62 Best Blue Collar Business Ideas
There's a reason blue-collar businesses do so well - particularly because most people don't have the expertise (or the motivation) to do these sorts of jobs themselves.
If you're looking to start your own blue-collar business idea or start a blue collar side hustle, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the top blue-collar business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Become a delivery driver
The delivery driver side hustle can be a fantastic idea if you own a delivery car and a valid driver’s license. Receiving deliveries at home or at the office has become an almost undeniable convenience for most people. There are more and more platforms that deliver all kinds of products and, therefore, the demand for couriers is also increasing.
As an independent delivery driver, you choose your most convenient working hours, and the more deliveries you complete, the more your earnings. Besides, you interact with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
Your core roles will include loading and unloading cargo, delivering goods to the customer, accepting any payments for shipments, and handling paperwork.
Learn how:
2. Start an automobile parts business
The automobile wholesale business sells auto parts to other businesses. This can include anything from car seats and tires to the engine oil and brake pads. The main goal of the automobile parts business is to source the items at a lower price and sell them to retailers at the wholesale price so that their customers can make a profit when they resell the products.
The typical customer base for this type of company will be auto repair shops, car dealerships, and body shops. Before you can open the automobile wholesale business it is good idea to research the market to see how the competition is, and know which parts are in demand.
Hey everyone! My name is Mitchel Matthews and I am a 22-year-old entrepreneur. I am the owner/founder of Adrenaline Offroad which is an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories! We mainly focus our expertise in the realm of automotive LED lighting accessories. Our products are built for a person who will endure hardcore offroading situations with their vehicle all the way to people who attend multiple shows per month in their show trucks! Some of our most popular products being our RGB+W underglow/rock light & LED wheel ring lights. In just over a year of quitting my job to pursue my passion for truck mods full time, I am so beyond proud & excited to be making 5x the amount of money that I used to make per month!
Pictured above is our most popular bundle kit called “The UFO GLOW Bundle Kit”
Learn how:
3. Start a recycling business
The waste and recycling business offers several opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a business with a modest investment.
If you are passionate about caring for the environment, get into the recycling business. To start, you can ask individuals to drop recycling off at your facility or provide drop-offs in the form of dumpsters.
Before you begin business operations, register the facility with the local government and prepare the equipment. Remember, the success of your recycling business depends on the equipment you use.
Learn how:
4. Start a pool cleaning business
Pool cleaning services serve affluent homes and commercial places. Their service involves adding and testing chemical levels and catching debris to keep the swimming pools clean. A pool cleaning company ensures the swimming pool water stays clear and inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Starting a pool cleaning business fulfills your entrepreneurial spirit and is also a profitable venture. If you are starting a pool cleaning business, you need a basic understanding of how to mix pool cleaning chemicals, invest in professional pool cleaning equipment, and marketing your pool cleaning business.
I’m Dan Stewart and I’m the founder of Dundas Valley Pools. We help homeowners with swimming pools in Southern Ontario, Canada maximize the summers in their backyard. We do this by providing personalized, on-site services such as pool openings/ closings, pool maintenance, equipment installations, pool renovations, and new pool installations. Since our humble beginnings in May of 2016 we have serviced 350+ pools, opened and closed 200+ pools, and have installed tons of high-quality pool equipment, pool liners, and winter safety covers for happy customers throughout Southern Ontario.
Dundas Valley Pools has grown from a company producing very little revenue in 2016 to a company that is earning an average of $8000/ month net revenue during the on-season. This year we hope to actually double that number. This is due to our expansion into more technical services as well as taking on larger jobs-- namely, new pool installations.
Learn how:
5. Start a gardening business
A gardening business makes money by planting trees, growing specific types of produce, maintaining landscapes, and more.
Gardening companies work with homeowners to install, maintain and repair their landscaping areas. For instance, a typical gardening business provides all-inclusive services to create and maintain a lawn such as mowing, fertilizing, and edging.
Owning a gardening business can be a very flexible and profitable business venture.
Hi! I’m Udit from Mumbai. I’m 30 years old and started Root Bridges 5 years back. Root Bridges is an online plants store that delivers plants direct to plant lovers across India. We’re focused on indoor plants and exotic species that are hard to find, easy to grow, and don’t need too much sunlight.
Our customers are first-time buyers, seasoned plant parents, and anyone who wants to get something beautiful for their home from across India. We currently clock sales of USD 350,000 per year, with our website doing particularly well in the pandemic (grown 200% YoY).
Learn how to start your own gardening business on budget!
6. Start a transportation service
Transportation businesses offer ridesharing services, haul consumer goods, or ship supplies and products from one location to another. They target individual passengers, other companies, or global business partners.
