Service Industry Business Ideas

Think starting a successful business requires a fortune? Think again! Here are 10 proven business ideas—split into online and offline categories—that you can launch with less than $100. Each idea comes with real examples, tools you'll need, startup costs, and step-by-step instructions to get you started.

The path to success is rarely a straight line. Behind every great entrepreneur lies not only triumphs but also a series of failures that became stepping stones to greatness. These failures not only reveal mistakes but also teach valuable lessons that paved the way to success. Let’s explore 10 inspiring stories, examining the reasons behind their failures and how they turned things around.

Digitizing old photographs is a profitable home-based business that offers flexibility and meaningful work. Inspired by Cathi Nelson's experience, learn how to turn photo scanning into a valuable and educational activity for your family.

Dreaming of attracting more visitors to your café or restaurant but unsure how? This article explores one of the hottest trends—towering milkshakes, also known as overshakes. These towering treats, sometimes reaching up to a meter in height, are guaranteed to become the centerpiece of your establishment. Learning how to make them is a must for staying on-trend.

In recent years, natural building materials have become increasingly popular, especially among country homeowners. Gabion fences, which combine durability with natural aesthetics, offer a lucrative business opportunity. Learn how to start a custom gabion fence installation business with minimal investment.

The traditional office work model that we all know and are used to has officially become a thing of the past. These bold words come from Gary Mendel, one of the founders of Yopine and a satisfied member of the WeWork community.

The MailChimp story has an element of lightheartedness running through it. It's not about offering customers a subpar product under this brand – quite the contrary. Over its more than 15 years of existence, this online email service has consistently proven its effectiveness. What's really intriguing is the founders, Ben Chestnut and Dan Kurzius, and their unique approach to their brainchild, alongside their unconventional marketing tactics.

Starting a laundry business can be complex yet highly lucrative. One major advantage is the lack of intense competition in the market. However, the flip side is the challenge of low consumer spending power and consequently limited demand, which discourages many entrepreneurs from investing in such a venture. Nevertheless, while the demand may not be booming, it remains steady. With proper organization, a laundry business can generate a consistent and substantial income. Let's delve into the key aspects to consider before diving into this venture.

Living in a bustling metropolis means that endless opportunities are at your fingertips. Believe it or not, even something as basic as providing clean restroom facilities can pave the way to success in this concrete jungle. While it's not a topic often discussed, the lack of public toilets is a common challenge for many big cities. It's no wonder since restrooms are a universal necessity for everyone, from all walks of life. Therefore, the steep cost of renting space is no obstacle for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the mobile restroom business. In the end, all investments in this vital service will surely pay off handsomely.

An intercom system is a simple and relatively inexpensive piece of technology that allows residents of apartment buildings to feel secure, knowing that unauthorized individuals cannot gain access to their building. With the rapid growth of high-rise buildings, the demand for intercom systems is also on the rise. However, the expenses for installation are not considered prohibitive. As a result, a well-managed business focusing on installing intercom systems can generate substantial profits in a short amount of time. Let's explore the steps necessary to achieve this goal.

Have you always dreamed of turning your wedding ceremony into something truly unique and unforgettable? Then you definitely need to hear about the opening of a wedding pavilion... in the middle of the Indian Ocean! And not just anywhere, but in one of the paradise spots on our planet - in the Maldives!

Today, the number of travelers worldwide has skyrocketed compared to 20 or 30 years ago. The main reason for this surge is the significant drop in transportation costs, especially air travel. It's hard to determine what came first — the surge in demand for air travel that prompted airlines to lower prices, or the emergence of budget carriers that fueled the growth of tourism.

Parking issues in big cities are becoming more pressing. The number of cars is rapidly increasing, creating a need for adequate parking space and efficient management. This is why many developers are focusing on automating parking facilities. An innovative solution in this arena is the Stan robot, designed by Stanley Robotics. Through automation, Stan aims to revolutionize the parking experience by providing convenience and seamless operations.

Did you know that one of the most globally used messaging apps, Viber, was actually created by a native of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia? The mastermind behind it is Igor Magazinnik, currently residing in Israel. He sold his brainchild back in 2014 for almost a billion dollars and now he's onto a new venture - a taxi service called Juno that aims to rival Uber in New York City.

For years, we have associated Japan with cutting-edge technologies and the most innovative advancements. It's no secret that Japanese bullet trains are among the fastest and most comfortable in the world. However, let's now shift our focus away from their speed records to an intriguing idea for a top-of-the-line leisure experience: a luxury sightseeing train with panoramic windows and all the amenities for an elite journey.

Selling pharmaceuticals can be an incredibly lucrative venture, given that at some point, everyone will likely need to use medication. Unfortunately, this high demand also fuels the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in the market. Even in the most advanced Western countries, the prevalence of these counterfeit medications hovers around 8%, while in some former Soviet countries, it skyrockets to a staggering 40%.

World-renowned street artist Banksy has once again captured global attention with a unique venture. This time, he has delved into architecture by opening a hotel in Bethlehem, at the Israel-Palestine border, boasting the "worst view in the world." Each of the 10 hotel rooms offers a perspective of only a wall separating the warring factions. Furthermore, sunlight penetrates the building for just half an hour a day, giving the place a truly eerie ambiance.

Shopify is considered one of the top website builders in the world for online stores right now. It's user-friendly, straightforward, and the monthly subscription cost begins at $29 (plus an additional 2% from every sale). What's more, you can use it for free in a trial mode for the first two weeks. Plus, there are no fees for setting up your online store.