Best 18 resale business ideas

Here are some creative and profitable resale business ideas that you can start right away:

Game and app reseller

A game and app reseller business buys and sells popular gaming accounts or used mobile devices already installed with profitable applications for residual income opportunities. This concept identifies in-demand gaming profiles, characters, avatars, tokens, or digital collectibles in secondary niche markets appreciating over time then brokers ownership transfers facilitating secure transactions.

Additionally, preloaded phones and tablets get inspected, cleaned then resold bundled with high-grossing apps like food delivery platforms that new users can inherit existing revenue streams from via asset acquisition. Leveraging short activity cycles in digital marketplaces allows for maximizing residual profit potential from identities and configured devices no longer used that would otherwise depreciate through prolonged inactivity.

How much you can make: $20,000 – $500,000 annually
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 – $50,000
How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Dropshipping reselling

Dropshipping reselling involves establishing an online e-commerce storefront that serves customers by reselling third-party products across commercial categories from fashion to electronics which are fulfilled via wholesale dropshipping vendors, never requiring physical inventory.

This can make for a viable microbusiness idea leveraging digital advancement since global supplier partnerships provide access to a wide variety of merchandise not requiring the upfront capital and overhead of a traditional retail store. Dropshipping automation enables a virtual inventory to be marketed ambitiously to target audiences while orders are conveniently fulfilled by suppliers directly to customers’ doorsteps. The online merchant exploits this ultimate middleman role cost-effectively through digital platforms.

How much you can make: $10K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $1K – $10K
How long does it take to build: 1-6 months

Used and vintage clothing reseller

Used and vintage clothing reseller involves sourcing and reselling fashionable secondhand or vintage apparel collected from thrift venues online through digital platforms to serve value and sustainability-conscious buyers wanting pre-loved unique garment deals. This can make for a viable micro business leveraging ethical principles since offering distinctive clothing diversity promotes reuse and diverts raw material waste in an industry with outsized environmental impacts while meeting watchful buyers.

Curating interesting retro collections from charity shops for one’s own online boutique allows monetizing untapped gems, while custom upcycling distressed garments expands creative potential. The digitally savvy merchant taps into expanding reuse market preferences while ensuring more reuse cycles.

How much you can make: $10K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $1K – $10K
How long does it take to build: 1-6 months

Antique dealer

Antique dealer involves sourcing and reselling antique furniture, decorative artifacts, and other vintage curios from estate auctions or private sellers through a physical store and online to serve history-conscious buyers wanting rare retro finds that appreciate over time. This can make for a viable niche business since curating age-proven ornate pieces refurbished sustainably promotes reuse ethics while meeting collectors and nostalgia-seekers. Understanding distinctive hallmarks behind cherished wares from past eras allows for unlocking hidden value.

Overall, by leveraging deep knowledge of bygone beauty and artistry to rescue ornate relics from obscurity for presentation to modern vintage-fancying audiences, an antique dealing enterprise allows history-intrigued individuals to responsibly tap into the tangible stories of the past for new life through visual merchandising craft reframing its resonance while sustaining feared waste of objects carrying invisible importance besides surface allure.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Fine art resale dealer

Fine art resale dealer involves sourcing and reselling fine art paintings, sculptures, and photographs from collectors, estates, and galleries needing price valuation through an owned boutique or online venue to serve history-conscious art buyers wanting rare investment-grade artist pieces that appreciate. Understanding distinctive movements behind cherished creations allows for unlocking monetary and cultural value.

By leveraging deep knowledge of time-honored beauty and technical artistry to identify and showcase creative gems price-worthy for discerning modern audiences from obscurity, a fine art dealing enterprise allows aesthetically intrigued individuals to responsibly tap into the tangible stories of past creative legends for new life through informed merchandising reframing its meaning while sustaining feared damage or disposal of objects carrying invisible importance besides surface collectability.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Resale designer clothing boutique

Resale designer clothing boutique involves sourcing and reselling pre-owned luxury brand apparel and leather accessories collected from consigners online and in-store to serve value and sustainability-conscious buyers wanting high-end hallmarked garments and signature looks for less while reducing landfill waste.

By elevating the resale perception to reputable through selective curation of quality designer wares artfully merchandised for modern tastes on-trend, a lean luxury re-commerce outfit allows environmentally thoughtful entrepreneurs to tap into accelerating high-end reuse retail tailwinds to responsibly make a commercial impact while responsively answering in-vogue patron values around ethical extravagance and conscientious consumption habits have given luxury industry realities.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Estate sales

Estate sales involve organizing and hosting onsite estate sales at private residences needing to liquidate furnishings, decor, jewels, and collectibles efficiently after inheritance transitions or downsizing needs through live auction events easily accessible to the public seeking hidden secondhand gems.

This can make for a profitable services-based microbusiness idea since orchestrating such weekend popup sale happenings allows monetizing organizer expertise on appraising ornate household goods, appropriate staging/pricing, and managing private house traffic commercially. Leveraging existing collector hype fuels bidding momentum. The outgoing coordinator thereby channels interpersonal flair into lucrative purging crescendos for cherished items being recycled.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Jewelry reseller

Jewelry reseller involves repurchasing unwanted gold, silver, diamond, and gemstone jewelry from customers and reselling pieces through online stores or auction marketplaces after professional inspection, cleaning and price appraisals of used items outlet sources lack providing otherwise. For sellers seeking convenient liquidation unlocking investments appreciating unused beyond utility values personally now, competitive buyback quotes deliver funds without setting public listings effortfully themselves through managed marketplace access beneficially.

