15 Business Ideas For Entrepreneurs That Don't Like To Sell

Updated: July 24th, 2023

If you have a passion for starting a business that requires little sales, there are plenty of different business ideas for you.

In this article, we’ll go into greater depth about 15 of these accessible, and potentially lucrative, business ideas that require little to no sales.

Here they are:

1. Start an airbnb management company

An Airbnb management company manages every aspect on behalf of an owner and manages a complete day-to-day running of a rental property.

The services offered by the Airbnb management company include: marketing a property, optimizing financing, meeting and greeting guests, repairs, maintenance, and cleaning.

An Airbnb management company fee structure is generally based on commission, flat rate, and guaranteed income.

Airbnb management companies can easily increase the Rental Income by a minimum of 30% to 50% without compromising guest experiences.

To become an Airbnb property manager, one should be able to find homeowners who will be interested in the services offered by you. Airbnb property managers can make an average annual salary of $55,000 or $27 per hour.

How much you can make: $1,333 — $270,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

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HostButlers is Ireland's first professional property concierge service for short-term rentals on Airbnb, boasting over 200,000 hosted guests and profitability from month 5.

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Gary started Host Butlers over 8 years ago
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Gary grew the business to $35K/month
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2. Start a freelance writing business

Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.

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

How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $400 (?)

How long does it take to build: 53 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

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David started Article-Writing Co almost 13 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $125K/month
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3. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $4,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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Chhavi started Mrs Daaku Studio over 5 years ago
Revenue
Chhavi grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Chhavi $500 to start the business
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4. Become a business coach

Are you thinking of starting a career as a business coach?

Becoming a business coach can be a great way to help aspiring entrepreneurs while earning a healthy income. You may want to consider becoming a coach if you have skills in specialized business fields such as marketing, e-commerce, stress management, or leadership.

Many small-business owners are finding it hard to get started, grow, and succeed. As a business coach, your job will be to help entrepreneurs identify new opportunities and take advantage of the ones they already have.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $9,259,259/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

About
Kamil started E-commerce Mentoring almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Kamil grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Kamil $1000 to start the business
Read by 23,335 founders

5. Start a dog walking business

Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.

As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.

To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.

With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business

Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.

About
Melodi started Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC almost 18 years ago
Revenue
Melodi grew the business to $54K/month
Costs
It cost Melodi $500 to start the business
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6. Start a tutoring business

Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income.

If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website.

Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $375,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $15K/Month SAT Tutoring Business While In College

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Adam started SoFlo Tutors almost 5 years ago
Revenue
Adam grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Adam $100 to start the business
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7. Start a child care business

Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income. You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home. You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.

A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care. Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

8. 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.

How much you can make: $12,000 — $364,000/month

How long does it take to build: 410 days (?)

We Started A $4.37M/Year Private Jet And Air Taxi Booking Service

Mirai Flights is an app-forward private jet booking service with a focus on UK, Europe, Middle East and CIS states, that allows customers to bypass the long wait times with more than 30 parameters analysed in less than 30 seconds, achieving $4.37m turnover from March to December 2021, and planning to increase it up to $10.2m and expand internationally in the future.

About
Irakli started Mirai Flights about 3 years ago
Revenue
Irakli grew the business to $364K/month
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9. Start a cleaning business

Starting a cleaning business is an excellent opportunity to be your boss and make money doing what you love. This business is relatively easy to create and does not require much equipment or funds.

There are many cleaning services, so deciding what services (or combination of services) you will offer and what hours of the day or week those services will be available is essential.

To start cleaning service, you’ll want to consider investing in professional cleaning equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, a quality mop, and a good cleaning bucket. You will also need to buy environment-friendly cleaning products such as detergent, bleach, paper towels, and trash bags.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $708,333/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $100K+/Month Home Cleaning Service For Busy Individuals And Airbnb Hosts

MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.

