20 Boring Business Ideas That Are Guaranteed To Turn A Profit (2023)
Interested in starting a profitable business that many people won't touch?
We have searched for some relatively boring & unconventional business ideas that can turn out to be highly profitable for you. You've probably seen a few of these business ideas already and thought they were too traditional. Sometimes, these are the best and most profitable business ideas to start.
The following is a list of 20 "boring" business ideas that I've come up with by looking at a few different industries and expanding on them.
In this list of 20 boring business ideas, you can find:
- Home-based boring businesses.
- Low-investment online business ideas.
- Unique business opportunities that are incredibly profitable.
1. Start an animal bone cleaning service
The pristine-looking skeletons you see in museums or bright white skulls hanging from walls are real animal bones and skulls that were cleaned and preserved.
Cleaning animal bones may sound boring! But do you know that animal skulls and bones is a profitable business? Animal bones and skulls are not only a good display for residential and commercial places, but they are also a good teaching tool. Your clients can be hunters, anatomy professionals, conservationists, and pet lovers.
Therefore, starting a bone cleaning and bleaching business can be a great business.
I'm Carla Brauer, the founder and owner of Dermestidarium. My business uses flesh-eating beetles (yes, you heard that right!) to clean animal bones for display.
2. Start a plumbing business
Cleaning waste pipes and unblocking sewer lines is a challenging job. However, it can be a profitable job without significant investment and with low overhead costs. To start a plumbing business, you must learn technical skills and gain 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!
3. Start a funeral service
For many, death is one of the most challenging life events. For that reason, starting a funeral business may sound awkward and unconventional. However, if you think about it, death is a “natural” and essential part of life. Therefore, starting a funeral business can be a profitable business idea. A funeral service provides the following services:
- Burial services
- Cremation services
- Repatriation services
- Memorial services
- Pet cremation
- Exhumation Services
If you are starting a funeral service, you may choose some or all of the above services.
4. Start a storage facility
Storage space is a highly 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 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 the following:
- 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.
5. Start a fulfillment business
As e-commerce becomes the pillar in our retail landscape, fulfillment businesses are becoming more important.
Fulfillment companies enable e-Commerce by processing order receipts, packing, delivering, and handling returns from clients. These businesses act as a third-party warehouse and their core responsibilities include preparing and shipping orders. Thus, they store goods until they are ready to send to stores and customers. If you are planning to start a fulfillment service, some of the services will include:
- Same day-delivery
- Customer support through chat, text, and phone call
- Complete order tracking from arrival at the fulfillment center to delivery to customer's door
- Custom API integration
- Climate-controlled storage space
To start a fulfillment center you need to find space, streamline with software, and set up and understand business KPIs with the target e-Commerce companies.
Hi! My name is Jan Bednar and I’m the CEO and founder of ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center based in South Florida.
Last year, we were named America’s Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center and scored a spot at #29 on Inc. 5000’s list of fastest growing companies. We made the list again this year at #154. With projected revenue of $60M for 2019, we absolutely can’t wait to see what else is in store for us!
6. Start a home automation business
Home automation uses modern technologies like sensors, internet and automation control to create centrally controlled lighting, home security and HVAC services.
The home automation business targets homeowners in the upper-middle to upper class. You can market your services by partnering with home improvement businesses to gain market exposure. Create a social media presence and use the platforms to educate your target customers about the business.
I’m Nate Clark, founder of Konnected. Three years ago, I was faced with a challenge: I had a wired home security system but no way to monitor my home on my terms, from my own devices, when I was away. I developed what eventually became Konnected to provide a smart upgrade to my security system, using the existing wiring and sensors paired with some open-source software so that I can monitor my home right from my phone.
As the project gained popularity on GitHub, people began reaching out to me to build units for them. It quickly became clear there was a market need for a solution like Konnected for consumers wanting to breathe new, smart, life into their wired home security systems. Today, we are shipping approximately 9,000 orders per year, bringing in an estimated $1,000,000 in sales, and with the increasing demand, we’re able to further develop and expand our line.