Buyers enjoy certified pre-owned discounts relative to equivalent new overstock, particularly across vintage categories holding appeal uniquely. As the circular economy gains adoption fighting waste acceleration, resellers prolong asset lifecycles sustainably beyond single-use perceptions distorted anti-environmentally.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Distributor reseller

Distributor resellers are involved in purchasing consumer products at wholesale rates from manufacturers or distributors for resale to retail stores, online marketplaces, and individual buyers seeking hard-to-find niche merchandise. Leveraging existing supply chain access opens small-scale resellers recurring inventory sourcing advantages larger-scale competitors lack through distributor partnerships granting wider product selection and availability beneficial to all channel participants collectively.

For resellers themselves, customer analytics and market fluency guide tailored procurement suiting localized buyer preferences over time as sustained sales data informs replenishment decisions ongoing responsive to demand shifts specifically.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Broker resale

Broker resale involves reselling wholesale consumer goods ranging from electronics to apparel purchased previously from retailers, importers, or manufacturers seeking inventory liquidation for various business reasons transparently. Acting as an intermediary, trusted brokers source leftover new, returned, or slight-defect stock items at steep discounts and subsequently resold to discount retailers or independent resellers unable otherwise match primary wholesale rates singularly albeit small.

Though requiring extensive supplier familiarity and negotiated price fluency early on, reputable brokers provide consumers additional market access besides big box uniformity through niche products salvaging otherwise where branded chains customarily lack carrying specialty lineup depths, offer clearance pricing reluctantly, or prohibit competitor reselling agreements proudly.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Ticket reselling

Ticket reselling involves reselling event tickets purchased during presales at below market rates for a higher service fee using online platforms connecting buyers and sellers conveniently Unable to attend sold-out events as planned initially before conflicting priorities alter availability unpredictably over time at times.

Ticket resellers provide a reliable secondhand marketplace alternative supporting contingency planning absent charges assessed excessively by primary vendors otherwise alone presently. Though associated convenience fees factoring route sales may offset savings sought, ensured entry peace of mind buys flexibility gratifyingly for enthusiasts ultimately determined to attend favorite performer lineups scheduled longer-term.

How much you can make: $10K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $1K – $10K
How long does it take to build: 1-6 months

Sell used books

Selling used books involves acquiring pre-owned books through purchase recycling or donations then reselling selectivity online enabled by book marketplaces like Amazon and eBay conveniently. High-demand classics and specialty niches offset cataloging efforts broadly, sustaining healthy profit margins and subsidizing wider genre inclusion or local storefront vibrancy fearlessly without restricting inventory selectivity necessarily to profitability metrics alone short-sightedly.

Whether sharing childhood story treasure worn wonderfully binding generations sentimentally or diverting problematically abundant pulp nonfiction into collector’s hands appreciatively, used book merchants uphold access to broader ideas affordably. They give superseded volumes renewed visibility and relevance when curiosities strike readers exploratively.

How much you can make: $10K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $1K – $10K
How long does it take to build: 1-6 months

Reselling designer shoes

Reselling designer shoes involves sourcing new or preowned luxury shoe inventory like premium leather dress brands or limited edition sneaker collaborations for resale to style-conscious shoppers through online stores and consignment marketplaces. As demand for elusive cultural status designs exceeds release quantities despite high price points initially, diligent resellers provide secondary market access that retailers lack accommodating otherwise through capped allotments.

Whether upgrading seasonal selections discounted conveniently between collection releases periodically or elevating ordinary occasions through statement pieces retained appreciatively over the years as grail gems, specialist resellers bridge desire, and exclusivity gaps shoe brands balance inadequately currently against collectors and hype trends proliferating culturally.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Reselling wedding dresses

Reselling wedding dresses involves providing a specialty secondhand marketplace to purchase previously owned wedding gowns and then resale either online or through appointment showrooms catering specifically for budget-conscious brides seeking designer looks at steep resale discounts otherwise hard locating reliably secondhand to try besides. Compared to mass-market retail availability gaps limiting accessibility between seasonal catwalk debuts and sample creation awaiting special orders only, the reseller channel enhances sustainable ownership options for beloved couture by extending usage lifecycles purposefully beyond single-wear perceptions skewed culturally.

Through conscientious procurement from estate sales beneficially, the historic bridal preservation specialist matches discerning buyers to ornate dream dresses awaiting rediscovery appreciatively besides couples cooperatively offsetting milestone event costs reasonably via the grace of collaborative ownership fluidity facilitated considerately.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Reselling home decor

Reselling home decor involves sourcing and reselling select secondhand or unused home furnishings from sellers seeking convenient home decluttering while buyers value acquiring unique vintage or discontinued decor more affordably. By product specialization broadly from antique dishware to mid-century lighting fixtures, trusted merchants bridge aligned category tastes conveniently across value-driven buyers and sellers rather than general secondhand listings hit-or-miss.

