Businesses You Can Start in College Without a Large Investment
Every student has expenses. In addition to tuition there’s lodging, food and books. If you plan on socializing, that’s one more expense. It may make financial sense to start your own business while in school to help defray the costs. Why look for a part time job and work for someone else when you can go into business for yourself?
The Internet lists many opportunities, but proceed with caution. Web sites are jammed with get rich scams involving work from home businesses. While many are legitimate, many also are not. Research carefully and avoid offers that are too good to be true.
Ebay is a great place to start (this is what I did). You probably already have many items that you can sell. Textbooks, old clothes and electronics should work out nicely. After you get rid of all of your extras, put out flyers requesting discarded items from other students. They can pay you a percentage of the sale of their item. All you have to do is list the item for sale and bring the package to the post office. This works best if you have extra room for storing everything. You could also purchase things from other students, thrift stores or flea markets and try to sell it at a profit. You don’t need a lot of equipment to launch this endeavor, and it mostly consists of things you probably already have. All you need is a computer, printer, and quality digital camera.
If you like to help others, service jobs can be a great thing for college students. There are many options, from assisting other students, professors, or the general public. You can try running errands. Many students and teachers don’t have the extra time to pick up dry cleaning and the like, and may be willing to pay you to do it for them. You could also try dog walking and babysitting. Another good idea is to offer a cleaning service to the dorms. Your only investment would be cleaning products and a lightweight vacuum. Charge by the room or by the hour. And, it’s easy to advertise your services with flyers around campus. Be sure to get referrals from happy clients to use when you’ve become established.
Become a campus concierge. Run errands, pick up takeout and handle running around for professors or other students. Pick up groceries and drugstore items for the elderly. Speaking of the elderly, why not become a companion?
You might think that home parties aren’t only for housewives and moms, but times have certainly changed. There are many party plans that may suit your needs. Most of them don’t require you to carry inventory (a must with premium dorm space!), and many don’t need a big investment of cash. There are lots of options, from Tupperware and candles, even some fun “guy” stuff. You might consider, for instance, becoming a Pampered Chef host if you’re an aspiring chef. Home Interiors might be the perfect match for interior design students.