7. Start a furniture flipping
Flipping furniture is a business idea that can make you money by working a few hours a week. From kitchen tables to dressers and armories, plus, you can turn old pieces of furniture into a masterpiece that someone would be interested in paying for.
If you have a few hours a week and you enjoy checking out wooden furniture, flipping household or office units can be a profitable business idea for you. Some furniture flippers earn a 6-figure profit per year, from furniture flipping.
- Jack and Joan Ferrell are the founders of Second Time Sellers.
- They buy used items at yard sales, flea markets, and online auctions, then sell them for up to ten times what they originally paid.
- A brand-new inversion table was their very first acquisition. It cost them $50 to purchase, and they sold it for $450.
- They have taken off immediately and set a target of making $250,000 in the upcoming 12 months.
- Presently, they have an eBay store specializing in professional car care supplies and electrical and tools.
Read the full article on https://www.sidehustlenation.com/ ➜
8. Start a mobile auto detailing service
A mobile carwash business reaches clients whenever possible and offers its services conveniently. 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. You can serve more customers based on convenience 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.
9. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice for professional writers for offering writing services to different clients via online platforms. Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
My name is David Tile. I own and operate a Content Writing Service, under the banner Article-Writing.co.
We don’t consider ourselves a content marketing firm. But a firm dedicated to the business of writing. Project management offers most often attached to marketing agencies. We work against marketing briefs delivering content on time and under budget.
10. Start a transcription business
A transcription service converts live or recorded speech into a written or electronic text document. Transcription service is in demand globally across industries.
Becoming a transcriptionist can be a side hustle or a full-time job, so long as you have the right gear.
Do you plan to become a transcriber ? Take an online transcriptionist course and work on your listening skills. To succeed, you need a good typing speed and excellent language command.
My name is Ben Walker and I am the CEO and Founder of Transcription Outsourcing, LLC in Denver, Colorado.
Transcription Outsourcing was awarded the NASPO ValuePoint ($16 billion in annual sales from 65 contracts) transcription services contract three years ago, over 26 other companies, and haven’t looked back since.
11. Start a tree maintenance business
The tree service business is a great venture because homeowners and commercial property owners will always have trees that need attention.
A tree service business offers services such as pruning branches, cutting away dead branches or pruning, transplanting, tree removal, and stump grinding, among others. Tree service companies use climbing and rigging techniques to help in the maintenance and appearance of trees.
Starting a tree trimming & tree maintenance service can be a great business opportunity, however, you will need specific skills to perform the tasks.
12. Become an interior designer
Interior designing involves making indoor spaces safe, functional, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential & decorative items such as colors, lighting, and materials.
The global luxury interior design market is growing at a CAGR of 9.0%. The growth metrics show there is great potential for entrepreneurs targeting households.
If you are starting a luxury interior design business, focus on style and specialty. Add valuables with creative professions, such as interior design, so you stand out from the rest. Ensure you hire the right people and hone the brand identity.
Well, to make a long story short, my mother and I started this company together in 1996. I was working as a staff interior designer at a private firm in NYC, and my mother, Rosemarie was the manager of the Estate and Trust department at a large Law Firm. We both HATED our jobs and dreamed of doing our 'own thing'. We had no idea what that looked like, and so we turned to our passion..antiques and design.
That passion has morphed into a boutique design firm that boasts over 1M in annual revenue and has completed hundreds of trophy projects.
13. Become a real estate agent
Real estate agents are professionals who assist clients in marketing and selling their properties. They also assist the buyers in purchasing properties. Their services include meeting clients, advising them about market conditions, and providing guidance through the process of buying or selling properties.
A real estate career can be financially rewarding. However, the work requires good management skills, organization skills, customer service, handling complex paperwork and socially promoting yourself.
The pros of becoming a real estate agent include earning extra commission from clients and also setting your own working hours.
My name is Grigory Pekarsky and I own a residential real estate company called Vesta Preferred.
We consistently grow at a 20% pace and this year we are on pace to write 1000 new leases and sell over $120m in real estate.
14. Start an online language coaching business
The world has become more globalized. Businesses have become cross-border, and executives have to travel to meet new customers. One thing that is obvious is that there is a need for language translation services.