If you are starting a transportation service, decide who and what you will serve, set up the business structure, register the business, and apply for the required business licenses or permits. To ensure a profitable business, incorporate proper hiring procedures and keep up with maintenance and recertifications.
Hello, my name is Irakli Litanishvili and I am a co-founder of a group of companies called Aim of Emperor that operates in three niches: aviation, fuel & ground handling, and IT. One of the recent additions is Mirai Flights, where I stand as CEO & co-founder.
Learn how:
7. Start a pet sitting business
A pet sitter is a professional who provides daily care for pets while the pet owners are at work or on vacation. The pet sitter's duties include:
- Cooking special meals for pets as instructed by pet owners.
- Reporting any behavioral issues to pet owners.
- Playing with the pets to encourage their mental and physical stimulation.
One of the advantages of working as a pet sitter is that it's not a stressful career. You also get to work with different animals while enjoying a work-life balance.
Learn how:
8. Become a handyman
Handyman offers various home repair services based on their skill set and the customer’s needs. Also known as a fixer, the handyman carries out repair works both on the interior and exterior.
The handyman business is a great part-time opportunity, and you can earn a high-profit margin while the overhead costs are low.
I’m Dan Stewart and I’m the founder of Dundas Valley Pools. We help homeowners with swimming pools in Southern Ontario, Canada maximize the summers in their backyard. We do this by providing personalized, on-site services such as pool openings/ closings, pool maintenance, equipment installations, pool renovations, and new pool installations. Since our humble beginnings in May of 2016 we have serviced 350+ pools, opened and closed 200+ pools, and have installed tons of high-quality pool equipment, pool liners, and winter safety covers for happy customers throughout Southern Ontario.
Dundas Valley Pools has grown from a company producing very little revenue in 2016 to a company that is earning an average of $8000/ month net revenue during the on-season. This year we hope to actually double that number. This is due to our expansion into more technical services as well as taking on larger jobs-- namely, new pool installations.
Learn how:
9. Start a moving company ($60K/month)
Moving companies help people move their belongings from one location to another. This can involve anything from packing and shipping household items to actually physically moving them from one place to another. This can involve anything from local moves to long-distance relocations.
Moving companies typically charge by the hour or by the job, so you'll need to price your services accordingly. You'll also need to invest in some moving equipment, such as trucks and dollies.
My name is Max Maher I am a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and a founder of Skinny Wimp Moving!
I am now 23 years old and my locations average $115,000 a month in revenue with record monthly sales of $158,000.
Learn how:
10. Start a parking lot business ($80.8K/month)
More people are purchasing cars, and the demand for parking spaces has increased significantly. Finding a safe parking lot is becoming a problem, and this is where the parking lot business opportunity emerges.
A private parking lot business provides customers a convenient and safe space for automobiles.
Starting a parking lot business requires ample space, a parking attendant, a surveillance system, and payment collection software. To increase your income, you can introduce an EV charging station.
A parking lot business is an excellent low maintenance business since you do not need to be there physically, as you can fully automate the parking lot as a self-service facility, available 24/7.
Hey! I’m Patrick Murray. Dad of a 9 month old- husband to a wife who is ageless, and an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. I am Co-Founder and CEO of a company called NOSON, we run the popular parking deal website, onairparking.com.
We sell highly discounted airport parking reservations across the country to very price sensitive leisure and vacation travelers. We are in 27 markets, are doing about $1.2M in revenue a year and have been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc.
Learn how:
11. Start a storage facility
Storage space is a high profitable business with a low-overhead cost. By starting a storage space business, you provide secure space for residential and commercial customers. Demand for storage space has been and is still experiencing meteoric growth.
According to a report, self-storage facilities generate a profit margin of 41%.
Apart from the main business of renting out storage space, self-storage facilities make money by selling locks, cardboard boxes, packing supplies, insurance, and other products. Pros of starting a storage space business include:
- Great profit potential
- Growing demand
- Low overhead compared to other businesses
- Requires minimal management
- Maximize profits by offering lucrative add-on products and services.
My name is Ben Elizer, and I am the Founder and President of Velocity International Group, a full-scale logistics company, offering SameDay delivery, Expediting, Distribution, Fulfillment, andmany Warehousing Services. We offer to consult and some other services as well to help our customers succeed in an ultra-competitive environment. Velocity started with 2 vans and many faces to face conversations. We now have 10+ vehicles, including trucks, and have grown to 25k+ square feet of warehouse space as well to best serve our customers.
