
104 Service Businesses to Start Today
At your service: Convenience craving
consumers are always looking for a way to do things better, faster
and cheaper. Often, that means turning to a specialty services
entrepreneur who knows how to get the job done right. Here, we
provide some inspiration for aspiring service providers from
adventure tour leaders to window washers. With 104 ideas to choose
from, you have no excuse not to get started today with your own
service business.
Mobile Pet Grooming
Snip, clip and brush your way to success as a mobile pet
groomer. Fido and his owner will both appreciate the convenience of
a "doorstep" doggie-grooming service. With the proper training and
experience, a van and some grooming tools, start barking up the
right tree by marketing your business in your neighborhood and
others.
Collectibles Search
Collectibles searchers, who carefully canvas swap meets, thrift
stores and garage sales, can collect a bundle locating objets d'art
for clients. Once you've found your niche--be it antique lunch
boxes, dolls or grandfather clocks--advertise your services in
hobbyist publications, at collectibles stores, in specialty forums
on the internet, or on eBay. Soon you'll be taking up a collection
of your own.
Diaper Delivery
Whoever said cloth diapers couldn't be convenient--and
user-friendly? Velcro diaper "wraps" replace awkward pins, and
pickup and delivery take the dirty work out of diapering. Equipped
with a "clean," propane-fueled delivery truck and some washing
machines, you can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to
disposables. Talk about a change for the better!
Dry-Cleaning Pickup & Delivery
Are you clothes-minded? Then try on the dry-cleaning
pickup-and-delivery business for size. Provide pickup and drop-off
at a place that's convenient for busy professionals, then follow
suit by arranging with a local dry cleaner to do the actual
cleaning.
Mobile Locksmith
You hold the keys to success as a mobile locksmith. For best
results, be ready for 24-hour action with a cell phone and van. With
some training and basic equipment, you'll have this business
mastered--lock, stock and barrel.
Graffiti Removal & Abatement
Equipped with some paint and other preventive treatments, you're
set to serve residential as well as commercial clients with your own
graffiti-removal-and-abatement business. City governments and
schools can also benefit from the removal of unsightly "tagging" in
their districts.
Golf-Club Cleaning
Take your best shot with a golf-club cleaning service. Not only
will you be offering golfers a clean edge to improve their game, but
you'll be offering a way to protect their investment from the
rusting, pitting and discoloration of dirty clubs.
Self-Defense Instructor
You can never feel too safe or secure. People of all ages and
backgrounds can benefit from the self-defense skills you can teach
them. Get your business jump-started by training others in the
disciplines you've learned--Aikido, Karate, or simply basic
safety-awareness skills.
Adventure Tours
Got a taste for adventure? Whether it's exploring South American
caves or touring English teahouses, you're sure to find a fanatic
following . . . so long as you do all the footwork first. Put your
service on the road to success by coordinating transportation, food
and lodging. Your clients only need to worry about one thing: having
fun.
Pet Sitting
When it comes to creature comforts, most canines would choose
their own backyard over a kennel any day. Thanks to pet sitters--who
take care of pets while their owners are out of town or busy--Fido
can have his kibble at home. This business isn't just for the dogs,
however; gear your services toward all creatures great and small for
maximum profits.
Mobile Massage
Success is close at hand for mobile massage providers. Advertise
your stress-relieving services at local workout clubs, spas and
physical therapists' offices. Then bring your trained hands--and a
portable massage table--to clients' homes or places of work.
Personal Chef
Cook up tasty profits as a personal chef. Those with culinary
competence can likely find a hungry clientele among the ranks of
America's busy working families. Or, market your business to clients
for those special occasions when they prefer to dine in--complete
with restaurant-quality food and service.
Mobile Mechanic
As a mobile mechanic, a good knowledge of automobile repair
techniques and a list of referrals help you rev up sales. Put your
business in the fast lane by bringing your service directly to
clients' homes or places of business.
Seamstress/Tailor
As a seamstress or tailor, sew your way to success altering
clothing and/or creating new apparel from scratch. Spread the word
about your service at local boutiques and dry cleaners, plug in your
sewing machine, and start stitching.