Whether handling low-value bulk pickups from retiring collectors graciously or procuring precious rare items competitively at auctions and estate sales calculatingly besides inspecting rigorously for defects unconditionally, specialist qualification discernments uphold premium curation standards buyers depend on loyally amid shifting inventory availability globally.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Computer and electronics reseller

For acquisitions, mainstream electronics refurbishment and resale advances environmental friendliness by recycling functional equipment otherwise discarded prematurely when minor operational faults or cosmetic flaws deter continued usage conceivably amid consumers conditioned to expecting frequent upgrade cycles wastefully.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Vehicles resale dealer

Vehicle resale dealer involves purchasing used cars, trucks, and other vehicles at auction or from private sellers, then reconditioning and reselling them for a profit. Vehicle resale dealers evaluate used models, and assess their market values based on vehicle history reports, mechanical condition, brands/models in demand, and current prices to acquire good deals benefiting buyers and sellers. Once securing inventory at advantageous pricing, dealers invest in bodywork, detailing, parts replacement, and safety certification restoring aesthetics and dependability.

Online listings convey features and services provided so offerings remain priced according to local markets and price grades competitively and transparently. As acquisitions scale and happy customers refer others seeking reputable experiences avoiding private sale risks, resale dealers build community reputations by delivering upgraded transportation options benefiting wider demographics.

How much you can make: $100K – $10M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 1-2 years

Software reselling

Software reselling involves legally purchasing popular software applications, suites, games, operating systems, and other digital goods from publishers or distributors to resell online at competitive retail pricing for profit.

Online software resellers provide valuable niche ecommerce bridging access between sought-after titles consumers want immediately at reasonable prices from trustworthy sellers versus directly engaging institutional developers frequently. Respective marketplaces allow independent software reselling facilitating near 24/7 global delivery through automated order processing and electronic product delivery key chains lacking capacity matching individually.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Conclusion

While it may take some initial effort to get your operations up and running, the potential for steady revenue and business growth makes reselling a compelling business model. Start small, continuously optimize your processes, and reinvest profits to expand your inventory and reach. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you can turn your reselling business into a thriving enterprise. So what are you waiting for? Get out there, find those profitable products, and start building your own reselling success story!

Top 18 consulting business ideas

Here are some creative and profitable consulting business ideas that you can start right away:

PR consultant

A PR consultant business helps clients craft branded messaging and manage reputations through effective media relations and strategic communication campaigns suited for target audiences. As differentiation grows difficult amidst marketplace noise, an experienced consultant first assesses unique attributes and then amplifies strengths through consistent journalistic outreach and value-driven thought leadership proof points conveying authenticity. Over time this increases recognizability and referral traffic, enabling brand visibility beyond expensive isolated ads.

An independent provider begins demonstrating expertise guiding clients in storytelling techniques and identifying share-worthy news hook pitches optimized for a place within appropriate broadcast, print and online platforms. Masters then counsel integrated digital engagement strategies amplifying corporate character using owned sites, guest contributor editorials and conversational social content.

How much you can make: $50,000 – $150,000 annually
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 – $5,000
How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Business startup consultant

Business startup consultant involves advising new entrepreneurs on effectively establishing successful companies through services like crafting business plans, structuring operations, strategizing executable growth milestones, or guiding practical launch momentums following proven methodologies suiting funded scales adaptively. Trusted startup consultancies enable founders to focus energy on developing differentiated offerings rather than getting immersed in building auxiliary functions initially beyond core competencies at foundational stages still mutable ongoing.

Collaborative sessions audit and elevate goal-specific processes from raising capital to securing essential partnerships through personalized coaching buoying strategic decisions amid uncertainties commonplace facing pioneers charting hidden industry niche territory favored increasingly among divergent thinkers seeking purposeful work-life autonomy beneficially.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Social media consultant

Social media consultant involves advising brands, organizations, and individuals on effectively attracting organic visibility and thriving engagement across social media platforms through tailored content and activity strategies suiting current follower bases wanting cultivation moving forward. As channel options and algorithmic intricacies complexify audience signaling cues beyond basic instinctive posting tendencies prone to ineffective solo long-term, methodical consultants inject proven expertise launching respondable outreach systems growing reach and brand equity authentically over time through nurturing community trust earned increasingly.

Whether safeguarding reputations against risk through mindfulness principles integration or pioneering innovative hashtag challenges focused on positivity projections strategically, specialized social consciousness combined with technical fluency sets consultants apart from commoditizing mass automation otherwise.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Business plan consultant

A business plan consultant provides professional guidance to entrepreneurs on researching, structuring, and writing effective business plans conveniently. As new ventures undertake planning intricately, external insight helps objectively evaluate assumptions validating true market viability confidently. An independent consultant first demonstrates organized analysis abilities through structural plan examples and risk calculation expertise cost-effectively.

