, a heavy-duty machine, and do the cleaning and waxing of fine, hardwood floors. If the floors are in very bad condition, machine sand them and them completely refinish them with modern super-durable polyurethane finishes.
OPERATE A CHILDRENS HOTEL - This is sort of a "boarding house" for kids while their parent go away for a week-end or two-week vacation. Requires a large house, and preferably, a large yard or grounds, swings, slides, and facilities useful for kids. Must be done very responsibly and carefully. Also, don't take very young children (less than 9 or 10 say) because they may require too much dressing, feeding, etc.
START A MAIL ORDER BUSINESS- Write a booklet about something people really want to know about, print a few hundred copies, and place some small ads. You'd be surprised how much money you can make. Sell modern copies of out-of-print uncopyrighted material or books. Or sell something unusual you make at home, providing that it is something really useful to your prospective customers. Or sell some of your ideas such as #2 badges, #37 genealogy, and others.
OPERATE A COPY CENTER- The secret of this is not just selling one or two copies of each original (although on a 300-page original manuscript, that can add up too), but using one of the latest high-speed high-quality mass-production Xeroxes so that you can compete with the guys operating those quick printing services, by turning out 100 or 200 resumes, letters, or circulars just as fast, and probably a great deal faster, for the same (or potentially less if you want to be competitive) money as they charge. This way you have two kinds of work, giving you twice as many customers, and twice the profit opportunity, and with the right location, a chance to clean up.
BE A LOCAL NEWS CORRESPONDANT - For big city papers some distance from your town. When an event occurs in your area you write the story for those papers (they have correspondents in many big places but not in most small towns or isolated areas) and they pay you for it. This is known as being a "stringer". If you're good with a camera, take photos to accompany the story.
CAMPGROUND STORE ON WHEELS - Use either a panel truck or a camper body on a pick-up truck chassis. Go to public park areas and campgrounds selling charcoal, paper plates, water-melon, ice cream, eggs, milk, bread, insect repellent, sunglasses, newspapers, etc.
CREATE A TOUR BUS SERVICE - Even in affluent America, not everyone has a car, and even those who do often prefer to leave long trips to a professional bus driver. and although there are bus tours offered to some familiar places, there are still so many interesting, even exciting, places people would like to go to, if they were offered the chance. Here's where you come in. You must be creative about it, and study all the six-State areas around your hometown, to discover some original and different places to travel to on day trips which will "turn on" your prospective customers, and get them to sign up. The rest is easy. You get competitive quotes (from commercial bus companies) for a quality bus to do the round-trip, with a suitable stopover at the destination point (enough to do the sights, shop and maybe eat as well). Then you figure you tour price per person so you can make a profit even if the bus is only half full or so. Then you have a safety margin - and if you sell every seat you will do very well indeed. Then all you have to do is sell. You put little ads in your local papers, paste up flyers wherever you can (supermarkets are good), contact local travel agents (of course you give them a percentage on what they sell for you), local hotel clerks, etc., and you also contact women's clubs, religious groups, fraternal societies, factory social organizations, and so on (they may take a whole bus, or even two, and you give them a special price, naturally).
RUN A PET HOTEL - For dogs or cats or both. People will pay high fees to ensure high-quality care of the animal they love. Separate kennels for each animal are essential. Good food and adequate care and attentionmust be assured also. You can hire responsible teenagers to help you. Advertise with posters in pet shops, veterinarians offices; and if they're cheaply available, get the mailing lists of local ASPCA groups and other animal welfare groups, as well as membership lists of dog and cat clubs.
SELL SECOND HAND KIDS CLOTHING - Children usually outgrow their clothes rather than wearing them
out. So many families have such clothing left around. You collect it, paying nothing or as little as possible. Then you resell it; you can do the selling by ads, handbills or through your church or community groups.
BREED TROPICAL FISH - This requires only a moderate amount of space and a small investment in equipment. Properly done, it needs only a small amount of your time yet can make you a good profit. You can obtain your beginning stock from the large wholesale dealers. You can sell direct to consumers (the hobbyists) or to stores in your area.
MAKE PLASTIC ENGRAVED SIGNS - All you need is a simple-to-operate machine that engraves lettering in various types onto sheets of plastic of many colors, finishes and sizes. Perfect for signs for merchants, banks, doctors, dentists, schools and colleges, private front doors, and many other uses. Hot Source for the Machine: New Hermes Engravograph from New Hermes Inc., 20 Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003.
SELL CHRISTMAS TREES - Seasonal, but if you have the time in the few weeks before Christmas, can be a good money maker. Find a vacant storefront or lot, or space inside a larger building, where people pass by. But be sure to order a supply of trees enough in advance. And if you own country land that is not being used, consider growing the trees yourself. Your first crop can be ready in four years, with steady crops from then on.
RUBBER STAMP BUSINESS - Manufacture them in your basement. The materials needed are cheap. And the finished stamps can be sold to many people, storeowners, offices, individuals. You can market them by mail and through local merchants. Hot Source: The machine and a financing plan to buy it are available from: Rubber Stamp Division, 1512 Jarvis Ave., Chicago, IL 60626
CAMPERS EQUIPMENT RENTAL SERVICE - With urban living, the back-to-nature movement is growing and
camping is becoming very popular. Rent out tents, sleeping bags, portable propane stoves, chairs, etc. Demand identification from customers and reliable security (keeping one of their credit cards is good).