Court-Paper Serving
You can't beat the legal system . . . as a great resource for
business, that is. Private attorneys, who lack the time to do much
footwork themselves, often turn to registered court-paper processors
to serve their summonses. Come judgment day, you'll be courting
success.
Porcelain Repair
Rub a dub, dub, a porcelain-repair entrepreneur in the tub:
Fixing unsightly chips and cracks in tubs and other porcelain
accessories puts entrepreneurs in business. With a porcelain-repair
kit in hand, sinks and tubs are made like new again.
Cover Letter/Resume Service
Not everyone knows how to look good on paper. With your editing
and basic layout skills, a laser printer, and some high-quality
stationery, you're set to start showing clients how to put their
best foot forward in their resumes and cover letters--and how to get
in the door of potential employers' businesses for an interview.
Mystery Shopping
Now, you can shop till you drop . . . and get paid for it! Just
put on your shopping shoes and put service personnel to the test as
a "mystery" shopper. Rate local retail stores' employees on
attitude, friendliness, and overall quality of service, then report
back to your store-owner clients, helping them to ensure their
service really is number one.
Tax-Form Preparer
One thing is certain: There will always be a need for tax
preparers. Come tax season, businesses and individuals alike need
help preparing numerous tax forms and understanding the latest tax
regulations. Equipped with some specialized computer software, start
scheduling your career as a tax preparer this fiscal year-and get
ready for some returns on your time and investment.
Wedding-Guide Publishing
For photographers, bakers, caterers and florists, wedding bells
mean big business. Help them get a piece of the action by publishing
a wedding guide with space for local advertisers. Include some basic
wedding-planning articles, and you'll find June brides aren't the
only ones to benefit from your premarital publication.
Mobile Car-Wash and Detailing
Take your business on the road, and clean up on profits as a
mobile car-wash and detailing pro. Let a little soap and water do
wonders . . . along with a few rags, brushes, and elbow grease; then
drive home sales by marketing your services to car dealers, rental
fleet owners, and corporations.
Used-Car Inspection
Sometimes, it takes a little more than a kick of the tires to
evaluate a used car. With some basic diagnostic equipment and
mechanical know-how, however, used-car inspectors can help steer
clients away from "lemons." Developing a roster of appreciative
customers puts you on the road to referrals--and success.
Professional Organizer
Neatniks need apply: If you're got a knack for neatness, why not
help the organizationally challenged? Messy closets, home offices
and commercial offices alike could benefit from a more efficient
setup. Put some order into others' lives, and arrange yourself some
pretty profits.
Tutoring
Thought your proficiency in high school algebra was all for
naught? Think again: As a tutor, you could help others bone up on
their studies. Whether it's reading, writing or arithmetic, help
your students reach the top of their class with a little experienced
guidance and support.
Power Washing
Oily driveways, mud-caked semi trucks, or barnacle-ridden boats
. . . You name it, and entrepreneurs equipped with specialized
power-washing equipment can probably clean it. For spotless results,
target commercial as well as residential customers.
Windshield Repair
To find potential clients for your windshield-repair business,
simply canvas local parking and used-car lots for cars with cracked,
chipped windshields. A basic repair kit enables you to offer clients
what is clearly a better alternative to costly glass replacement.
Private Investigation
Blaze your own entrepreneurial trail while following others'
footsteps-literally. As a private investigator, make your mark in
the industry by keeping a keen "eye" on other people's activities.
Clients include attorneys gathering evidence for a case, or
individuals seeking information about a significant other.
Business-Plan Consulting
Not only is a business plan crucial in obtaining bank financing,
but it's an invaluable tool for anticipating--and tackling--a
business's inevitable ups and downs. With your writing skills,
spreadsheet know-how, and general business savvy, show clients how
to present their best-laid plans . . . while accomplishing your own.
Packing and Unpacking Service
Packing up to move to a new home or office--not to mention
unpacking on the other end--is enough to leave one feeling upended.
Thank goodness for packing and unpacking entrepreneurs who, with
their hassle- and time-saving services, make moving seem like magic.
