Side hustle made easy – Print, sell, profit.
Looking to grow your income without quitting your day job? You’re not alone. With living costs rising, more people are turning to part-time business ideas to earn extra cash – on their own terms.
In this guide, we’ll cover 19 profitable business ideas you can start today. Whether you want to build an online store that scales or monetize your existing skills, there’s something here for you.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.
1. Print on Demand
With Print on Demand (POD), anyone can become their own boss and make money online without any initial investment or inventory.
Why is this the easiest and cheapest business to start? Because customer orders will cover all costs once a sale is made. Your provider, like Printify, does all the heavy lifting – printing, packing, and shipping directly to the buyer’s doorstep.
Easy to start
POD is a beginner-friendly business model. With some spare time, anyone can start, run, and manage their own part-time business and bring in passive income.
Low startup costs
With on-demand production, you only pay after a sale goes through. No need to spend money on inventory, warehousing, or hiring employees.
Artistic freedom
Whether you’re going for classy minimalist or quirky patterns, outshine the competition with original designs on all-over-print clothing, tie-dye shirts, or custom hoodie dresses.
Wide variety of products
Sell various products on your online store, from stylish apparel and trendy accessories to beautiful home decor – appealing to a wide audience.
Passive income
Scale your eCommerce business operations and generate a healthy cash flow without worrying about added logistics.
Learn how to start a print-on-demand business and explore multiple eCommerce business ideas to try.
Be your own boss: Start a part-time business with Printify!
2. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a way to sell products online without keeping inventory. You partner with dropshipping suppliers, like AliExpress or Spocket, who will ship orders directly to the buyer.
It’s similar to Print on Demand logistically, but dropshipping products aren’t made-to-order. Instead, you sell generic, finished products without any custom branding.
It’s a flexible, low-cost part-time hustle, ideal for testing the market or starting your first eCommerce store.
Is dropshipping worth it? Take a look at our article explaining the strengths and weaknesses of this part-time business idea.
3. Affiliate marketing
This convenient part-time business idea partners you with brands to promote their products or services. You earn a commission whenever someone converts, whether that’s making a purchase or completing a signup.
Affiliate marketers can connect with businesses by approaching them directly, but networks like Rakuten or Awin streamline the whole process.
Many brands work with affiliates to boost sales and traffic. While it can take time to yield results, affiliate marketing a great way to earn extra income if you already create content, run a blog, or have a solid following on social media.
Profit today – Become a Printify affiliate
Got a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following? Turn your content into cash with the Printify Affiliate Program. It’s the perfect side hustle that pays while you create.
You’ll get monthly payouts, a 90-day cookie life, and absolutely no earnings cap – the more you promote, the more you profit. Here’s how to get started:
- Join. Sign up to become an affiliate. We’ll review your application within 48 hours.
- Share. Share the affiliate links with your target audience on social media, blogs, or anywhere you have a following.
- Profit. Earn a 5% commission on every sale your referrals make for the next 12 months.
4. Freelancing
Want to become a digital nomad and work on your own schedule? This is an avenue worth exploring.
Freelancing platforms have revolutionized how people work, providing opportunities for professionals to connect with clients worldwide, from small businesses to big corporations.
Whether it’s freelance writing, video editing, translation services, or freelance photography, multiple platforms can help you find clients:
5. Pet-care services
Pet owners love spoiling their furry friends, which makes pet care a fantastic small business idea. If you adore animals, why not turn that passion into extra income?
Offer pet grooming, dog walking, or pet-sitting services – it’s flexible, fun, and perfect as a weekend business.
Use apps like Rover or Wag!, or launch your own website with Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace to attract customers.
6. Livestreaming
Whether you’re gaming, hosting deep dives, jamming out, or teaching yoga – livestreaming turns real-time connection into real income. All you need is to create something people love to watch.
Professional streamers typically make money with subscriptions, donations, advertisements, and sponsorships.
Top platforms for streamers:
- Twitch. Making extra cash with Twitch donations takes time, but loyal fans will happily tip their favorite streamers once you build a following.
- YouTube. Use Super Chat to let viewers pay to highlight their messages during your stream, and keep 70% of the donations.
