Starting a business, as experts say, is not about unique ideas. It is about how you make ideas happen. But aspiring founders usually find themselves struggling hard- with ideas and investments- before they start their own business. You may have a lot of ideas in your mind, but there are times when those ideas lack the right direction, and you decide to change the plans.
This is the time when most aspiring founders struggle hard to find the right balance. Starting your own small business needs confidence and determination, but you must be clear about your idea before you take your first step. To make your journey easier, we have come up with a list of home business ideas with low startup costs.
Home Business Ideas with Low Startup Costs
Graphic Designer- This is one of the popular home business ideas for people who are creative and visual introverts. Freelance graphic designing can be a great way to earn a living. With digital businesses rising in popularity, demand is higher than before.
Solving customers’ business issues through visual communication like creating logos, stationery, websites, and marketing materials are some of the duties that one must do daily. You need to learn how to use the software for doing this, but most significantly you must understand the principles of design and understand what the client needs.
It is simple to start this business. You must register your company with the government as a sole proprietorship, then start reaching out to customers. Both these tasks can be easily done using your computer. Other than buying certain software like Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, other startup costs are minimal.
Handmade candles- Candles are one such thing that is always in demand. This makes it one of the popular home business ideas. The demand for candles comes from spiritual and decoration purposes. During the festivals, the demand is always high. These days, the demand for therapeutic and scented candles is rising with many households, restaurants, and hotels buying them to create a good ambiance.
This is one of the easiest home business ideas with low startup costs as the raw materials used to start this business include wick, wax, thread, candle mold, scented oil, etc. Apart from these, you will need candle-making equipment. These include a melting pot, pour pot, thermometer, hammer, an oven, and a weighing scale.
eBay seller- Selling products on eBay is one of the simplest home business ideas that one can start. eBay is one of the most feasible platforms for setting a home-based business online. Big success stories have been heard for years now, but there is huge competition on this site. Remember, if you are a lazy person, then this business is the wrong choice for you.
eBay sellers must respond to customers politely and quickly, and ship items fast. A seller’s success is in the users’ hands. A negative rating can ruin eBay’s business before even it gets started. Sellers also must familiarize themselves with the return policies of eBay, which tend to mainly focus on making the whole experience better for purchasers but not essential for the sellers.
Perhaps, would-be eBay experts must specialize. Just doing some junk online work will not help. Sellers must know what they want to sell and how they are going to market it to their customers. Again, competition is growing, so research, strategies, and preparation are important.
Freelance writing- This is one of the cheapest home business ideas to start. If you are reading this then you have got what you require to become a freelance writer- at least as far as equipment is concerned. Expertise is another important feature, but keep in mind that writing can take different forms- from resumes to news to marketing materials and thank you notes.
There is some sort of writing you are qualified to do. Also, if you are good enough with punctuation and grammar, a lot of companies are ready to pay you as a freelance editor.
The crucial thing in freelance writing is never to stop selling yourself. Do not get satisfied with one project- keep looking for the next one. You can look for press passes to events in the sector you have an interest in. You must attend workshops and writer meet-ups; they happen to be everywhere.
There are plenty of job listings meant for freelancers on popular job boards, and you can advertise your services on LinkedIn or craigslist. When the job starts rolling in, do not be scared to go to previous customers and ask for more and more work. Steady work is regarded as the best work for freelancers. If everything fails at first, simply write. Start a blog and start earning!
Shoelaces- The demand for shoelaces is high, and manufacturing shoelaces have become one of the most profitable home business ideas. Shoelaces are made by weaving a band and then fastening the aglet, i.e., the hard part of the lace. The simple, woven band is generally made of polyester, cotton, polypropylene, and nylon whereas the aglet is made of high-quality plastic.
Apart from the material for the aglet and lace, shoelace braiding machines are also needed. They can weave a long lace in a minute, after which the acetone can be used to fasten the aglet to the woven band. It is easy to start this business as you need a small investment of nearly Rs. 25,000 based on the kind of machine you want to implement.
Cotton buds- Making cotton buds is also one of the simplest home business ideas that does not require much investment. The market of cotton buds is being run by rising per capita expenditure of customers, growing awareness of hygiene, and increasing population.
Small manufacturers of cotton buds are needed to source the stick/spindle, the absorbent material, and the packing of the product. Then, the raw material goes into the automatic cotton-bud manufacturing machines, many of which can pack the products too. The machines are available as per the output and quality requirements.
Instagram consultant- If you are looking for a list of home business ideas, then you will definitely find “Instagram consultant” in that list. The only thing you need to become an Instagram consultant is a smartphone with a good camera.
Several businesses these days have abandoned traditional marketing processes and taken to social media networks like the ever-popular Instagram to promote their products as well as services.
Many companies may not be well-versed with this new marketing method, which is why outsourcing an Instagram consultant is mostly a great option.
The main task of an Instagram consultant is to help companies grow a sustainable Instagram influence and following. If you love Instagram, know basic marketing, then Instagram consulting can be a great career option for you.
You will be able to monetize these abilities by charging a flat rate per project or on an hourly basis. Once you understand the in and out of the business, you can start marketing and promoting your services online, start blogging on other related websites offering free tips, and use social media channels, establish a following and reach out to individuals or businesses. All of these come with little or no startup costs.
Event planning services- If you are an organized, detail-oriented person who loves to plan for parties, then this is one of the common home business ideas to choose. Working for birthday parties, weddings, and class reunions, event planners make it simple for others to host an interesting party. Planning for a few events will give you the required experience. You can even use LinkedIn to create a solid database of contacts and vendors so that you can help your customers organize the event which they will remember forever.