Over the past 2 years, our revenue has grown over 300%, which has completely contributed to the great people and culture we have at Velocity. After having to move out of my apartment (because I put everything financially I had into this company), and move back into my mom’s house in my mid 20’s, it was difficult, but just 6 months later we had our first small office and warehouse space. I’m fortunate I had a support system to move back into, or else Velocity might not be here today. The business has grown ever since because of hard work, trust, and relationships. We focus on what is important.
Learn how much you can make with a storage facility:
12. Start a mobile mechanic service
Mobile mechanic services are a great business to start in any area that needs quick repairs and service. You can do this part-time or full-time. You can work for a shop or run your own business. This setup makes it possible for you to work independently setting your own hours and choosing what areas you want to go to.
Automotive Repair & Maintenance Service Market is estimated to reach $810B by 2026. Starting your own mobile mechanic service may seem crazy but it might just be the thing you are looking for. If you dream about running your own business and having the opportunity to do something you love then a mobile mechanic business is the right thing to do.
Learn how:
13. Start a mobile auto detailing service
A mobile carwash business reaches clients whenever possible and offers its services at great convenience. Therefore, car owners do not need to drive to different locations looking for a car wash, as the mobile service provider is there for the client.
The advantage of offering a mobile car wash business is that clients will call you to their location whenever they need their vehicles cleaned. Based on the convenience, you have the opportunity of serving more customers compared to an immobile car detailing business.
My name is Matt Paskow. I started a mobile auto detailing business called Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing which services North County, San Diego.
Learn how:
14. Start a plumbing business
Cleaning waste pipes and unblocking sewer lines is a challenging job. However, it can be a profitable job, which does not require significant investment and has low overhead costs. To start a plumbing business, you need to learn technical skills and gain some experience.
Innovation Plumbing started as an idea in 1990, and officially in 1991 when my dad got his C 36 plumbing license for the state of California. I was two years old at the time.
Over the years Innovation Plumbing has grown and evolved into a devoted list of repeat customers who are more like family to us. Makes sense, in a family business!
Learn how:
15. Start a meal prep business ($203K/month)
A meal preparation business is a service that delivers prepared meals to its clients in the comfort of their own homes. The meal preparation business is a fast-emerging niche that offers a real opportunity to earn good money. To succeed, the starter must be efficient in the meal preparation and ensure proper communication skills. Besides, the entrepreneur must keep time when it comes to delivery, to avoid customer disappointments.
A global survey shows that demand for food delivery service is on the rise. This is as people get busier with their careers and other more important tasks, leaving limited time to prepare meals and bond with friends.
Therefore, starting a meal preparation business can be a great way to earn extra monies.
When we first started, we sold around 200 bowls each week. We currently sell around 10,000 bowls each month. Most companies like this start the same way, cooking from their primary residence for family and friends. We were no exception. But as we continued to grow, we spent time and money to work out of rentable commercial kitchens until we were able to afford our own.
Learn how:
16. Start a landscaping business
A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining the lawns and gardens, trimming the trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.
An increased public interest in well-maintained outdoor spaces has increased the demand and value of landscaping businesses in the US.
For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.
There are 2 types of landscaping business :
- Residential Landscaping Services
- Commercial Landscaping Services
Based on the niche, the types of services also vary. Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service and deliver long-lasting beautiful landscapes, this will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.
I'm Bryan Clayton CEO of GreenPal which is best described as Uber for Lawn Care.
Good thing early investors told us no because with their capital they would have owned and controlled 30% of our business.e are self-funded and my cofounders and I own it all.
Learn how:
17. Start a window cleaning business
If you are ambitious about cleaning spaces, you may consider the window cleaning business opportunity.
Starting a window cleaning business offers several advantages. First, you get to choose a suitable work schedule. Also, you have access to repeat business since windows need regular cleaning to keep the shiny appearance.
Besides, starting a window cleaning service is not capital intensive, and comes with minimal overhead costs.
While he was still a full-time student, Johnny Robinson built OrangeWindowCleaning.com into a $700k/year operation.
One day while hanging out with his friend Sergio, Johnny came up with the idea of the window cleaning business. He first approached door-to-door marketing and approached local stores to offer window cleaning services.
Later, after he discovered digital marketing and how tools and software could help him multiply his client base was when this journey started to take off for real.
His story proves that if you want to start your own business, it doesn’t necessarily take a never-before-seen business idea to have a never-before-seen impact on your life.
Listen to the full podcast on sidehustlenation.libsyn.com ➜
Learn how:
18. Start a carpet cleaning service
One of the most common household decorative items is a floor carpet. Carpets are extensively used in commercial and residential spaces to provide an aesthetic look. The increased use of carpets has influenced the demand for carpet cleaning services.