- Patreon. Offer exclusive content to paying subscribers and start a side business doing what you love.
Want more opportunities to monetize your growing fanbase? Consider selling fan merch to supercharge your profits.
Start a rewarding part-time business today!
7. Influencer marketing
Companies often increase their reach with sponsored posts and are happy to pay creators for content. To attract sponsors, a loyal follower base is a must.
For example, here’s a general guideline to what you can earn with influencer marketing on Instagram. Just keep in mind that influencer rates vary from platform to platform.
| Influencer type | Number of followers | Average payout for a post |
|---|---|---|
| Mega-influencers | 1 million+ | $10,000+ |
| Macro-influencers | 500,000 to 1 million | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Mid-tier influencers | 50,000 to 500,000 | $500 to $5,000 |
| Micro-influencers | 10,000 to 50,000 | $100 to $500 |
| Nano-influencers | 1,000 to 10,000 | $10 to $100 |
Check out these influencer marketing platforms that can help connect you with companies:
- Grin. Top-tier platform for creators with an established audience. Great for landing paid brand deals on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
- Afluencer. Beginner-friendly collab hub. Apply to brand deals even with a smaller following.
- Intellifluence. No follower minimums. Perfect for micro-influencers looking to score product reviews and quick paid gigs.
Try to become an authority in a specific niche and provide value to your audience. This shows prospective brands that you’re a solid choice to help promote their business online.
Learn how to make money as an influencer and explore other online business ideas to try.
8. Home rental host
Own property or have room to spare? Starting a part-time business by renting out your place is a smart way to make additional income alongside your regular job.
Whether you’re saving for a trip or funding your next side hustle, this part-time gig can help get you there faster.
Yes, you’ll need to invest in some basics – think bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies – but the payoff can be significant. Just make sure to screen guests properly and get insurance to protect yourself and your assets.
Here are two popular platforms to start:
- Booking.com. One of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, connecting people with hosts from all corners of the world.
- Airbnb. A trendy online marketplace for rentals, popular with travelers who enjoy an authentic or unique stay.
9. Sell handcrafted items
If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a small venture with your crafty skills, this business idea may be the right choice for you. The arts and crafts market is set to reach $74.27 billion by 2033, opening up huge opportunities to profit.
Etsy, a go-to marketplace for original products, is a great platform to sell handmade bags, home decor, jewelry, or anything else you make yourself.
10. Coaching and tutoring services
The eLearning market is booming and expected to hit nearly $400 billion by 2026. That makes online tutoring and coaching one of the best part-time business ideas today.
Love teaching? Offer lessons on platforms like Preply, Wyzant, or Superprof – perfect for language, academic, or skill-based tutoring. Set your own rates, choose your own hours, and help students worldwide.
Turn a part-time tutoring job into a lucrative business by recording and selling online courses. Combine content creation with knowledge-sharing and sell on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
Start a rewarding part-time business today!
11. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants help companies handle administrative tasks efficiently. Provide various services, from social media management to data entry.
It’s a great fit if you’re organized, detail-oriented, and love helping others get things done. Small business owners often get overwhelmed – your support helps them save time, reduce stress, and grow faster.
To get started, pick a niche based on your skills (like eCommerce or real estate) and offer your services on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
12. Flip for profit
Flipping for profit is a simple yet effective part-time income idea – sell a product for a higher price than you bought it and pocket the difference.
Here are a few ways:
- Buy on marketplaces and sell elsewhere. Find cheap products on Amazon or Facebook Marketplace and sell them for a higher price somewhere else, like Etsy.
- Refurbish things people give away. If you’re handy with tools or have an eye for design, flipping old furniture can be a rewarding part-time business.
- Garage sales. While time-consuming, people often find valuable items at garage sales, which they resell on eBay for a significant profit.
Flipping products on eBay can be profitable, but so can designing and selling your own custom goods. Check out our easy-to-follow guide on how to start an eBay store.
13. Event planning
Planning events for local businesses or private parties is a high-demand part-time hustle. It’s great if you’re organized and have excellent time management and attention to detail.
