Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Side Hustle Idea: Mini Massage Service

On my other blog I talked about simple self-indulgence in general and quick and easy foot pampering specifically. This morning I indulged myself with a foot massage and thought about how cool it would be to have someone come to my office and give me one. I’ve purchased those water foot massaging machines but they are not as effective as a real person. So an idea popped into my head that I’d like to share with you. Why not offer foot massages as a side business and charge $10-20.

Now some people have problems with handling feet so this is not an idea that’s for everyone. The good thing about this service is that you can do it in your spare time, in the evening and on the weekend. If you are not sure that there is enough demand consider placing a small ad on Craigslist and see if you can make $100 from it. If you can, then you might have a winner.

All you can do is try and all that’s required is lotion/oil and your hands. Be sure to let your clients know that you are not a professional massage therapist and that they are hiring you at their own risk (have them sign a disclaimer). A small amount of people care but the vast majority won’t because they are getting a need met. So go forth and get your foot massage service started. You really have nothing to lose.

A List of Side Hustle Ideas

Here are more ideas to consider for your side hustle. Don’t be ashamed to let people know what you are doing. Most are happy to buy from you, especially if you have a good reputation and display great customer service. Let me know how it’s going for you.

    1.    Tutor someone younger
    2.    Make and sell jewelry
    3.    Weed gardens
    4.    Deliver newspapers
    5.    Wash cars
    6.    Type papers and documents
    7.    Be a party entertainer (magic, clown, etc)
    8.    Be a party helper (help harried parents with setting up a birthday party, serving food, corralling young kids)
    9.    Face painting
    10.    Mother’s helper

You will be rich pretty soon if you keep this up. Let me know how it’s going!

More Side Hustle Ideas

Here are 10 more side hustles to consider when you need to make extra money in a hurry.

    1.    Raising and selling small pets, such as birds or rabbits (check your town’s regulations, and make sure your child is responsible)
    2.    Raising chickens and selling eggs
    3.    Carrying groceries up apartment stairs for people
    4.    Gathering change around the house
    5.    Baking and selling muffins or cookies
    6.    Sweeping sidewalks and driveways
    7.    Painting fences
    8.    Teach a skill, such as swimming or computers
    9.    Make and sell greeting cards (check with a local business and ask if you can sell them there)
    10.    Take instant photos at an event, such as a fair or festival

*Note that some side hustles are appropriate for certain locations.

Don’t limit yourself to just your neighborhood. Tell trusted co-workers about your fundraising project and let them help you by purchasing or patronizing your goods and services.

Side Hustle Anyone?

You may not be able to start a full-time business right now but you can get a side hustle. A side hustle is a part-time venture for making extra money for a short or long-term period of time in addition to working a full-time job.

Use the side hustle to make quick cash for building up an emergency fund, paying off a bill quickly, saving up for a trip, saving up to start a full-time business, or getting your kid (or any loved one) a cool gift. You may just want to go on a shopping spree because of an upcoming wedding or class reunion. Whatever the reason for starting a side hustle, it’s a quick and easy way to get cash fast.

So what can you do as a side venture? The options are endless and it’s just a matter of taking one thing you already know how to do and offering it to others. Classic side hustles are Friday night fish dinners to neighbors, hair or nail services, selling candy or ice cream to the neighborhood kids, and typing term papers for students. These are all excellent ventures and most customers come from word of mouth referrals.

If you are still unsure about what you want to do consider this list of 10 side jobs. They were taken from a list of money making ideas for kids, but adults can do them too.

    1.    Selling lemonade
    2.    Selling toys at a yard sale
    3.    Bringing their old clothing to consignment
    4.    Growing and selling produce
    5.    Growing and selling flowers
    6.    Lawn mowing and yard work
    7.    Selling pencils, stickers or small toys (get them in a gross at Oriental Trading or at a wholesale supply)
    8.    Cleaning out someone’s garage
    9.    Baby sitting
    10.  Pet sitting and dog walking

What other side hustles can you think of? Do you have any unique ideas for advertising your side hustle?