Updated May 2021
The vast majority of people in the world have been trapped in their homes for almost a year now and they are starting to go a bit stir-crazy. You can only binge-watch so many television shows or plays so many computer games. Fortunately, the internet is still working and it is this modern technology that can enable you to start a business with no inventory.
If you have been laid off from your job or if you are just looking to make a little extra cash, there are plenty of things that you can do that don’t require anything more than a laptop and a bit of free time. There are several businesses that are especially easy to start and also very lucrative.
Secretarial Services
Many people are self-employed nowadays and they are working from home. The secretarial pool is a thing of the past and the majority of workers probably do not need a full-time personal assistant.
If you have a speedy pair of fingers and a computer, you can do things like type up business letters, fill out applications and perform basic bookkeeping tasks for small business owners.
As the pandemic continues to keep people at home, creative individuals who have been meaning to write a book for years will finally get around to writing it down. However, their work might need to be proofread.
If you always know where the comma goes, you can make money by typing and formatting people’s novels, screenplays, and papers for school.
Sell T-Shirts
T-shirts never go out of style. A shirt with a sarcastic remark or an inspiring thought is an easy way to let others know who you are. They can be an inexpensive but fun gift. They can be used to advertise your company or increase employee morale.
At one time, you would need a warehouse, a printer, and a marketing deal with a store to sell t-shirts. These days, you can simply go online and find an on-demand t-shirt printing company.
You can generally design your shirt using their online tools. You will want to find a platform to display your shirts such as Shopify or Amazon. You will then link your online store to the on-demand company and start to sell your shirts.
When someone orders one of your shirts, the on-demand company will print it and send it out to the customer. You will not have to invest any money because they will simply take the cost of the shirt, the printing, and the shipping out of the customer’s payment. You can find out more here: printful.com/start-online-tshirt-business.
Make YouTube Videos
Although it may seem unlikely, YouTubers actually can make money if they make videos that are about subjects that interest a large number of people. Video game reviews are quite popular and the most successful YouTubers make their living critiquing games.
It also helps to be controversial. Nicole Arbour, a virtually unknown model, comedian, and cheerleader from Canada, ended up causing quite a stir and going viral when she made a video entitled “Dear Fat People,” which admonish the portly.
Being stuck at home is a lot more tolerable if you are making money and doing something you enjoy. When the pandemic ends, you can either tell people that you started your own successful business or that you watched reruns, slept, and ate junk food; the choice is yours.
Related reading
- How long does the legal process usually take when selling a business?
- Creative Ways to Personalize Your Business Communications
- Why Employment Law is an Essential Aspect of Running a Business
- 4 Tips to Consider When Investing in CRM Software for Your Business
- how to start an online business
Related: what a genuine product review looks like
This builds on my main ecommerce marketing guide, my main guide on the topic.
Bottom line: You don’t need a warehouse full of stock to build a profitable online business. Services, digital products, affiliate marketing and dropshipping all let you start with minimal upfront investment while testing demand before you scale. The key is picking a model that matches your skills and the time you have available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest online business to start without inventory?
Freelancing or offering a service based on skills you already have, such as writing, design, social media management or consulting, is usually the fastest to launch. There’s no product to create or store, just your time and expertise, and you can start taking on clients within days.
How much money do I need to start a business without holding stock?
Many inventory-free models can be started for under $100, covering things like a website, basic tools or an email marketing platform. Affiliate marketing and print-on-demand often have the lowest barriers since you’re not paying for products until a sale happens.
Is dropshipping still worth it without owning inventory?
Dropshipping can still work, but margins have tightened as more people enter the space. Success now depends more on strong marketing, niche selection and customer service than simply listing products, so treat it as a real business rather than a quick side income.
Can I run these businesses alongside a full-time job?
Yes, most no-inventory models are well suited to starting part-time. Digital products, affiliate sites and freelance services can all be built up in evenings and weekends until they generate enough income to replace a salary, if that’s your goal.