Over time, focusing core vertical competency around specific industries earns niche influence attractively whereas generalist visibility remains competitive relatively. Overall, occasional business plan consulting mastery injects reliable direction through customized report deliverables documenting objectives, opportunities, and execution timelines via best practices conveniently.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Legal consultant

A legal consultant first demonstrates jurisdictional knowledgeability assisting with routine incorporation filings before assessing additional specialty focuses like contract drafting or litigation preparation over time. Establishing niche expertise around practice areas earns referrals attractively where general visibility remains competitive unreliably.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Translation consultant

A translation consultant business offers professional human translation or interpretation services bridging critical communications for clients across language barriers conveniently. As global business interactions grow more multifaceted intrinsically, nuanced human fluency and cultural expertise help messages resonate positively amid diverse audiences internationally.

An independent linguist first demonstrates adaptive proficiencies assisting basic document translations before assessing additional verbal focuses like conference interpreting or voiceover services attractively over time. Establishing area specialties around technical, legal, medical or creative writing sectors earns referrals reliably where generalist visibility remains competitive unreliably.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Marketing consultant

A marketing consultant business provides professional guidance helping clients attract optimal consumer attention and engagement growth conveniently. As competition intensifies, objective marketing audits identify effective brand messaging opportunities and media investments maximizing exposure confidently.

An independent consultant first demonstrates analytical abilities optimizing basic search engine rankings or social media content cost-effectively. Over time, focusing core vertical competencies around specific tactics like SEO, email marketing or video earns niche influence attractively where generalist visibility remains competitive unreliably.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

E-commerce implementation consultant

First, an independent expert demonstrates web development abilities guiding basic online catalog and checkout functionality using shop templates cost-effectively. Long term, focusing niche skills on customizable storefront design, payment integration, order fulfillment, or customer experience earns influence attractively where one-size-fits-all providers lag behind competitively.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Graphic design consultant

A graphic design consultant provides professional visual communication guidance around logos, branding, packaging, marketing materials, and more to refine client brand imaging conveniently. As visual content grows more crucial for consumer sentiment yet navigating options stays complex intrinsically, independent creative direction objectively helps inspire aesthetic components that resonate optimally across target audiences confidently.

A design consultant first demonstrates the artistic range in core materials like stationery before assessing additional services around digital or environmental graphics attractively over time. Establishing niche aesthetic competency builds exclusive influence reliably where versatile branding agencies lag behind competitively.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Sales funnel consultant

A sales funnel consultant provides professional guidance around designing and optimizing sequenced customer conversion processes conveniently from initial awareness stages toward purchase decisions and loyalty intrinsically. As sales processes grow more multifaceted amid diversifying product complexity and digital consumer touchpoints, funnel visibility analysis backed by data insights identifies optimization opportunities confidently.

An independent consultant first demonstrates analytical abilities assessing basic website traffic trends and top conversion path patterns cost-effectively. Over time, focusing core vertical competency around specific channels like email nurturing, social advertising or SMS earns niche influence attractively where generalist perspectives lag reliably.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

IT consultant

IT consultant provide professional advisory services to assist organizations and individuals on selecting, managing, and maximizing technologies related to computers, networks, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, software, etc. IT consultants conduct detailed assessments pinpointing client pain points across people, processes, and existing tools. Tailored recommendations follow leveraging years of expertise in determining ideal solutions fitting unique constraints. Consultants guide methodical implementations, and data migrations smoothly while training staff usage capitalizing investments fully over the long term.

For many SMBs lacking robust IT departments internally, outsourced guidance charts clearer pathways to adopting essential infrastructure, services, and emerging capabilities confidently without overspending on hazards or underperforming implementations risking operations themselves. Even larger firms facing dynamic expansion or workflow innovations hire expert consultants providing independent audits ensuring trusted solutions suitably.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Financial consultant

Financial consultant provide clients with professional advisory services for optimizing financial health long-term through money management, investment portfolio analysis, retirement planning, tax strategy, and customized guidance tailored to individual goals and risk tolerances. Financial consultants help construct personalized financial plans establishing smart saving/spending balances while accounting for unique circumstances ultimately funding livelihoods securely. Ongoing relationships reinforce accountability through quarterly progress check-ins and portfolio tuning as market conditions shift.

For many citizens lacking the know-how to navigate convoluted products themselves, accessible financial consultants supply indispensable literacy, participation, and advocacy otherwise possible only through costly trial and error. Even among certain wealth segments, independent consultants furnish welcome second opinions ensuring fiduciary-level money handling without underlying product sales commissions muddling directions.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Franchise consultant

A franchise consultant involves advising clients on the opportunities, risks, and process of becoming a franchisee or franchisor by providing research, analysis, evaluations, and guidance tailored to their situation. Consultants assist potential franchisees in assessing their financial readiness, ideal business types suiting inherent strengths/passions, culture fit with franchises researched, territory availability across target regions, and nuts-and-bolts education in determining informed decisions and avoiding common pitfalls unprepared owners encounter.

For existing franchise systems themselves seeking to expand footprints responsibly, consultants provide indispensable assessments ensuring growth sustainability through customizable marketing fund optimization, location planning backed by data, and franchisee coaching reinforcements guaranteeing positive systemwide experiences already proven repeatedly.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Human resources consulting

Consultants guide updated policy rollouts, team integration, change management, and executive coaching smoothing transitions realized already repeatedly.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

College counseling

College counseling provides professional advisory services guiding students and families through the complex modern college admissions process by helping set realistic targets, managing timelines/tasks, editing applications, coordinating testing prep, advising financial aid paperwork intricacies, and providing tailored emotional support during stressful uncertainty beyond what overburdened high school counselors capacitate alone anymore.