About
Neel started MaidThis Franchise over 10 years ago
Revenue
Neel grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Neel $800 to start the business
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10. Start a virtual accounting business

Starting a virtual accounting business is an excellent opportunity for those with a background in finance or accounting. With the rise of remote work and technology, starting your own virtual accounting business has never been easier.

A virtual accounting business involves providing accounting services to clients remotely. This can include bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, financial reporting, and more. With the right tools and software, you can offer these services to clients no matter where they are located.

To start a successful virtual accounting business, you’ll need a strong understanding of accounting principles and regulations. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is often preferred, as well as relevant certifications such as a CPA. You’ll also need to be proficient in using accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero and be comfortable working with clients remotely.

One key to success in a virtual accounting business is to specialize in a specific area of accounting. This could be working with small businesses, freelancers, or a particular industry. Focusing on a specific niche can better serve your clients and stand out in a crowded market.

A virtual accounting business can be relatively low-cost in terms of startup costs. In addition to education and certifications, you’ll need a computer, accounting software, and possibly a website to promote your services. You may also want to invest in marketing to attract clients and grow your business.

Overall, starting a virtual accounting business is an excellent opportunity for those with a background in finance or accounting looking to work remotely and be their boss. You can build a successful and profitable business with the right skills and marketing efforts.

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

11. Become a youtube personality

YouTube personalities produce videos on YouTube and post them on their channels. YouTube personalities make money through the following:

  • Advertising revenue - Ads revenue from the display, overlay, and video ads
  • Channel Memberships – members earn recurring revenue in exchange for special perks they offer
  • Merch Shelf – When channel fans browse and purchase official branded merchandise, you showcase it on watch pages.
  • Super Chat & Super Stickers – Fans pay to get their messages highlighted in chat streams
  • YouTube Premium Revenue – Get part of a premium subscriber’s subscription fee when fans watch your content.

You can start earning money through either or all of the above options, so long as you meet their YouTube-defined criteria and they are available in your location.

If you want to make money on YouTube, you must apply and be approved for the YouTube Partner Program, which gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features.

How much you can make: $3,055 — $4,500,000/month

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Thomas started Thomas Frank over 13 years ago
Revenue
Thomas grew the business to $135K/month
Costs
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13. Start a data analysis service

A data analysis service is a great way to help businesses make sense of their data. This type of service can be used to provide insights into customer behavior, improve marketing campaigns, or simply help businesses make better decisions.

If you're interested in starting up a data analysis service, You will need knowledge in data analysis and the ability to communicate effectively with clients so they can benefit from what insights have been found by analyzing their information properly - this way it's not just about making money but also helping others!

iTechArt is a leading custom software development company that helps both startups and enterprises streamline their analytics process. They also generated revenue of $209 billion in 2019, while creating more than a million jobs over the past three years.

Starting a data analysis service is a perfect business idea for those with analytical skills and a desire to help businesses to make better use of their data. This business is in high demand and can be very profitable, with data analysts earning high salaries.

How much you can make: $20 — $2,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

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Chelsea started Ivee about 4 years ago
Revenue
Chelsea grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Chelsea $250000 to start the business
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14. Start a laundry business

Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.

One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals. Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.

In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront. However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.

Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.

How much you can make: $24,000 — $83,333/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

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Nishant started Elite DhobiLite Laundry Pvt. Ltd. over 12 years ago
Revenue
Nishant grew the business to $26.5K/month
Costs
It cost Nishant $80000 to start the business
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15. Start a handyman business

A handyman business covers a wide range of home repair and maintenance services, making it an easy entry into the industry.

You can start with minimal resources, and by providing valuable assistance to customers, you'll quickly establish yourself as a trusted professional in the field.

To start a handyman business on a budget, identify your skills and the services you can offer confidently.

Then, create a basic business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing.

Next, obtain any necessary licenses or permits, and invest in basic tools and equipment.

Finally, promote your services through word of mouth, local advertising, and online platforms to attract customers and gradually grow your handyman business.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week

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Dan started Dundas Valley Pools almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Dan grew the business to $8K/month
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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.