Top 7 Uncommon Weekend Side Hustles

In partnership with

Dear Wealth Builders,

Finding a side hustle that fits into your weekend schedule and has the potential to earn $50,000 or more annually might sound like a daunting task. However, there are several uncommon yet lucrative opportunities out there. This post will dive deep into seven such side hustles, exploring the initial investment, steps to get started, time commitment, exit strategies, and maximum earning potential. We’ll also provide pro tips, stories, and monetary examples to illustrate how each side hustle can fit into different demographics.

1. Drone Photography

Overview

Drone photography involves capturing aerial images and videos for various purposes, including real estate listings, weddings, events, and marketing campaigns. It’s an uncommon but growing niche due to the unique perspective drones provide.

Investment to Get Started

• Drone: $500 - $2,000 (depending on quality and features)

• Licensing: $150 (FAA Part 107 certification in the U.S.)

• Insurance: $500 annually

• Training: $100 - $300 (online courses and practice)

How to Get Started

1. Purchase a High-Quality Drone: Invest in a reliable drone with a good camera.

2. Get Certified: Obtain the necessary certifications (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the U.S.).

3. Build a Portfolio: Start by capturing images of local landmarks or volunteering for community events.

4. Market Your Services: Create a website and social media profiles to showcase your work.

5. Network: Connect with real estate agents, event planners, and local businesses.

Time Commitment

• Initial Setup: 20-30 hours (including certification and practice)

• Ongoing: 4-6 hours per weekend

How Long to Make $50,000

With proper marketing and networking, you can achieve this within 6-12 months. Charging $200-$500 per project and completing 2-3 projects per weekend can quickly add up.

Max Earning Potential

Experienced drone photographers can earn up to $100,000 annually by expanding their services to include video editing, mapping, and more extensive projects.

Exit Strategy

Sell your equipment and potentially your client list to another aspiring drone photographer or a photography business.

Pro Tip

Build Partnerships: Form partnerships with real estate agencies and event planners to secure recurring gigs.

Story

Jake, a full-time IT professional, started a drone photography business over the weekends. He invested in a $1,500 drone and spent a few weekends getting certified and building his portfolio. Within six months, he was making over $1,000 per weekend, eventually quitting his job to pursue drone photography full-time.

Demographic Fit

• Age: 25-45

• Skills: Photography, tech-savvy

• Location: Urban and suburban areas with high real estate activity

2. Furniture Flipping

Overview

Furniture flipping involves buying used or vintage furniture, refurbishing it, and selling it for a profit. This side hustle taps into the growing market for unique, high-quality home furnishings.

Investment to Get Started

• Tools and Supplies: $200 - $500 (sanders, paint, brushes, etc.)

• Initial Inventory: $500 - $1,000

• Storage Space: $100 - $200/month (optional, depending on your home space)

How to Get Started

1. Source Furniture: Find used furniture at garage sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces.

2. Refurbish: Clean, repair, and repaint the furniture.

3. Sell: Use online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, or local consignment shops.

Time Commitment

• Initial Setup: 20-40 hours (sourcing tools and inventory, setting up workspace)

• Ongoing: 5-10 hours per weekend

How Long to Make $50,000

Selling 1-2 pieces per week at a profit of $100-$300 each can achieve this goal within a year.

Max Earning Potential

Skilled furniture flippers can earn up to $100,000 annually by scaling their operations, hiring help, and selling higher-end pieces.

Exit Strategy

Sell your tools, remaining inventory, and potentially your brand name or online store.

Pro Tip

Focus on Quality: Invest time in perfecting your refurbishing techniques to increase the resale value of your furniture.

Story

Emma, a graphic designer, started flipping furniture on weekends. With an initial investment of $1,000, she quickly mastered refurbishing techniques and began selling pieces for a substantial profit. Within a year, Emma was making over $1,000 per weekend and eventually opened her own home decor store.

Demographic Fit

• Age: 30-55

• Skills: Handy with tools, creative

• Location: Suburban areas with access to second-hand furniture markets

3. Pet Sitting and Boarding

Overview

Pet sitting and boarding provide care for pets while their owners are away. This service is always in demand, especially in urban areas with busy professionals.

