Side hustles you can start today without a lot of capital

Want to make more money without quitting your day job? You can, and you don’t need thousands of rands or a business degree to get started. Whether you have a few hours in the evening or free time on weekends, a side hustle can bring in real income. In fact, over 55% of South African women already have a side hustle, showing just how possible it is. Here are nine side hustles you can start today, without a lot of capital.

Sell crafts and handmade goods

There is a market for items you have made by hand, from beadwork to homemade toys, wallets and belts. If you have a skill and can do something well, someone else may be willing to pay you for it.

Tips to get you started: Make a few samples using materials you already have, price them so you know what your item costs to make and show your sample or samples to friends, family and colleagues.

Important considerations: When you know there is demand for your goods, you will need to set up a website or social media feed to wow your followers and spread the word. You might also want to set up a stall at local markets.

Cook

A cake or even homemade sandwiches could give you the extra cash you need. There is always a market for birthday treats, work lunches and convenience dinners.

Tips to get you started: Make a sample of your food and bakes and ask potential customers, friends and family to taste test. Improve the recipe and ask for orders and referrals. Don’t forget the cost of electricity in your pricing.

Important considerations: Focus on hygiene and when your business grows, consider applying for relevant health and safety certificates. This article has some advice on starting a home-based food business.

Sell cosmetics and accessories

You can become an agent, host events or buy bulk and sell to friends, colleagues and family, the neighbourhood and more.

Tips to get you started: Canvas your potential buyers so you know what they use and where they buy and look for a cheaper option or alternative.

Important considerations: Be wary of spending too much on initial stock unless you know you can sell it. Be prepared to travel to find cheap, wholesale, suppliers.

Sew

New items (a matric ball outfit) and alterations such as replacing buttons and taking up hems are in demand skills.

Tips to get you started: Offer your services to busy friends and family and be sure to take some pics of your best work that you can show off on WhatsApp and your social media feeds.

Important considerations: Only take on projects you know you can do well and never overpromise on a deadline.

House sit

You can earn decent money looking after houses when owners are away, even if it’s only for a few days.

Tips to get you started: Research the going rate, decide where and when you can house sit and craft a 120-word ad offering your services with a cell number. Ask for referrals from satisfied customers.

Important considerations: Decide whether you are a stay-overnight or visit once a day sitter, meet the owners, and any pets before you agree to sit and be prepared to be monitored. Many owners have online cameras!

Baby-sit

What parent or caregiver doesn’t occasionally need a reliable and trustworthy baby-sitter, someone who can step in when work runs late, date night calls or school holidays clash with a busy schedule?

Tips to get you started: Set a rate, taking any transport costs into account, decide how many hours you have available and advertise your services. You should also decide what age range you are comfortable with. Newborns, toddlers and teens all come with their own challenges.

Important considerations: As with house-sitting, expect to be monitored. It's also important to consider your own safety. Always emergency numbers on hand!

Wash cars

It's a relatively easy task that nobody wants to do, which is exactly why there’s money to be made if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and start washing.

Tips to get you started: A bucket, wash and dry cloths and car shampoo are all you need to start, as well as a place to wash vehicles with a source of water.

Important considerations: Decide if you are going to use your own cleaning materials or those of the owner. It may be a good idea to have some items on hand to start with, but you will need to include these in your price.

Rent out a room

You can rent out a room on Airbnb or advertise your space in the local press or on WhatsApp groups, even the Eskom se Push app.

Tips to get you started: If you go the Airbnb route, prepare the room, photograph it and market it with any additional services such as tea and coffee.

Important considerations: Long-term tenants can be a challenge, so set ground rules for noise, cleanliness and the number of guests in the room. Some legal advice might be a good idea so you don’t end up with a tenant you cannot evict. The Legal Assistance Benefit from Truth About Money, a 1Life Insurance initiative, can assist.

Tutor

Extra lessons are big business. Why not benefit by sharing your skills? You can tutor young and older children, and even adults. Lessons are usually no longer than an hour and can often be done online.

Tips to get you started: Make sure you have the required qualifications and accreditations. Good places to advertise are schools, local community noticeboards and WhatsApp groups.

Important considerations: Don’t be shy about asking for payment upfront or immediately after the lesson is complete. Getting paid in this market can be problematic.

Start earning

The best time to start is now. Whether you try one hustle or juggle a few, every small step can lead to bigger opportunities. You don’t need loads of cash or experience, just a bit of time, effort and the willingness to give it a go. So pick an idea, make a plan and start earning. Your future self will thank you.