Business-Travel Management
Make the skies even friendlier for business travelers--and less
costly for business owners--as a business--travel manager. Help book
low-price tickets, keep expense records, manage frequent-flier miles
. . . and reap the high-flying rewards.
Carpet Dyeing
For a fraction of the cost of replacing unsightly or stained
carpeting, carpet-dyeing professionals provide hotels, community
centers, nursing homes and other businesses an attractive
alternative. So go ahead, lay the options at your clients' feet . .
. and start making wall-to-wall profits.
Hospital-Bill Auditing
There's nothing worse than being laid up in the hospital for a
few days . . . except maybe the pile of often confusing bills that
follow. The remedy: hospital-bill auditors, who--thanks to their
billing savvy and attention to detail--make way for their clients'
smooth recovery.
Specialized Staffing
Helping clients meet their workforce needs is a matter of
finding a niche and filling it--and keeping up with human resources
trends. Work your way up in the industry by developing a roster of
specially skilled workers, then use your "people skills" to build
your business.
Bookkeeping
Though today's software makes keeping your own books easier, it
doesn't make it much less time-consuming. That's why, for business
owners with little time to spare, a bookkeeping service is not only
a time-saver, but an asset.
Computer Repair
In today's computer-based society, computer "downtime" can be
both costly and aggravating. As a repair professional--equipped with
some basic diagnostic equipment and technological savvy--you can get
clients' computers back up and humming again.
Referral Service
For referral-service entrepreneurs--who act as a "welcome wagon"
to newcomers--getting to know new as well as existing businesses
pays off in more ways than one. Local companies pay to get their
services introduced to newcomers, while these new customers pay for
a little friendly advice.
Video Brochure
Make record profits taping corporate video brochures. Just get
your video recorder handy, and zoom in on the action. Video-editing
skills and special-effects techniques help you pull together the big
picture--and reel in the profits.
Executive Search
Take your business to a "hire" level: As an executive-search
specialist, help busy clients find the right man--or woman--for the
job. Your job involves placing ads and conducting interviews to
screen potential employees for clients. Put on your best
interviewing suit, and get down to business.
Freight Brokerage
One sack of flour for a dozen eggs . . . Gone are the days of
such no-frills, local trade. In their place: a sophisticated global
commerce system requiring a thorough knowledge of land, sea, air and
rail shipping rates and regulations. Knowledgeable freight brokers
are indispensable to this burgeoning scene.
Long-Distance Reselling
By buying time in bulk from wholesalers, long-distance resellers
ring up sales by servicing long-distance consumers--often at
significant savings. You make the call: Either purchase the
telecommunications equipment you'll need now, or rent it and simply
focus on the marketing of your service.
Computer Consulting
Tap into a surging market as a computer consultant. Whether
you're an expert at Linux, putting together hardware components, or
networking, a growing number of computer "newbies" will surely
benefit from your services.
Limousine Service
With a limo and some insurance, you could be the driving force
behind a new business venture. Stretch your market by adding more
drivers and cars to your fleet. Then, once you've established a
reliable reputation, start driving home your limousine-service
sales.
Language Translation
Falling foreign-trade barriers and improved communication
technology translate into success for language translators and
interpreters. An ear for multiple languages puts you at the
forefront of this global movement.
Office-Relocation Service
Helping businesses get plugged in to a new neighborhood comes
easy for office-relocation-service entrepreneurs who, as "locals,"
know who's who in providing such services as printing, restaurant
delivery and equipment repair.
Office Plant Maintenance
Set your roots in a growing business as an
office-plant-maintenance entrepreneur. Regular watering, light
pruning, and fertilizing are all in a day's work. Though a green
thumb is helpful, some clients may also request maintenance of their
silk plants. Either way, your business is sure to grow.
Professional Office Consultant
It's one thing to spend a day at the office, and another
altogether to run the office. As a professional office consultant,
you'll oversee such responsibilities as marketing, insurance and
daily operations for professional lawyers, doctors or other
specialists--while leaving the rest to the "pros."
Miniblind Cleaning
Put an end to dusty miniblinds in offices, homes and other
buildings with your miniblind-cleaning service. Immerse blinds in
tanks of gentle, yet effective, cleansing solution . . . and give
clients a squeaky-clean new perspective on the world outside their
windows.