If you are starting a carpet cleaning company, you will need quality equipment and an on-point marketing strategy to stand out from the competition. Along the way, you will be challenged with managing customer quoting, invoicing, allocating labor, and collecting payments. Therefore, invest in the right software for managing business operations and tracking your invoicing.
In 2005, Rachael Flanagan founded Mrs Buckét, a business providing industrial cleaning services.
They operate a commercial cleaning company that has won numerous awards. They provide commercial cleaning services and facilities to companies in the public and private sectors.
Mrs Buckét offers commercial building services to facilities in south Wales and Bristol for prestige car showrooms, offices, manufacturing & educational institutions.
When she started out, Rachael was only 18 years old, and she had just £20, which she used to buy a hoover and flyers.
Read the full story on startups.co.uk ➜
Learn how:
19. Become a laundry detergent manufacturer ($20K/month)
Starting a detergent powder or synthetic washing powder business is one of the most feasible business options owing to the straightforward manufacturing process involved. Detergent powder market is one segment of the FMCG market in the world with significant growth potential. Being a consumer good, people use it on a daily basis for clothes, hand wash, and kitchen utensils, and its demand is found in the market all through the year. Moreover, an entrepreneur can initiate a detergent manufacturing business with moderate capital investment.
Hello there! I’m David Watkins, CEO and a co-founder of Dirty Labs. Dirty Labs is a cleaning innovation lab created with a mission to take the ‘dirty’ out of cleaning.
The first products from the company are a line of laundry detergents that solve what we call a cleaning trilemma. For years, products have either been safe, sustainable, or effective, but rarely, if ever, all three. Our goal is to create solutions that leverage nature-inspired green chemistry to solve this problem. We’re making a significant change in the way cleaning products are formulated. We think we’ve achieved this goal with our first line of detergents tested for market-leading levels of efficacy while also making a giant leap forward in safety and sustainability.
Learn how detergents are made:
20. Start a waste management business ($100K/month)
Waste management is a booming industry with a lot of potential for growth. Waste management companies are in charge of collecting and transporting waste from households, business areas, and other sources. They also collect recyclable materials and sell them to recycling centers.
The market for waste management is huge, but it may be difficult to enter due to the high capital requirements. However, if you have the resources and expertise, there's a lot of opportunity to make it big in this industry.
Hi! My name is Dustin Maze. I am the owner of SOCO Waste, a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Originally the loan provided a trailer and 5 dumpsters. We now have 51 dumpsters, two roll off dumpster delivery trucks and two residential garbage trucks. We are projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.
Learn how:
21. Start a motorcycle parts business ($600K/month)
Starting your own motorcycle parts business is a great way to earn money, meet interesting people, and see the world. If you have a genuine interest in motorcycles and a deep desire to run your own business, then starting a motorcycle parts business is an excellent career option.
A motorcycle parts business can be a lucrative business. This is because there are many parts and accessories that you can sell to your customers. You can start a motorcycle parts business with just a small investment, but it is important that you understand how much money you are willing to invest upfront before starting up your own business.
Hello, my name is Justin Pflanz and my brother Casey and I own and operate TAB Performance. TAB Performance is a manufacturer and retailer of high performance motorcycle exhaust and accessories. Our passion is helping our customers customize their bikes to fit their own personal styles, and truly enjoy the freedom of the ride.
Since the introduction of the Zombie baffle, we’ve been roughly doubling our annual sales, year over year.
Learn from the common mistakes:
22. Start a junk removal business ($23.3K/month)
Households and businesses need help hauling away broken furniture, clearing out trash, and even emptying properties during a foreclosure. Therefore, the demand for junk removal services is high. Starting a junk removal business can be profitable if you own a box truck and are looking for self-employment opportunities.
To begin with, perform market research in your area, and apply for the necessary regulatory permits or licenses. Build a website and market your services.
My name is Sam Evans. I am 23 years old and a recent graduate from Penn State Altoona. I am the founder of You Call We Haul Junk Removal, a junk removal company that removes anything from single items to hoarder home cleanouts. We’re located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and have been in business (part-time) since May of 2016.
Our main customers are middle-aged and up adults, typically with a higher income that do not want to or are unable to do the work themselves. We complete over 75 jobs per month, bring in about $20,000 in revenue per month profiting about 65% per job.
Learn how:
23. Start a jewelry making business ($361K/month)
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
Hello there! We are Lindsay Ann Gottschall and Courtney Joy Bleier, two sisters from Miami who started Ann + Joy. We make handmade real flower and resin jewelry and sell online and in stores around the world. We take pride in being one of the first companies to make real flower jewelry. During our first year of business, we blossomed almost immediately into a very successful Etsy shop. Etsy was constantly featuring our products on its website and in promotional emails. We are proud to say that since starting in early 2017 we have had over 5,000 sales online.