If you have proficiency in one or more foreign languages then you can consider working as a language coach.
Teaching a language online is intensive as you have to meet and communicate with the audience often, and check their progress. If you are looking for an opportunity to earn working online, consider starting online language lessons.
My name is Marlena Jorn and I am the founder of Marlena Jorn Tutors. I offer private, one-on-one German lessons to both children and adults. I currently have a website and a Facebook page. I teach my lessons through Zoom and PowerPoint, and after every lesson, I provide the student with the PowerPoint with my voice attached to it so they can practice the vocabulary/grammar between lessons.
I currently have three students, and I am currently working on building rapport and a solid clientele. Throughout my own education, I have seen a decline in the availability of the German language. I aim to reverse that and make German available to anyone interested.
15. Start a home cleaning service
Mopping floors, making beds, cleaning other people’s bathrooms, and vacuuming surfaces are not everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you are looking for a quick way to earn money, consider starting your home cleaning business.
Home cleaners earn per hour or chore, and can work for as many hours to maximize their income. Office-going people or parents with kids to look after do not have the time to clean their houses. Others are just messy and lazy and prefer paying a home cleaning services to keep the house in order.
To start a home cleaning business you do not need any particular skills or prior experience. You can advertise online, perform tasks, get referrals and build a steady clientele.
Hey! My name is Neel Parekh and I am the Founder and CEO of MaidThis® & MaidThis® Franchise, a cleaning franchise that helps residential homeowners and short-term rental hosts (Airbnb, VRBO, etc) with their cleanings.
- We made our niche focus on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, in addition to regular home cleaning, which is a rapidly growing industry. We became the first cleaning franchise specializing in vacation rental cleaning.
- Local businesses are often pretty old school and typically aren’t the best with marketing, especially digital marketing. We’re bringing new-age marketing tactics to this old-school industry.
- Remote work: we’ve been able to stay extra nimble and lean with having a global workforce. This was initially done out of necessity so I could travel, but quickly became a huge competitive advantage. Our office team works across 8 different countries.
16. Start an adult day care business
Adult daycare service is a planned program of activities in a professional care setting designed for elderly people who require supervised care. Adult daycare services enable seniors to socialize and enjoy planned activities in a group setting while receiving needed treatment.
The services of an adult day care vary based on owners’ preferences.
Whatever the range of services, the intent is primarily to provide the elderly an opportunity to get out of the house and receive mental and social stimulation and other care they need.
17. Start a Garment Retail Store
While garment retail stores are getting a lot tougher because of huge discount department store chains, they are still a viable business idea for entrepreneurs who are willing to commit extra time and effort to make a sale.
If you are planning to start a garments retail store, develop a strong business strategy that clearly differentiates you and gives shoppers a reason to walk into your store. You will need capital for funding the inventory, paying rent, and some cash reserve to market your business.
18. Start a laundromat
The first laundromat opened in the United States in 1887. It was invented by the entrepreneur Josephine Cochrane, who was frustrated with having to wash her family’s laundry by hand.
The laundromat is a self-service facility that provides washing and drying machines for personal use. There are many different types of machines available, including coin-operated ones and those that require a card. They also provide various types of detergents and fabric softeners for use with the machines.
A laundromat can make a lot of money if it is in the right location and has the right prices.
I’m Jono Santamaria, the director of Nina’s Laundrette, a laundromat located in Northcote, Australia. I purchased the coin laundry in July 2021; an older gentleman had run the laundromat then, and the shop was dated and only accepted coins.
The most significant impacts that led to this dramatic increase have been investing in our digital presence, upgrading the store’s machines, and creating a new and modern brand. We also added a commercial laundry service which brings in an additional AUD24K per year.
19. Start a mold remediation service
Mold removal and remediation service are not very desirable business ideas, but they are profitable businesses. Mold removal professionals charge a premium price due to the nature of the work, and especially the biohazards involved.
Besides, residential and commercial clients are willing to pay for this kind of specialized service by experienced professionals. If you love cleaning messy places and treating and disinfecting surfaces, mold remediation is a service that will earn you as much profit.
20. 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.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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