Office-Support Service
Typing, filing, sorting mail, entering data, and answering
phones are just a few tasks an office-support service can perform to
help out harried business owners. Hand out business cards to every
businessperson you know--and get ready to spend a productive day at
the office!
Apartment-Prepping
Move in on the housing market with some basic plumbing,
painting, caulking and scrubbing skills. Busy landlords and leasing
offices can both benefit from your handyman skills, while you, in
turn, make some handy profits repairing vacated units for clients'
new tenants.
Debt-Collection Service
Money makes the world go 'round: You get paid when your clients
get paid by the people who you get to pay them. Sound complicated?
It doesn't have to be: As a debt collector, it pays in more ways
than one to have some persistence in tracking down clients'
delinquent debtors.
Restaurant Delivery Service
When "Let's do lunch" means eating at the office, an ordinary
sack lunch doesn't have to suffice. Thanks to restaurant deliverers,
busy professionals can order their meals from local restaurants. By
collecting a delivery charge and tip, operators get a good taste of
entrepreneurial success.
Catering
A caterer's place is in the kitchen . . . cooking up hot
profits, that is. So long as your kitchen is commercially
approved--and you've got a knack for stirring up some
"dough"--you've got the makings for savory success. Service
weddings, holiday parties, and other festive gatherings; if you're
lucky, clients will have your cake and eat it, too!
Seminar Promotion
If there's one thing consumers can never seem to get enough of,
it's information. Give 'em an earful by planning and promoting
informational seminars. You don't need to be an expert yourself;
just schedule the speakers, reserve a location, promote the event,
and get ready to collect the profits at the door.
Window Washing
Business has never been clearer for window washers. Grab your
bucket, squeegee, and glass-cleaning solution, and rap at the dirty
windows of local businesses and residences alike. Add repeat
customers, and you'll soon be on a winning streak.
Valet Parking
Drive right up to entrepreneurship as the owner of a
valet-parking service. Restaurants, hotels and convention centers
can all use the services of a well-dressed, bonded parking staff.
The key is having your own team of drivers to keep clients'
customers--and their cars--on the move.
Sales-Lead Generating
Streamline salespeople's efforts by identifying prospects and
generating sales leads. Some footwork, market research, and a phone
set you on the path to compiling a list of potential customers for
your clients.
Public-Relations Agency
A way with words, enthusiasm and persistence are all necessary
in this competitive business. Networking--by developing contacts
with reporters and other media--is also crucial to helping your
clients go public with press releases and more.
Copywriting and Proofreading Service
Wanted: creative writer with a knack for finding typos and
misteaks . . . er, mistakes. Writers who help ensure clients'
advertising copy is both catchy and fault-free may not win a
Pulitzer, but they will have some profits to write home about.
Direct Mail/Coupon
Cash in on consumers' coupon-cutting craze with a direct-mail
coupon service. Get started by selling ad space in a direct-mail
coupon package to local businesses. When you mail coupons to local
residents, your clients will benefit from the exposure and you'll
benefit from a first-class business of your own.
Mailing Services
Post record profits fulfilling clients' envelope-stuffing and
bulk-mail-processing needs. Advertise in the business section of
your local newspaper, and start looking for your check in the mail.
Sales Training
Don't sell yourself short: With some self-promotion and
marketing know-how, you could have what it takes to build your own
business as a sales trainer. By sharing your sales savvy with other
busy business owners, you not only help boost clients' bottom line,
but yours, too.
Welcoming Service
Welcoming-service entrepreneurs--who greet newcomers to town
with a package of coupons, samples from local businesses, and other
community information--not only provide a welcome service to
newcomers, but to local businesses, as well.
Handyman Services
If it's broke, you can fix it. Advertise in local newspapers and
bulletin boards, then get busy repairing everything from leaky pipes
and stopped-up toilets to jammed cabinet drawers and broken windows.
Home-Entertainment Installation
Just watch a novice attempt to connect the wires, cables and
other components of their new or relocated stereo and television
equipment, and you're likely to view consumer impatience at its
finest. But with your sound electrical and wiring expertise, you'll
have all systems buzzing in no time.