As acceptance odds narrow yearly against exponentially expanding applicant pools while college options globalize confusingly intensifying stakes, college counselors alleviate information overload through personalized assistance capturing best-fit schools where students’ strengths shine leading to more first-choice matches ultimately.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

SEO consulting

SEO consulting offers professional search engine optimization consulting to assist websites and blogs rank better organically and appear more prominently in search engine results. This can make for a viable online business idea because many site owners rely on search visibility to drive traffic but lack the technical expertise to maximize their SEO internally.

Becoming an SEO consultant allows providing customized audits and data-backed recommendations catered to each client’s niche, goals, and target keywords to boost their rankings, traffic, and leads over time through technical guidance and content optimization. Consultants enjoy location-independent work. While honing an analytical understanding of the latest ranking signals and search algo updates is integral, overheads remain relatively low given predominantly virtual delivery.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Operations consultant

Operations consultant offers professional operations and supply chain consulting services to manufacturing, logistics, and retail companies seeking to enhance process flows, inventory efficiency, and distribution strategies but lacking internal transformation expertise. This can make for a profitable consultancy since many established firms struggle to scale complex physical operations seamlessly despite growth ambitions in our digital age.

Becoming an operational consultant allows leveraging domain insights into industry procedures and emerging technologies to provide customized operational audits, cost-benefit analyses, and data-backed roadmaps catered to each client’s obstacles, assets, and objectives be it warehouse automation desires or overseas facility expansion needs requiring diligent qualifying guidance.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $5K – $20K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Conclusion

Of course, launching a successful consulting business takes dedication, strategic planning, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt. But with the right mindset, skills, and game plan, the potential for growth and fulfillment is significant.

Top 16 business ideas for software engineers

Here are some creative and profitable business ideas for software engineers that you can start right away:

Cybersecurity solutions for Web3

Offering cybersecurity services tailored to web3 could fill an important emerging need. As decentralized web3 platforms like cryptocurrencies, NFT marketplaces, and blockchain-based apps grow, security threats also increase. Their open-source nature can increase vulnerability risks. Specialized web3 cybersecurity solutions would provide monitoring, threat prevention, and data protection.

Understanding the unique architecture and data flows in decentralized apps allows customized security to mitigate fraud, hacking, or stolen assets. As more industries adopt web3 models, the need for targeted security measures aligns with market growth. Positioning early within a specialized niche also fosters reputation establishing market leadership. Providing security and peace of mind can facilitate wider web3 adoption rates.

How much you can make: $100,000 – $5 million annually
How much does it cost to start: $50,000 – $500,000
How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Blockchain tax/invoicing app

Blockchain startups and self-employed professionals save hours traditionally wasted organizing receipts, exporting bank reports, and manually inputting data across disconnected productivity tools repeatedly. Automatic integrations also enable frictionless payment receipt directly from reputable crypto wallets or traditional banking tied to unique invoice identifiers protecting privacy. Users classify business expenses easily with top tax programs supporting app connectivity enabling faster filing.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Hotel booking software

Hotel booking software involves developing and selling web and mobile applications enabling hotels, resorts, and vacation rental owners to effectively manage online reservations, conduct targeted marketing, process payments, communicate with guests, and run critical hospitality operations through integrated property management software without needing third-party booking intermediaries diminishing yields increasingly.

Direct-to-guest proprietary platforms empower independent properties and smaller chains to establish a branded presence online showcasing unique accommodations, amenities, and special offers directly to travelers without paying hefty commissions levied by dominant booking sites draining revenues over time jeopardizing quality and sustaining viability itself.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

E-ticketing software

E-ticketing software involves developing and selling web and mobile app-based e-ticketing, access control, and attendance tracking solutions enabling organizations to sell event seats securely online and validate ticket-holder identities during ingress while capturing rich analytics before, during, and after gatherings utilizing scalable integrated systems instead of inefficient legacy paper processes prone to fraud and data gaps.

Solutions help operators mint NFT tickets living permanently on blockchains, scan access remotely through smartphones save on staffing, activate loyalty programs, integrate secondary marketplaces, and bundle promotional offerings that advanced traditional platforms lack.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Bike servicing app

It is a mobile app that connects bicycle owners to mechanics for repair and maintenance services. This would be a good business idea because there is a growing cycling community needing such services. However, finding a reliable mechanic nearby can be challenging. The app makes the process easier by enabling users to request services through the app and get quotes from vetted mechanics.

Once they select a provider, the mechanic can visit them at home or work to service their bike. This on-demand system brings convenience to users and steady business to mechanics. It serves an expanding market, harnessing technology to link service providers and customers. As urban areas promote eco-friendly transport options like biking, demand for such an app can be expected to rise.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Car parking app

The car parking app would be a mobile app to help drivers find and pay for available parking spots. This is a smart approach because parking is often scarce in cities, so an app that shows drivers where open spots are in real-time would save them time and frustration searching for parking.