For all the readers, we are providing a 20% off coupon to our Etsy shop. Use code: STARTERSTORY at checkout!
Learn how:
24. Start a construction company ($350K/month)
Running a construction company can be very rewarding and require hard work, attention to detail, and a hustle mentality.
Construction companies are responsible for building/designing a variety of apartments, buildings, properties, housing, infrastructure, facilities & developments, motorways, roads, paths, pavement, and more.
With a little luck, and a lot of gaming the YouTube algorithm, I was able to experience the viral effects of the internet. It has now been seen by over 25m people through my channel and other media networks.
Learn how:
25. Start a campervan conversion business ($8K/month)
Campervan conversion is growing in popularity. The main reason behind its popularity is it is a cheaper alternative for buying a new campervan.
If you plan to start a campervan conversion business, you can offer the customers a readymade campervan or a camper van conversion service. A readymade campervan model is where you purchase a caravan, convert it into a campervan, then sell it to outdoor lovers, or even rent the camper van. As a service, a customer drives to your workshop and requests you to convert their van into a camper.
The readymade option offers a wider profit margin, but there is a risk of waiting longer to sell the campervan. Conversion as a service has less profit, but there is more certainty when getting your money back.
We are Bryan+Jen Danger, a couple who broke away from the 9-5 years ago to live a life focused on happiness and simple/nomadic living. We traveled extensively by van as we sought out wilderness/adventure and returned to urban environments to be around friends and family.
Another success story:
26. Start an electronics repair business ($4K/month)
The electronics industry itself is worth more than $2 trillion. And electronics repair is a lucrative business that can be started with little to no money.
One of the most important things an electronics repairman must do is to make sure they have the right tools and equipment for the job. This will include everything from soldering irons, wire cutters, screwdrivers and more. A good way to save money on these tools is by buying them used or refurbished.
It's also important for an electronics repairman to have a solid understanding of how electronics work, including the basics of circuit boards and electricity, so they can troubleshoot problems and fix them as efficiently as possible.
My name is Allen Chiang, and I founded Retro Radio Farm, where I repair and restore old radios. I offer Bluetooth MP3 upgrade if the customer wants to play digital music.
Right now, I make about $50K a year for the work I put in primarily on weekends. While it’s highly profitable, it has not yet lucrative enough yet for me to quit my day job. Although, the business has been growing 20% every year.
Learn how:
27. Start a crime scene cleanup business
Are you ready to work in situations that may include bloodborne pathogens? Crime scenes and trauma cleanup business idea is one of the fastest-growing and highly profitable businesses you can start today.
The crime scene cleaning business involves handling dozens of cold cases which involves double-checking crime scenes. You can offer cleaning up after suicides, homicides, and other types of violent crimes. Also provide emergency services for when an unexpected death occurs at a home or business.
Learn how this works!
28. Start an auto repair business
There are many people who just love to tinker with, fix and repair cars. This is an all-consuming hobby for some people. They like to take things apart and figure out how things work. The process of fixing and repairing cars is almost therapeutic for them.
An auto repair business is a rewarding way to make extra money, or to build an entire business around.
You can do it in the comforts of your own home, working around your schedule and getting paid handsomely for it. The United States automotive service market is expected to reach $75B by 2026.
Learn how:
29. Start a candle business ($210K/month)
The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.
A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.
Hello! My name is D’Shawn Russell and I am the founder and CEO of Southern Elegance Candle Company. I started the company 4 years ago as a side hustle to make some extra money on the weekends and to get me out of the house. But it quickly grew to much more than I expected.
You can check out our brand story video here: Southern Elegance: Candles Crafted In The South
Learn how:
30. Start a home building company ($500K/month)
The global construction industry is expected to maintain steady growth over the next years. Estimates show that the sector will reach 14.4 trillion in the next decade.
With the increasing population, demand for building new homes continues to grow steadily. With more jobs available, starting a construction company can be a lucrative business. To start a construction company, register the company and acquire all permits and licenses to run a construction company.
My name is Michael Parnell, and I am the founder of MPC Builders. We provide general contracting services for custom home construction along the Jersey Shore, as well as commercial projects throughout NJ and the Philadelphia metro area.
We’re busier than ever because of this open book-building process, it’s unlike any of our competitors and our clients take notice, and become raving fans… and in turn, refer to their friends, and so forth…
Learn how:
31. Start a lawn care service
Are you ready to begin your lawn care business and be your boss? A lawncare business offers lawn aeration, Seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and controlling weeds, among other services. If you love creating amazing landscapes, consider starting a lawn care company.