Specialize in birthdays, weddings, or corporate events. Start by creating a free profile on sites like Eventective or Thumbtack to connect with potential clients.
This is one of the best part-time businesses to start immediately. It requires no startup costs – just focus on networking, building word-of-mouth, and showcasing your skills through social media.
14. Content marketing and social media services
If you’re a pro at online advertising and all things content, offer your marketing services for a fee. Manage social media accounts, create content, and run campaigns for businesses across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Start small with freelance sites like Fiverr or PeoplePerHour, and use Adobe, Buffer, or Later to simplify your daily tasks while building your customer base.
15. Personal trainer
Help others get fit and get paid on your own schedule. Personal training is a flexible, high-impact side hustle for fitness lovers.
You can train clients online via apps like Trainerize or in person. Get certified with NASM and start promoting your services on social media or your own website to attract potential customers.
16. Catering business
Love cooking? Launch a part-time personal chef or catering service for parties and small events. Start with platforms like Take a Chef or promote locally using flyers and word-of-mouth referrals.
A simple menu and a specialty cuisine can help kickstart your flexible food business venture. Consider offering a tasting night for prospective clients for a small fee – it’s a great way to network and show people what you can do.
17. Cleaning service
This option is ideal for those wanting additional work just a few hours weekly. Offer home, office, or Airbnb cleaning. Apps like TaskRabbit or Care.com can help you find jobs fast.
You might need a starting budget for equipment and supplies, but this part-time business idea has the potential to take off through positive testimonials and client referrals.
18. Business consulting
If you have expertise in marketing, management, or finance, consulting is one of the best business ideas to try. As a consultant, you can work with entrepreneurs to solve real problems – without the 9-to-5.
For example, work with individuals or small companies to improve their personal and business finances. Becoming a certified financial planner will help you stand out and boost credibility.
Platforms like Clarity.fm, Upwork, or LinkedIn make it easy to connect with potential clients and grow your reputation in the business world.
19. Self-storage business
This business offers passive income with minimal effort. You rent out storage units, garages, or spare rooms to people in need of extra space. It’s super simple and doesn’t require you to dedicate a part-time schedule.
Get started using platforms like Neighbor.com or Stache, and turn that extra space into a successful business idea.
Start a print-on-demand part-time business with Printify
With Printify, anyone can sell online effortlessly. It’s an easy and scalable business idea that you can start today – even with a full-time job.
With no need to worry about inventory, storage space, or logistics, starting a profitable venture with custom products has never been easier.
Step 2: Apply your design
Use our beginner-friendly Product Creator to upload a design, logo, or add text. Explore AI, background removal, and pattern features, and check mockups to make sure the placement is just right.
Step 3: Order a sample
See your product in real life before you start selling. Sample orders are your chance to evaluate the quality, tweak the design if needed, and make sure everything meets customer expectations.
Step 4: Choose where to sell
Printify offers seamless integrations with multiple eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, helping you meet buyers wherever they shop.
Step 5: Publish and start selling
When products are ready, publish them to your sales channel and start making money. Our Print Providers will automatically fulfill orders and ship straight to your customer’s doorstep.
FAQ
The best business to start part-time is one with flexible hours and low startup costs. Popular examples include online tutoring, starting a pet-sitting or dog-walking service, freelancing on platforms like Upwork, or selling print-on-demand products using services like Printify.
With $1,000, you can launch a profitable eCommerce store using Print on Demand. This budget easily covers samples, marketing, designs, and more.
Alternatively, offer freelance services such as writing or graphic design. That budget is a great starting point to invest in equipment, software, and marketing.
To earn the most part-time, focus on high-income skills like social media management, consulting, or online tutoring. These flexible options fit around your schedule and offer great pay.
A few closing thoughts
With so many part-time gigs to consider, it’s vital to evaluate the options carefully and make sure they align with your lifestyle. Not every opportunity is the right fit – let your unique abilities, passions, and strengths guide you.
Want to start a successful eCommerce business on the side with the potential to grow into a full-time income? Join Printify and sell custom products worldwide – just design and market while we handle the rest.