The app would allow drivers to reserve and pre-pay for spaces as well, ensuring they have a spot waiting when they arrive. It would generate revenue by charging drivers small convenience fees per parking session while also paying lot owners to list spaces. This parking app concept has the potential to create value by making urban parking easier and reducing congestion from drivers circling for open spots. As more people move to cities, demand for parking solutions will likely continue rising.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

App for railway tracking

It would be a mobile application for real-time train tracking and status updates. This could be a valuable business concept since public transport users often need clarification about train arrivals and departures. By providing details like a train’s current location, speed, next stops, and expected timing, the app helps improve daily commute predictability. It would source real-time data from rail operator feeds and combine these with user inputs about station conditions.

The app offers value by reducing frustrations over train delays and missed connections. It could earn revenues from in-app advertisements, premium features, and commissions from ticket bookings made via the app. As growing urban metro systems expand globally, innovations making public transport more user-friendly can serve an important need.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

IoT security control

IoT security control is a service providing security solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in homes and offices. The service helps users safeguard IoT ecosystems by applying customized protections like encryption, access controls, and activity monitoring across devices. As more appliances and systems link to the internet, vulnerabilities multiply rapidly. This IoT security offering would enable users to detect and respond to threats faster while having greater visibility and control.

It generates value by allowing consumers and businesses to leverage advanced IoT capabilities without sacrificing safety. Revenue models could include selling network hardware bundled with security software, or subscription-based access to specialized apps. With projections of over 20 billion connected devices in upcoming years, the need for specialized IoT security measures represents a significant opportunity.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

CRM software

CRM software is a customer relationship management platform that helps companies track interactions and better understand customers. The software centralizes contact details, sales activity, marketing responses, and other engagement information so companies gain a unified view of each customer.

By logging all correspondence history with customers, the software enables employees to personalize future outreach and strengthen relationships. It creates value by helping align internal teams to optimize customer experiences. Revenue can come from monthly software subscription fees charged to businesses based on the number of users. As global competition increases across industries, the need for robust CRM tools that provide actionable insights across the customer journey will likely keep growing.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Invoicing software

Invoicing software would be an application for easily creating, sending, and managing invoices. The software simplifies invoice generation using customizable templates that integrate with accounting platforms. It allows quick invoicing directly to customer emails while tracking unpaid invoices. The software helps businesses by saving efforts on manual invoicing, speeding up collections, and providing payment visibility.

It generates value through improving cash flow and financial oversight for companies. Potential revenue models include subscription fees for enhanced software capabilities or transaction charges on bank payments processed through the platform. With global growth in independent professionals and digital payment adoption, demand for efficient invoicing solutions is likely to expand.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

E-learning software

E-learning software would be an online education platform to help individuals or organizations create and sell courses. The software allows experts to easily outline course content, upload multimedia materials, and assess students on one platform. Learners can access courses online 24/7 to advance skills at their own pace. For enterprises, it facilitates affordable employee training and certification at scale.

The tool creates value by making specialized knowledge sharing more accessible while opening new earning avenues for educators. Revenue models could include charging course creators a percentage fee on sales, subscriptions for advanced authoring features, or platform licensing models for enterprises. As workforce re-skilling needs accelerate globally, e-learning innovations that make teaching and learning flexible, the market outlook remains strong.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Language learning app

A language learning app would be a mobile application for interactive language education. The app would make quality instruction available to anyone with a smartphone. It offers customized lessons in various languages that combine audio lessons, flashcards, games, and live practice with tutors. Users are assessed to focus learning on weaker areas.

Compared to traditional language classes, the app provides an affordable and convenient way to build fluency on the go. As global travel and intercultural exchanges increase demand for multilingual skills, this app idea targets a growing need. It monetizes through modest subscription fees or supplemental paid content while opening up language learning to wider student bases. With advances in speech recognition and adaptive teaching methodologies, engaging mobile solutions can democratize access to languages.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $100K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Video editing software

The tool helps content creators save substantial editing effort and time while optimizing videos for online sharing. Users also access a library of licensed media like b-roll footage or animations to enhance videos. It creates value by enabling anyone to produce compelling language videos faster. Revenue models may include subscription fees for full functionality or pay-per-use charges for asset libraries.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Medical software

Medical software would be a digital health platform enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment across language barriers. The software bridges the divide by providing real-time translation, text-based screening, and clear patient education materials in many languages. Users enter symptoms that the tool evaluates to recognize conditions, translate complex terminology, and explain options in simplistic ways. It creates access to quality healthcare by overcoming fluency gaps impeding informed consent.

The software could integrate with telehealth and hospital systems to scale impact. It generates value and revenues by charging subscription fees to health providers based on usage levels. As global migration rises, culturally responsive medical software that linguistically empowers diverse patient populations represents an important opportunity.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

ERP software

ERP software would be an enterprise resource planning platform with embedded translation features. The software integrates functions like supply chain, accounting, and project management and ensures real-time multilingual information access across the company. With the built-in translation of data inputs and outputs, it enables seamless collaboration across country offices having different working languages.