To start lawn care legally and run it profitably, you must register the business legally. You can get into a franchise or start the business from scratch. Decide what lawn care services you will offer and your target clients.
To offer effective service, purchase lawn care equipment, and hire skilled lawn care personnel.
I'm Bryan Clayton CEO of GreenPal which is best described as Uber for Lawn Care.
Good thing early investors told us no because with their capital they would have owned and controlled 30% of our business.e are self-funded and my cofounders and I own it all.
Learn how:
32. Start a woodworking business ($14.2K/month)
While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.
Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.
My name is Sasha Weekes and I’m the 25 years old owner of Timber Grove Studios. Our home-based woodshop is nestled in the hills of PEI’s countryside, and we specialize in decorative shelving and home decor with a focus on minimalist design and simplicity. Each piece is made to order with 20+ color options, meaning it will be the perfect fit for each customer's space. We ship Canada and U.S. wide.
Moving twice in two years has definitely caused organizational, financial and opportunity hiccups, but the business has grown steadily regardless so we’re very excited about where 2020 will take us. We’ve learned what to focus on during which months, as revenue can range anywhere from $2000 during slow months to $10,000 during high months. Net profit has run anywhere between 20-50% throughout the life of the business and varies month to month. It’s closer to 20% right now as we’ve been spending all we can on new tools and materials for our new larger products and our Christmas stock.
Learn how:
33. Start an instrument repair business
If you have a high level of technical aptitude for instrumentation engineering, you can start an instrument repair and restoration business as a part-time job or a full-time business.
As an instrument repair professional, your normal operations will include buying spare parts and fixing or repairing faulty parts. Typically, repair specialists fix instruments for players from all walks of life, from beginners to amateurs.
My name is Allen Chiang, and I founded Retro Radio Farm, where I repair and restore old radios. I offer Bluetooth MP3 upgrade if the customer wants to play digital music.
Right now, I make about $50K a year for the work I put in primarily on weekends. While it’s highly profitable, it has not yet lucrative enough yet for me to quit my day job. Although, the business has been growing 20% every year.
Learn more about how such instrument repair shop looks like:
34. Become a countertop manufacturer ($1.1M/month)
Countertops are challenging to build. More importantly, they are substantial and a must-have for households. Building countertops requires expert experience, planning, and equipment. In most cases, homeowners want custom and trendy countertops.
Other than manufacturing, countertop companies can also earn money from the installation fees, repair, and replacement of countertops. To become a countertop manufacturer, you need experience cutting, polishing, and installing granite.
Our Z Counterform System for countertops and Z Poolform System for concrete pool coping are the go-to solutions for cast-in-place concrete forms. With a small but dedicated team, we grew this business from an idea to over $12M in revenue in 10 years.
Learn how:
35. Become a bicycle manufacturer ($1M/month)
The global bicycle market will reach a CAGR of 8.2% in the next decade. Leisure needs, government initiatives, and increasing health consciousness among all ages are reasons bicycles have become a popular transportation method. Experts expect that that industry will continue growing at a significant rate globally.
Starting a bicycle manufacturing business can be rewarding and profitable. To start a bicycle business, consider your target market and research the competition. Narrow down the niche, create a website, and market your business.
Ben Sarrazin, Founder, and CEO of the Yuba Group, designer, creator, distributor of load-carrying bicycles (bikes to carry things, passengers, sports equipment, tools, pets).
Over the past 15 years, Yuba has put over 50,000 cargo bicycles on the road. That is a lot of happy families.
Learn how such bicycle manufacturer business works!
36. Become a carpenter
Carpentry is the art of working with timber to construct and maintain buildings, furniture, and other wooden products.
To date, carpentry remains one of the oldest skilled trades and a craft with plenty of options for a career. You can start repairing or constructing new carpentry products and selling to customers online or locally at your workshop.
To become a carpenter, you may obtain basic education and take up an apprenticeship program through commercial and industrial employers or construction unions. An apprenticeship program equips you with essential knowledge and experience, so you are better prepared to start your own business.
Hello, my name is Brett Burdick and I am the founder (this is the first time I’ve used that term) of Brex International, LLC which is sort of the umbrella company for The Hedgehog business that I’ll be talking about here.
The other products I sell are small stacking accessories that are used to stack two featherboards on top of each other for extra stability when cutting thicker boards on a table saw or band saw. Both products are shown below.