OPERATE A KEY SAFETY SERVICE - Each customer is sold a special tag to put on his or her key ring. It
says "Drop in any mailbox" and has the address of a post office box that you rent (Don't use your home address for the same reason your customers shouldn't have their home address on their keys - dishonest people finding the keys will come prowling around). You assign each customer's tag a code number from a list that you keep. When someone's keys arrive at your post office box, you return them to him, for another fee.
BE A USED CAR BUYING CONSULTANT - With a knowledge of cars, plus the proper test equipment (for checking the engine, transmission, brakes, font-end alignment, and chassis), you go with your customer to check out the used car he is thinking of buying. Advertise your service next to the ads offering used cars for sale. After a while you will get to know people in this field and you can pick up more money by acting as a middleman in sales between private individuals.
SELL LOSS LEADERS FOR PROFIT - This may sound contradictory but it isn't. Supermarkets aren't the only ones who use loss leaders. A good mail-order idea is offering a cute item (worth much more) for $1 in women's magazines, giving prompt delivery and including with it stuffers (ads with order blanks) for half a dozen more expensive items. The repeat business on the other items makes the $1 offer profitable.
BABY ITEMS RENTAL SERVICE - You rent everything needed for a baby's care - stroller, playpen, high chair, etc. When the customer's baby outgrows them you rent to the next couple. Of course, you must advertise, and also send direct mail pieces to all couples with new births (get their names from hospitals and newspapers and list brokers).
OPERATE A "GIVE A PARTY" SERVICE - You rent out everything needed for a party: tables, chairs, punch
bowls, table cloths, cutlery, and napkins. You can also supply waitresses and bartenders, finding them through agencies that supply temporary help such as Manpower. But if you can find good workers yourself, you can save the agency fee and make more money.
OPERATE A MINITURE SLOT CAR RACING TRACK - In your basement (or wherever you can fit it) build a large and elaborate miniature slot car racing track (with a least 6 or 8 slots). Local kids, and often adults, pay you by the hour to race, using either your cars or theirs. To boost interest you can hold monthly contests with trophies.
ALL SERVICE SERVICE - You line up the specialists in fixing almost anything, and take care of getting them customers by delivering handbills to homes and placing ads in supermarkets and local papers. They pay you 5% of every job refer to them, which can soon add up.
GENEOLOGY SERVICE - You seek out the records in public or university libraries, county
courthouses and elsewhere, as necessary, for a sliding fee, depending on the size of family, difficulties in getting information, geographic dispersion, and other factors.
LONELY HEARTS. Advertise for, list and match names of people who would like to meet others. Consider age, interests, hobbies, what they like in others, church affiliation, education.
MACRAME. Make and sell a good selection of hangers and hangings. Take orders for custom work. Find (keep secret) good sources for materials, sell do-it-yourself kits.
MAIL ORDER BOOKS. Sell books by mail (most suppliers will drop-ship). Always offer follow-up products and check several sources before "signing" with any one.
MANICURE SERVICE. Provide nail care service in or from your "salon." Check needs in hospitals, nursing homes, even office and factory workers on break.
MINERALS AND GEMS. Where petrified wood, meteorites, jade, or other potential gem minerals are available, gather and process them. Sell finished jewelry and stones.
MINIATURE GARDENS. Create various sizes of garden-like displays of live plants for hospital sick rooms, boxes for balconies, rooftop planters, offices and residences.
MONOGRAM SERVICE. Embroider names, logos, initials on clothing, uniforms and company team jackets. Specialize in a style or service, charge extra for custom work.
MULTI-LEVEL SALES. Work with reputable company (e.g. Amway, Watkins) to make money from sales of merchandise -- both your own sales and those by others that you sponsor into the program.
MUSHROOM CULTURE. Grow and sell mushrooms. Fill standing gourmet restaurant and store orders, advertise for retail sales. Can, freeze or dry leftovers and stems.
NARRATING. Use your speaking ability to narrate private or commercial movies, videos, demos and advertisements. Sell taped versions for slide show presentations.
NATIVE PLANTS. Become an expert on plants native to your locale. Grow, propagate and improve. Raise the value of your plants and seeds by enclosing an informative brochure in each pack.
NATURAL JEWELRY. Make and sell jewelry and decorations from seeds, twigs, berries. Example: China berry seed necklaces, "moose-apple" pins, acorn beads, willow wreaths.
NECKTIES. Make and sell exclusive, hand made ties from exotic materials from all over the world. Offer a wide selection of designs, attach your exclusive label.
NEEDLE CRAFT. Make and sell homemade items (pot holders, bonnets, towel rings) to sell on consignment, to mail order catalog companies, or through parties and ads.
PAPER SCULPTURE. Create and sell your own unique "heads", figures, caricatures, abstracts, even effigies! Sell for up to $5O each for holidays, promotions, parties.
PAPIER MACHE SCULPTURE. Create a selection of your "standard" caricatures, pinatas and offer custom versions. Assemble do-it-yourself kits with full instructions.
PARTY PACKAGES. Make up and market complete party packages with innovative games, masks, favors, stunts and entertainment for various age, size and interest groups.
PARTY PLANNING. Take complete charge of customer's planned party: decorate, schedule activities, send invitations. Arrange entertainment, catering and clean-up.