Users also customize certain application modules or dashboards to display in preferred dialects only. By bridging linguistic divides within global teams, systems, and customers, the ERP software drives unified organizational workflows. It monetizes by charging licensing fees scaled to client size and modules deployed, earning revenues from efficiency gains produced. As cross-border business coordination grows more language-intensive, embedded software translation promises significant value.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Sentiment analysis system

A sentiment analysis system would be a software platform to evaluate opinions and emotions within online content. The system uses natural language processing to scan text, survey feedback, social posts, or chat messages. It then detects the overall sentiment as positive, negative, or neutral. Users also get granular data on what specific features or areas attract criticism or praise.

These linguistic insights help identify improvement areas amid masses of unstructured feedback data from diverse sources. The analysis is presented in user-friendly dashboards for informing strategy changes. Value comes from enabling data-driven decisions tuned closer to stakeholder expectations. Potential revenue models include subscription fees for analysis capabilities scaled by data volume. As digital opinion sharing expands globally, demand for automated sentiment mining continues rising across sectors.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $500K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to take risks, with your coding abilities, you have a valuable skill set that can help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality, for example, take a look at these successful engineering startups that were someone’s dream too but came up as reality now. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring these business ideas and take the first step towards becoming your own boss!

Top 13 logistics business ideas

Here are some creative and profitable logistics business ideas that you can start right away:

Local transport service

Offering local transport services can provide needed convenience for community members. A transport service focuses on short trips within a town or specified area, shuttling residents to shopping, medical appointments, social events and more. Reliable assisted transportation fills a void when driving is challenging for seniors, people with disabilities or others lacking vehicles. Families with children and tight schedules also appreciate dependable drivers.

Establishing consistent driver screening and safety protocols promotes customer peace of mind. Using appropriately sized, well-maintained vehicles tailored to community needs also adds value. Building a robust client base through exceptional service, responsiveness and even companionship further distinguishes a provider. Transport tailored specifically to neighborhood norms with strong local relationships sets specialty providers apart from taxis geared more toward visitors.

How much you can make: $50,000 – $500,000 annually
How much does it cost to start: $10,000 – $100,000
How long does it take to build: 2-6 months

Cargo

Customized scalability allows large-scale enterprise supply chain needs or simple document deliveries abroad for smaller clients. Often more economical than popular parcel carriers, all-in pricing covers pickup, professional packing/crating, in-transit coordination across any carriers involved, and final delivery steps last-mile providers struggle beyond regional zones especially overseas where regulations also complexify movements further requiring local partnerships to nurture operations smartly.

How much you can make: $50K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Trucking

The trucking business involves owning and operating a commercial trucking company providing over-the-road haulage and transportation services for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, or other cargo owners requiring ground shipment integral to supply chains. Successful truckers manage regulatory compliance, safety incidents prevention, hiring, and insurance assessments in addition to driver dispatch, route optimization, and fuel cost containment as competitively as possible.

Building win-win relationships with direct manufacturers and warehouses with dependable pick-up/delivery fosters earnings stability defying market rate volatility familiar to spot market loads alone. As demand for cost-effective ground transport multiplies across expanding ecommerce proliferation, specialized equipment types like flatbeds, refrigerated trailers, tanker trucks, and car carriers provide dedicated solutions resilient to emerging freight ups/downs overall.

Businesses often partner with external specialists to support warehouse operations, improve accuracy, and streamline the movement of goods from storage to final delivery.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Moving company

The moving company involves a business providing professional relocation services for residential and corporate clients including packing fragile items, carefully loading trucks and inventorying possessions, safely transporting belongings to new destinations, respectfully unloading goods, and placing them as directed in new settings.

As orchestrating big transitions like home sales, office relocations or cross-country moves proves overwhelmingly stressful, professional movers provide organized manpower, specialized equipment rentals, and efficiency ensuring secure transport so owners focus forward on new chapters ahead rather than physical labor logistics alone. Responsive crews handle all heaving lifting -bubble wrapping valuables, dismantling furniture, strategically loading/unloading trucks through weather elements preventing damages en route. You can get a feel for what they charge for services with moveBuddha’s cost calculator.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Mobile tire service

Mobile tire service involves traveling to customers’ locations with a trailer outfitted with equipment to install, repair, or balance automobile tires conveniently minimizing clients’ time-consuming trips to mechanics themselves. Professional technicians evaluate tires, assess the suitability of rotations prolonging usage, identify nail punctures reparable quickly, or replace worn treads no longer safe going forward leveraging discounts from partner brands cost-effectively to boot.

Even complex repairs like new axles, suspension parts, or alignments get performed onsite or vehicles get towed to workshops finishing jobs rapidly still. As busy schedules prevail limiting available time and labor shortages reduce neighborhood repair availability currently, mobile services resolve common tire needs at one’s own curb without hassling coordinating rides.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Cargo van delivery

From urgent legal documents to heated restaurant meals or overnight ecommerce parcels, customizable vans flexibly fill rising urban delivery outsourcing needs for diverse clients beyond legacy couriers relying upon major hubs and waste routes unnecessarily. For retirees or side hustlers, single route ownership promises steadier income controlling personalized client experiences directly.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Courier service

Courier service involves providing transportation services delivering parcels, documents, and other time-sensitive items locally or globally on behalf of clients requiring reliable same-day or overnight deliveries using various vehicle types matching cargo, deadlines, and destinations cost-effectively. As global supply chains demand tighter turnarounds everywhere amid lean inventories, outsourced courier services supply speed, tracking, proof-of-delivery, and specialized handling like temperature control or enhanced security corporations struggle coordinating themselves daily fighting worker shortages already.