Mortgage/Debt-Reduction Service
By explaining alternative payment structures to clients (which
can result in a smaller total payment in a shorter period of time),
mortgage and debt-reduction-service professionals are helping to
relieve America's debt--one citizen at a time.
Pool Services
Make a splash in the pool-services business with little more
than some cleaning equipment and a water-test kit. Just load up your
tools in your car and make the rounds in your neighborhood. Then
dive right into business by marketing your service to homeowners'
associations, apartment complexes and individual residences.
Lawn Care
When push comes to shove, you've probably got what it takes to
make some "green." Just roll up your sleeves and start mowing,
clipping and fertilizing lawns for office complexes and residential
clients alike.
Home-Inspection Service
A keen eye for structural detail paves the way to success in
your home-inspection service. Start by assessing clients' homes for
problems such as structural damage and foundation abnormalities,
then refer customers to contractors who can ensure their homes are
in good repair.
House Painting
Brush up on your painting skills, and get ready to paint the
town red--or white, blue or beige, for that matter. Just load up
your truck with brushes, rollers and ladders, and get primed for
business!
Local Moving Service
Be a mover and shaker with your own local moving service. This
is no business for the faint of heart, however: Make sure you're
equipped with some upstanding leveraging techniques . . . as well as
brawn.
House-Sitting
Is there a sitter in the house? If so, homeowners can rest
assured that, while they're away, their plants and pets will be
tended to. Don't wait for opportunity to come knocking; a reliable
set of references get you in the door.
Home Decorating
Home in on the decorating business with your flair for design.
Work with local furniture and accessory stores, paint shops, and
carpet and drapery outlets to coordinate clients' interiors. And
remember: The key to getting in the door of this business is
decorating your own home, first.
Custom Closet Systems
Calling all closet-organizing fanatics: It's time to come out
and show your stuff! With a few hooks and shelves, and a lot of
creativity (but checking any fear of small spaces at the door),
you've got the makings of a custom closet-systems pro . . . with
plenty of room to grow. New homeowners and long-time closet
accumulators alike make up your potential clientele.
Residential Cleaning
Not only is residential cleaning a good way to keep a body busy,
but it's also a way to clean up some profits while you're at it.
Start on the ground floor by mopping, sweeping and dusting one
house, and work your way up from there!
Computer Repair
In today's computer-based society, computer "downtime" can be
both costly and aggravating. As a repair professional-equipped with
some basic diagnostic equipment and technological savvy-you can get
clients' computers back up and humming again.
Computer Consulting
Tap into a surging market as a computer consultant. Whether
you're an expert at Windows 95, putting together hardware
components, or networking, a growing number of computer "newbies"
will surely benefit from your services.
Internet Research
Practice makes perfect when it comes to surfing the internet.
With some search-engine and self-marketing savvy, put information at
clients' fingertips--and "net" profits at yours.
Web-Site Designer
With specialized software, creating websites comes easy, so long
as you have some basic technical and graphic savvy. Home in on
business by helping businesses establish a site; existing clients
will need help keeping their websites up-to-date, as well.
Children's Party Planning
Do parents a favor and plan their next children's party. From
hiring Sesame Street character look-alikes to coordinating games,
decorations and food, you're sure to be the life of the party by
allowing parents to relax and have fun, too. Plan birthday, holiday,
and religious-ceremony celebrations . . . and let the festivities
begin!
Child Care
As a child-care provider, you'll need a state license, plenty of
baby-sitting experience, and a lot of patience and TLC. Whether you
"sit" at your place or theirs, you'll find busy parents aren't your
only clients; many office complexes, gyms and other businesses need
quality child care, too.
Child-Identification Program
Safety first: When it comes to keeping tabs on children, there's
no excuse for kidding around. By offering parents a complete
child-identification program, including information files,
fingerprinting, identification tags and photos, you not only set
parents' minds more at ease, but provide a safety net for our next
generation.
Children's Fitness
If there's one thing that never seems to run out, it's a kid's
supply of energy. Tap into that vast resource with a children's
fitness program. Put your knowledge of children's education and
physical fitness to the test by renting a location, then coordinate
activities such as tumbling, dance, gymnastics and karate. And hop
to it!
