5 side hustle ideas you can do from home

side hustle

With these part-time franchises and business opportunities, you can build an empire in your spare time

Side hustles are a perfect way for college students, stay-at-home moms, retirees, or just about anyone to earn extra income and find an optimal work-life balance. Some of today’s most successful companies began as side hustles. Mark Zuckerberg and his schoolmates created Facebook from their college dorm, for example, and Apple Computer was started from founder Steve Jobs’ garage. But you don’t have to be a computer genius or a software developer to start a side hustle. You can buy into someone else’s good idea and enjoy extra income and a flexible schedule. Below are five side hustle ideas that can easily be done from home.

Vending

A vending business may not be glamorous, but it’s the perfect side hustle. Many vending systems today have smart technology that allows owners to manage inventory remotely. With a vending business, you can set your own schedule, and work out of your home. And if the idea of selling junk food doesn’t sound appealing, you will be pleasantly surprised to find brands that stock healthier options. For example, Naturals2Go machines stock protein bars and dried fruit, instead of the typical candy bar and soda. The company supports its investors with a coach who connects owners to product sources at the best prices, but the company doesn’t mandate what their operators actually sell or where they get their inventory. The vending industry continues to be an in-demand convenience for everyone from college students to executives. According to the Naturals2Go website, vending is a $52 billion dollar growth industry. 

A completely hands-off vending opportunity is WaterStation Technology. There is a large, up-front investment, but owners can essentially sit back and enjoy a constant source of revenue with minimal effort. Owners of this eco-friendly business can feel good about the products they sell. The self-serve drinking water vending machines provide premium mineral water that is not only more affordable than most bottled water but also much more ecologically responsible. 

After-school enrichment

Challenge Island is an ideal side hustle for people who want a rewarding business with a flexible schedule.

Investing in an after-school enrichment business provides investors with the opportunity to inspire and educate future generations. Franchises like Snapology and Challenge Island both have programming that allows children to use their imaginations with a creative, STEAM-based curriculum. Franchise owners can take advantage of several revenue streams, such as birthday parties and camps. Ideal side hustles, both Snapology and Challenge Island are home-based/mobile businesses with low start-up costs.

Property management

Property management is a great way to be your own boss with a flexible schedule. Franchises like Grand Welcome and Keyrenter make it possible. Both brands have capitalized on the growing industry. Franchise owners do not need previous experience since they can reap the benefits of the franchisor’s support and training. According to the KeyRenter website, there are 43 million households renting in the United States and renters constitute 37 percent of all U.S. households.

Travel planning

As a travel planner, you can help people plan that perfect getaway. And after a year of sheltering at home, there is lots of pent-up demand. According to Cruise Planners, “the travel industry is resilient, and as restrictions ease, the demand for travel will be high.” Both Cruise Planners and Dream Vacations franchises are low-cost and can be operated from home. The franchisor provides the necessary training, technology, and tools to run a successful business from anywhere. An added benefit? Opportunities for discounted travel. 

Franchise consulting

A franchise consulting business may be one of the best side hustles out there. You can work from anywhere and on your own schedule. Franchise consultants can work as much or as little as they want, growing the business at their own pace. With this feel-good business, you can help guide potential investors to franchise businesses that suit their lifestyles, interests, and investment level. Franchise consultants provide direction as well as the information that will help aspiring business owners make the right decisions to become successful. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be an expert or have years of experience in the industry. You can find certification programs that will get you on your way to the perfect side hustle!

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Isabella Stier is a freelance writer who has a love for storytelling and entrepreneurship. She contributes to FranchiseWire.com and entrepreneurship-interviews.com, reporting on industry news and franchise trends.
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