Whether a healthcare provider requiring medical samples conveyed urgently to distant labs or an online seller needing purchasers to receive online orders overnight reassuringly despite volatile freight conditions, specialist couriers bring purpose-built transportation solutions to strengthen responsive connectivity. From confirming the fastest routing, Securing TSA clearances, and providing GPS transparency throughout to messaging end recipients proactively during final mile transit itself, dedicated delivery firms help time-defying capabilities seem customary.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Semi truck business

Owner operators focus on perfecting logistics management and coordination, shipment tracking, and driver team performance ensuring seamless freight deliveries through proven asset management sophistication refined over decades traversing highways coast-to-coast persistently. For shippers and receivers ramping production or consolidation goals faster than hiring additional company trucks sustainably, outsourced trucking fleet capacity keeps parts, components, and inventory stocks flowing reliably preventing costly downtimes associated with stockouts looming.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Medical transporation

Medical transportation involves providing non-emergency medical transportation using properly certified vehicles and drivers trained to assist patients traveling to/from hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and other facilities requiring competent mobility to help patients themselves or loved ones struggle to coordinate or afford easily otherwise.

For chronically ill, elderly, or disabled patients facing appointments routinely amid mobility constraints, reputable medical transportation alleviates logistics strains through timely arrivals/departures, careful loading assistance, previous route knowledge, empathetic etiquettes, and wheelchair capacities public options lack. This specialized assistance ensures patients meet vital visits reliably.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Tow truck

Tow truck involves providing timely roadside assistance and vehicle transport using specialty towing equipment to safely move disabled passenger vehicles, small trucks or fleets needing tires changed, jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, winch-outs from ditches/snowbanks or relocation to repair shops otherwise requiring owners coordinate themselves likely without proper tools anyhow.

For stranded drivers and automotive business partners needing reliable problem-solving vigilantly, reputable towing fills capability gaps urgently across towns 24/7/365. Towers build close relationships with body shops, dealerships, and rental companies through recommendations constantly and fast response times winning longstanding loyalties as quasi-extensions delivering customer vehicles when needed there.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Owner-operator trucking

Owner-operator trucking involves an individual owning and operating their own tractor-trailer as a licensed freight hauling business by coordinating directly with brokers across industries arranging loads/shipping for clients needing refrigerated produce, construction materials, retail merchandise, or general dry goods transported safely within strict schedules. Trucking owner-operators leverage personalized customer service and equipment dedication running tight operations resonating with shippers and receivers valuing dependability over assets mix-matched across fragmented carriers only chasing spot prices alone inconsistently across shipments.

As extensive business costs from insurance, maintenance, fueling, and licensing requirements strain company driver wages limiting profit splits already, motivated owner-operators to accept greater risks yet retain freedom to select preferable routes sustaining operations long-term. With that being said, owner-operators are responsible for all of their own maintenance and replacing everything from their tires, brakes, truck mattress, driver’s seat, or anything on the truck that wears with time and eventually needs to be swapped out. There is a direct correlation between the risk these drivers take and the freedom is offers, as the buck ends with them.

How much you can make: $100K – $1M annually
How much does it cost to start: $50K – $200K
How long does it take to build: 6-18 months

Sprinter van

Sprinter van involves purchasing or leasing versatile Sprinter vans offering large customizable cargo space on fuel-efficient chassis to launch delivery-focused businesses hauling various products or transporting passengers needing flexible seating arrangements, wheelchair accessibilities, or durable commuter shuttling daily.

Their lighter weights bypass strict commercial driver licensing allowing entrepreneurs bootstrapping independent ventures to maintain operations freedom after outgrowing regular passenger vehicles initially while keeping operating expenses lower than full-sized buses require. For home contractors transporting tools and machinery to job sites or tour operators designing engaging customer experiences on the go, configurable Sprinter vans supply purpose-aligned capacities robustly.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Grocery delivery

Grocery delivery involves providing online ordering and scheduled home delivery of groceries and household essentials through user-friendly apps or websites offering consumers curated selections of local or specialty products beyond mass retailer constraints. As big box stores rationalize inventories relentlessly, these groceries and  food delivery startups expand virtual aisles suiting individual preferences effortlessly from specialty diet-compliant foods to locally sourced produce hard finding otherwise.

Drivers provide tailored delivery windows conveniently receiving orders anytime while coordinating grouped neighborhood drop-offs preserving perishability unlike unattended parcel dumping by mail carriers currently.

How much you can make: $50K – $500K annually
How much does it cost to start: $10K – $50K
How long does it take to build: 3-12 months

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your logistics business today and be part of an industry that keeps the world moving forward. The opportunities are there, all you need is the vision and drive to capitalize on them. As a bonus take a look at these logistics startups with an innovative approach.