Investment to Get Started

• Pet Supplies: $200 - $500 (crates, leashes, toys)

• Insurance: $300 - $500 annually

• Marketing: $100 (flyers, social media ads)

How to Get Started

1. Prepare Your Home: Make your space pet-friendly and safe.

2. Get Insured: Obtain pet sitter insurance.

3. Advertise: Use platforms like Rover, PetBacker, or local classifieds.

4. Build Trust: Offer initial discounts or free trial periods to build a client base.

Time Commitment

• Initial Setup: 10-20 hours (setting up space and marketing)

• Ongoing: 4-6 hours per weekend, more during peak times (holidays, vacations)

How Long to Make $50,000

With rates ranging from $25 to $50 per night, caring for 3-5 pets per weekend can achieve this income in about a year.

Max Earning Potential

Established pet sitters can earn over $100,000 annually by expanding their services, such as dog walking, training, or grooming.

Exit Strategy

Pass on your client list to another pet sitter or sell your business as a going concern.

Pro Tip

Offer Additional Services: Include dog walking, grooming, or training to increase your income.

Story

Tom, a nurse, began pet sitting on weekends to supplement his income. He advertised his services on Rover and quickly built a loyal client base. Within a year, Tom was making over $1,000 per weekend and considering pet sitting as a full-time job.

Demographic Fit

• Age: 25-50

• Skills: Love for animals, responsible

• Location: Urban and suburban areas with a high pet population

4. Tour Guide

Overview

If you live in a city or town with tourist attractions, becoming a tour guide can be a lucrative weekend side hustle. It involves leading tours and sharing knowledge about local history, culture, and landmarks.

Investment to Get Started

• Training and Certification: $100 - $500 (optional, depending on location)

• Marketing: $50 - $200 (flyers, website, social media)

• Miscellaneous: $100 (microphone, walking shoes)

How to Get Started

1. Learn the Area: Research and memorize facts about local attractions.

2. Create a Tour Plan: Design interesting and engaging tour routes.

3. Market Your Services: Use online platforms like TripAdvisor, Viator, or create your own website.

4. Network: Partner with local hotels, hostels, and travel agencies.

Time Commitment

• Initial Setup: 20-30 hours (research and marketing)

• Ongoing: 4-6 hours per weekend

How Long to Make $50,000

Charging $20-$50 per person, conducting 2-3 tours per weekend with 10-15 participants each, can reach this income within a year.

Max Earning Potential

Popular tour guides can earn up to $100,000 annually by expanding their offerings, such as private tours, themed tours, or multi-day excursions.

Exit Strategy

Train and hire other guides to take over or sell your established tour routes and business to a larger tour company.

Pro Tip

Specialize Your Tours: Offer unique experiences like food tours, ghost tours, or historical reenactments to attract more customers.

Story

Linda, a history teacher, started offering historical walking tours in her city on weekends. Her engaging storytelling quickly gained popularity, and she began earning over $1,000 per weekend. Linda now runs a successful tour business with several guides working for her.

Demographic Fit

• Age: 25-60

• Skills: Public speaking, knowledgeable about local history

• Location: Tourist-friendly cities and towns

5. Mobile Car Detailing

Overview

Mobile car detailing involves cleaning and detailing cars at the customer’s location. It’s a convenient service that many car owners are willing to pay for.

Investment to Get Started

• Equipment and Supplies: $500 - $1,000 (vacuum, cleaning solutions, wax)

• Vehicle: $5,000 - $10,000 (for a reliable mobile detailing van, optional if using personal vehicle)

• Marketing: $100 - $300 (flyers, website, social media)

How to Get Started

1. Buy Equipment: Invest in quality cleaning and detailing tools.

2. Learn Techniques: Take online courses or watch tutorials on car detailing.

3. Market Your Services: Use flyers, social media, and partner with local businesses.

4. Offer Promotions: Attract initial clients with discounts or package deals.

Time Commitment

• Initial Setup: 20-30 hours (buying equipment, marketing)

• Ongoing: 4-8 hours per weekend

How Long to Make $50,000

Charging $50-$150 per detailing job and completing 5-10 jobs per weekend can reach this income within a year.