Learn how:
37. Start a plant stands business
The ornamental indoor houseplant trends enhance aesthetics, complementing the interior design and bringing the room together. The hanging plants are among the favorite indoor plants you will find today. To create a strong aesthetic with climbing plants, décor experts use plant stands.
A plant stand is a wooden, metallic, or plastic material that holds potted houseplants. Plant stands are available in different shapes and sizes, and maybe a simple pillar to hold one pot or multiple levels to hold many plants.
Given the increased adoption of climbing plants in indoor space décor, introducing the plant stands can be a lucrative business opportunity. If you are starting a plant stand business, your customers or target market can include home décor experts, offices, and homeowners.
Hi, my name is Monika Kalinowska and I’m the founder of Plant Circle, an online plant store for rare and tropical plants with headquarters in Berlin. I have started Plant Circle in 2017 after going through a burnout caused by my previous job in journalism.
Since the first year, Plant Circle has been almost quadrupling revenue each year, now arriving at +/-100k a month in 2021.
Learn how to make such plant stand:
38. Start a fishing boat charter business
Fishing boat charter service is offered by board owners to professional or recreational anglers at a set rate per time limit or customized rate to meet group needs.
Many people enjoy fishing. However, few people own the boat and other fishing equipment. Moreover, owning a fishing boat may not be economical for recreational anglers. Therefore, they prefer a fishing boat charter service.
If you own a fishing boat, you can start the charter service and earn good profits from your business. Target those on recreational fishing expeditions and even professional anglers who prefer to rent fishing equipment rather than own it.
Learn how:
39. Become a general contractor
Jamie and Anthony are the founders of Outdoor Office LLC. They design & create, oversee the construction of, and offer turnkey outdoor office sheds to clients.
This business constructs and designs unique, fully-finished backyard studio spaces for home businesses, stay-at-home employees, and imaginative dreamers.
As a builder and creator, Anthony believed he could create something that would enable others to work from home without interruptions while also encouraging creativity and passion.
The duo is making more than 1 million per year from their outdoor office building business.
Watch the full video on youtube.com ➜
Learn how:
40. Start a generator repair service
Generators are a common prime source of power and backup. Like other electrical appliances, generators require regular maintenance and repair. Starting a generator repair shop can be a profitable venture. To start, identify residential and commercial customers who use generators and market your services. Also, target new generator buyers, and offer generator installation services.
A door-to-door generator repair service can be the best way to scale your business much faster.
Look how it looks like to repair a generator:
41. Start a holiday decorating service
Holiday decorators make the interior and exterior of businesses and homes festive. While the holiday decoration business is seasonal, it is also highly profitable and requires minimal startup investments. You do not need any special training to start the holiday decorating business. However, being creative and having experience in decorating is key to running a successful business.
I’m Janeen Brown! Founder and CEO of Balloon Haus LLC. In February 2018, I started Balloon Haus - the first opulent online and in-store Balloon boutique - where lifestyle and decor enter a "luxury" level of design. Our team consists of dedicated and loyal employees in Toronto, Atlanta, Detroit and South Florida destined to create iconic balloon memories to last a lifetime.
Learn how:
42. Start an ac repair business
Research shows the HVAC market will grow at a CAGR of 6.1% and reach $82.5 billion in the next few years.
The growing construction business in major emerging economies and the ever-increasing end-user markets such as data center markets are some of the major factors driving the growth of the HVAC services market.
Like other electrical appliances, HVAC units break often and require regular maintenance. As a result, the demand for HVAC repair is high.
Therefore, starting an AC repair business can be profitable. To start, you need a skilled AC repair technical team. Target commercial and residential customers, and market your business online as most people search for AC repair services through the web.
Hi, I’m Bill Spohn, President, CEO, and majority owner of TruTech Tools, LTD. Eric Preston is my trusted business partner. Our business continues to grow as we complement each other's personalities so well. TruTech is one of the largest online stores in the niche market of tools and test instruments for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technicians. We are also the major supplier to a smaller market of technicians that do energy audits and assess building performance, including indoor air quality. We serve customers in the US and Canada.
I founded the company with Jim Bergmann, Jr, and his dad, Jim Sr. (who passed in 2016). The business was intended as a retirement “hobby” for Jim Sr. as both his son and I had full-time jobs. After I bought them out (with Eric noted above) in 2014, we have continued to have a great relationship with Jim Jr. and have continued to build each others’ businesses. The interesting thing is, I have always worked remotely (100 miles away) from the majority of the staff at the offices/warehouse.
Learn more:
43. Start a drain repair service
Over time, drain pipes at commercial and residence will become clogged and require regular servicing to keep the dirty water flowing. When it comes to the efficiency of drainpipes, residential and commercial property owners, want to hire a reliable plumber.