Children's Transportation Service
For working and nonworking parents alike, transporting junior to
and from school (as well as to after-school activities) can become,
well, taxi-ing. By providing a reliable children's transportation
service, you give busy parents a break-and keep their busy kids on
schedule.
Baby-Proofing
Stairs, cabinets, electrical cords and outlets-they're all
potential baby hazards. New parents, grandparents, and even baby
sitters could all benefit from a more kid-friendly house. So grab
your tools and be prepared to get down on your hands and knees (it
helps to view things from a baby's perspective).
Computer Training for Kids
Reading, writing, arithmetic . . . and computers. Though it
seems like kids today are born speaking computerese, they've got to
start learning somewhere. Teaching them the basics early on is sure
to put kids at the head of their class . . . and you at the head of
your own business.
Nanny Placement
For busy parents, finding a good nanny isn't child's play.
Nanny-placement agents-who screen applicants, check references,
match personalities, and set schedules-provide clients an invaluable
service by saving them considerable time and worry.
New Mother/Infant Home Care
Make new babies' homecomings from the hospital less tiresome for
parents by providing the in-home care and support they need.
Preparing meals, diapering the baby, and providing light
housekeeping are all a great relief to proud-but occasionally
exhausted-new parents.
Tutoring
Thought your proficiency in high school algebra was all for
naught? Think again: As a tutor, you could help others bone up on
their studies. Whether it's reading, writing or arithmetic, help
your students reach the top of their class with a little experienced
guidance and support.
Photography
With your eye for photo opportunities-at weddings, parties,
special events and more-you could be zooming in on profits as a
freelance photographer. Be prepared to work weekends and evenings
(when many clients will need your services) and to hire an assistant
to help you juggle your photo paraphernalia.
Errand Runner/Personal Shopper
Calling all shopaholics: Here's one business where you can truly
shop till you drop . . . without spending a penny of your own!
Personal shoppers-who may also perform other errands, such as
picking up prescriptions or buying groceries-can never complain
about a lack of things to do.
Family-History Video
Money can grow on trees . . . family trees, that is.
Family-history videographers are hitting home by filming
personalized accounts of weddings, births and other memorable
occasions. Should a customer's other family members give the film a
thumbs up, you may be looking at future generations of customers.
Mobile Disc Jockey
As a mobile disc jockey, weddings, parties and other events are
all music to your ears. Start jammin' with a collection of compact
discs, a CD player, and a speaker system, then pass on the word
about your services to wedding and event planners.
Wedding-Planning Service
Getting married isn't always as simple as saying, "I do."
There's a caterer to be contracted, a location to be rented, and
flowers to be ordered. So when it comes to making matrimony a more
harmonious event for the new couple and their families, wedding
planners take the cake.
Event Planning
If your life has been, well, uneventful until now, we have a
solution: Be an event planner! Whether it's a party, wedding or
convention, you're sure to be at the center of all the action when
you coordinate everything from room rentals and speakers to
decorations and food.
Limousine Service
With a limo and some insurance, you could be the driving force
behind a new business venture. Stretch your market by adding more
drivers and cars to your fleet. Then, once you've established a
reliable reputation, start-driving home your limousine-service
sales.
Photo Birth Announcements
For birth-announcement producers, business is booming as fast as
the population! Some basic desktop-publishing software, scanning
equipment, and the names of new parents put you in the starting
blocks; from there, create fanciful photo-cards, including those
all-important details: name, birth date, time and weight.
Videotaping Service
You may not win a producer-of-the-year award, but you'll win the
appreciation of your clients when you capture their weddings, bar
mitzvahs, birthdays and more on videotape. Keep the film rolling at
special events, then edit a final version for clients' own special
screenings.
Reunion Organizing
Reunite 'em 'cause it pays so good: Whether it's one big happy
family or one big high school class, reunions can be a joyful-and
lucrative-occasion for reunion organizers. Schedule the
accommodations, coordinate the catering and entertainment, send out
the invitations, then sit back and let it all "come together."
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