Pretty much everyone knows that some of the most successful companies have started in someone’s garage. We all have that vision of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak or even myself working on their first innovations in cramped garages, only to make millions and billions of dollars some years later. It certainly can have an effect on anyone’s imagination.
What’s appealing about it, it’s undoubtedly simplicity and, as such, affordability. These stories convince people that everyone can be successful, no matter how and where they start. No wonder that there are so many wannabe millionaires working in their garages all the time.
However, not every idea can be successfully developed in a garage. If all you have is a bit of space in the back of your house, you’d better think again about what you want to do. And to find some advice and inspiration, keep on reading the article below!
You will learn more about the best small business ideas you can start in your garage and find some tips on how to begin. So, if you have already organized the clutter, done the necessary repairs, and insulated the windows, it’s time to start a business!
E-Commerce
If you have a good idea for a product, the best way to sell it is to open your own online store through which you can directly reach your customers. However, especially if you plan to grow your business, you can’t forget about more practical issues; for instance, check the garage door sizes chart to ensure all the parcels and your suppliers can easily come in and out; insulate the windows to create the right environment both for you and potential workers as well as your products; invest in proper lighting, and so on.
When it comes to starting business operations, you don’t need much start-up capital, but you need to have some skills in marketing and selling. You will be able to start small and grow your business as fast and as big as you want.
Luckily, there are plenty of online courses and resources to learn everything you need to know about e-commerce and how to become successful in this field.
If you want to take it even further, there are also possibilities of selling your products on Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy, along with developing your own website. And if you’re not sure what to sell, there are plenty of ideas to get you started: handmade items, clothing and accessories, electronics, books, and other digital products (software, music, movies, and games).
You can choose a dropshipping business model, sell digital products, or begin handcrafting and sell your own stuff. The choice is yours!
Handiwork
You can be a jack of all trades if you have the right set of skills and tools, but why not specialize in a specific area? There are many things you can do to earn a few extra bucks around any home, from building a bookshelf to fixing a leaking faucet.
Advertising yourself as a “handyworker for hire” is one of the best ways to develop a small business that requires little start-up capital and can be done in your spare time. It will also help you build valuable relationships with people in your neighborhood and get to know them better. You can even create a referral network and get repeat customers.
If you have the necessary skills and tools, you might start by asking around if you can do some basic jobs for people in your neighborhood. It is recommended, though, to keep educating yourself, so make sure to practice or do some online courses in your free time.
Freelancing
Another excellent business idea is to work for yourself – and become a freelancer. You will be free to choose your working hours and organize your schedule. As such, it’s a perfect way to start earning money on the side and make it your main source of income with time as you gain experience and build some reputation.
Freelancers have the possibility to choose from a variety of projects that they can work on. You can either work with a website that will help you find work or go out there and look for clients on your own. The former will help you save money on advertising, but the latter will offer you more freedom in choosing projects and creating your brand image.
Some of the best freelancing career opportunities include graphic design, web design, writing, programming, translating, editing, proofreading, virtual assistant, customer service, online teaching and tutoring, marketing, copywriting and SEO, etc.
Catering
Here’s a food business idea that will not only help you save up on your grocery bill but also make a profit from it. If you have a passion for cooking and creating new recipes, why not start a catering business? You can offer your services to different clients, from small private parties to large corporate events.
In addition to your cooking skills, you will also need to have enough space in your home to store the food and equipment necessary to prepare meals. If you want to be more professional, you should consider investing in commercial kitchen equipment.
Keep in mind that catering is a growing area, so you are likely to have some competition. You need to find ways to stay ahead of the competition and provide better services to your clients.
Pet Care
If you love animals and want to make some extra money on the side, starting a pet-sitting business is a great idea. This is a great way to combine your passion for animals with a bit of entrepreneurship. You can begin by offering a few services for a small fee and then grow into a full-time business with time.
You can offer services such as dog walking, pet feeding, grooming, etc. As you gain more experience and clients, you can even provide additional veterinary consultations and training services.
Depending on where you live, there will also be specific regulations that you have to follow. Some places require licensing or insurance, so make sure to check your local laws before getting started.
The best thing is that it won’t take a lot of money for you to start a pet care business. You can use your own car or buy a cheap one that is only used for business purposes, and your garage will be perfect for storage or training/grooming/feeding area.
Craft and DIY Classes
People are becoming increasingly interested in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, especially when it comes to home decor. While you’re at it, why not rent a room in your garage to teach people how to work with wood, metal, plastic, or other materials?
You can offer your “students” different classes on how to turn ordinary objects into something extraordinary. It can be something as simple as learning how to grow an herb garden on their windowsills or creating a customized mailbox for their homes. You will need to invest in some equipment that will allow you to show different techniques and methods of creating different things, but that’s nothing compared to the money you will make by helping others on their DIY projects.
Final Take
Starting a business from your garage is not an easy feat, but it is totally possible if you have enough determination and perseverance. You can also hire professionals to help you with certain aspects of the business – for example, you can find a website designer or an SEO consultant to help you with your online visibility. A professional team can significantly reduce the financial risks of starting up. Hope these tips help you get started!