To become a drain pipe specialist, you need at least a high school diploma or GED. To gain a higher skill level, you may take a degree course before joining a company for an internship to gain the necessary plumbing experience.
Learn how:
44. Start a boat repair business
Just like vehicles, trains, and airplanes, boats will break down. When they break down, the boat owners contact a nearby technician to help with the repair service. According to reports, the global boat repairing market will grow at a CARG of 7.6%. The growth is mainly because of the increased adoption of boats as a means of transport.
Therefore, starting your own boat repair business can be profitable. To start, identify the boat repair services you can offer in your area. Focus on providing the services to meet customer satisfaction and earn referrals.
Learn how:
45. Start a furniture delivery and assembling business
A furniture delivery business is a low-barrier to entry business opportunity for a handyperson with tools and a truck. You can manage the business easily from your home office or online, keeping operating expenses minimal.
As the home construction business experience a boom, demand for new furniture is also increasing. New home buyers purchase furniture online and look for a handy person to help with the delivery and assembly.
To start a furniture delivery and assembly business, partner with furniture manufacturers and become their local agent. For every order, they send, request to be the delivery and assembly partner.
Learn how:
46. Start a DIY business ($70.6K/month)
I'm the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Cooking Gift Set Co., where we design and curate cooking kits that feed your culinary curiosity. From mastering Chinese soup dumplings to smoking meat on the grill, our kits teach classic techniques from all over the world.
In 2020 we did $866,000 in sales with 70% on Amazon, 26% Wholesale, and 4% e-commerce.
Learn how:
More business ideas
- 47. Start an aviation cleaning service
48. Start a Long Haul Trucking Business
Long haul trucking is one of the sectors contributing significantly to economic growth. Besides, with the modern marketplaces, consumers depend on long-haul truckers to bridge the gap between them and favorite suppliers across the globe.
Thus, if you have a passion for starting a business that focuses on trucking, a long-haul trucking business would fulfill your dream.
Before investing in a long-haul truck, study the market and identify the business opportunities that will be most pleasing to you. Then, buy or lease a suitable long-haul truck and focus on doing what it takes to keep your business profitable while satisfying your customers.
Learn how long haul trucking business works:
More business ideas
- 50. Start a roof inspection business
51. Start a car wash
As more people purchase vehicles, the demand for carwash services will keep increasing. Starting a car wash can be the ticket for the budding entrepreneur looking for an innovative business idea with low startup costs.
You must choose an ideal location and invest in quality car wash equipment to operate a successful car wash. Proper advertising and marketing are critical to running a successful car wash business.
Hi Starter Story! My name is Joey Sanchez and I'm the founder of Wolf's Auto Detailing in Phoenix, Arizona. We are a mobile auto detailing service that focuses on quality work and convenience. We specialize in interior detailing, Paint polishing, and ceramic coating just to name a few.
While our client list consists of many different types of vehicles and personalities, they all share one thing in common: they all understand the value of quality work. We hold our standards very high and measure our success not only in dollar amounts but in the satisfaction of our clients. However, making $3K a month only working 3 days a week isn't a bad deal!
More business ideas
- 52. Start a concrete cutting service
- 53. Start a guard dog security service
- 54. Start a cabinet making business
55. Start a bitcoin hardware mining business
More business ideas
- 56. Start a graffiti removal business
57. Start a pest control business
Pest control is a booming industry that has been around for decades. It is only going to grow more as new pests and diseases enter our worl.
Pests can be a serious menace, and homeowners are willing to pay what it takes to get rid of pests around their homestead.
Pest control can be a lucrative business that can make you a lot of money.
More business ideas
- 58. Start an industrial laundromat business
- 59. Start a carpet installation business
60. Start a christmas lights service
During the Christmas holiday, homeowners and business owners enjoy having decorations of all types. Christmas lights installations are the most common décor idea among the many different Christmas decoration options.
For décor experts, installing Christmas lights can be a lucrative way to make money during the winter months. A Christmas lights business is not only a low-cost business idea, but it is something that people are willing to pay a lot of money for.
61. Start a christmas tree farm
Are you looking for an exciting way to make money every December? Starting a Christmas tree farm could be the right business for you. You can grow Christmas trees in your backyard and harvest them in December, then sell them to décor companies and consultants.
Here are steps for starting your Christmas tree farm:
- Choose the Christmas tree variety and purchase the seedlings
- Prepare your backyard farm
- Plant the seedlings and care for them to maturity
Some Christmas trees will take more than two years to grow to maturity. However, the waiting time also depends on the size of the Christmas tree you desire.
More business ideas
- 62. Become a camera manufacturer
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