Max Earning Potential

Experienced detailers can earn up to $100,000 annually by expanding services, such as offering fleet detailing for businesses.

Exit Strategy

Sell your equipment, client list, and potentially your business name to another aspiring detailer.

Pro Tip

Build Repeat Business: Offer loyalty programs and maintenance packages to ensure repeat customers.

Story

Kevin, a car enthusiast, started a mobile car detailing service on weekends. With an initial investment of $2,000, he quickly built a client base through word of mouth and social media. Within a year, Kevin was making over $1,000 per weekend and planning to expand his business.

Demographic Fit

• Age: 20-45

• Skills: Attention to detail, physically fit

• Location: Urban and suburban areas with high car ownership

Is your business making over $200K in revenue per year?

Compare 2024's top online business lenders. Secure and fast with no impact to your credit score. With over 12,000 small businesses funded, we know how to make lenders compete to give you the best offer. See your loan options in minutes, and get funding as fast as 24 hours. Strongest network coverage for those who have been in business for over 2 years with over $200K in annual revenue. Fuel your business today!

Calculate Payment

6. Handmade Crafts and Art

Overview

Creating and selling handmade crafts and art can be a fulfilling and profitable side hustle. The market for unique, handcrafted items continues to grow.

Investment to Get Started

• Materials and Supplies: $200 - $1,000 (depends on the type of craft)

• Marketing: $100 - $200 (website, social media, craft fairs)

• Tools: $100 - $300 (depends on the craft)

How to Get Started

1. Choose Your Craft: Decide what type of crafts or art you want to create.

2. Buy Materials: Purchase quality materials and tools.

3. Create a Portfolio: Make a variety of items to showcase your work.

4. Market and Sell: Use platforms like Etsy, local craft fairs, and social media to sell your products.

Time Commitment

• Initial Setup: 30-40 hours (creating inventory and marketing)

• Ongoing: 4-8 hours per weekend

How Long to Make $50,000

Selling items with a profit margin of $20-$100 each, reaching $50,000 can be achieved within a year by consistently selling 10-20 items per weekend.

Max Earning Potential

Successful crafters can earn over $100,000 annually by expanding their product line, increasing prices, and scaling production.

Exit Strategy

Sell your business, including your brand name, designs, and online store, to another artist or entrepreneur.

Pro Tip

Leverage Social Media: Use Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your work and attract a wider audience.

Story

Emily, a schoolteacher, started making handmade jewelry on weekends. She initially invested $500 in materials and tools. Her unique designs quickly gained popularity on Etsy, and within a year, Emily was making over $1,000 per weekend.

Demographic Fit

• Age: 25-60

• Skills: Creative, skilled in a particular craft

• Location: Anywhere with access to materials and online marketplaces

7. Airbnb Hosting

Overview

Renting out a room or property on Airbnb can generate substantial income, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Investment to Get Started

• Property Preparation: $500 - $2,000 (furnishings, cleaning, amenities)

• Marketing: Included in Airbnb fees

• Licensing and Permits: $100 - $500 (varies by location)

How to Get Started

1. Prepare the Space: Ensure the room or property is clean, furnished, and welcoming.

2. List on Airbnb: Create a detailed and attractive listing with high-quality photos.

3. Set Pricing: Research local rates and set competitive prices.

4. Market Your Listing: Use Airbnb’s tools and social media to promote your space.

Time Commitment

• Initial Setup: 20-30 hours (preparing space, creating listing)

• Ongoing: 2-4 hours per weekend (cleaning, communicating with guests)

How Long to Make $50,000

Depending on location and demand, renting out a space for $100-$200 per night and achieving high occupancy can reach $50,000 within a year.

Max Earning Potential

Hosts in high-demand areas can earn over $100,000 annually by listing multiple properties or offering premium experiences.

Exit Strategy

Sell or lease your property, or pass your Airbnb account and listings to another host.

Pro Tip

Offer Unique Experiences: Stand out by offering unique amenities or local experiences to attract more guests.

Story

Lisa, a marketing executive, decided to rent out a spare room in her downtown apartment on Airbnb. She spent $1,000 to furnish the room and create a welcoming space. Within six months, she was earning over $1,000 per weekend, using the extra income to pay off her mortgage faster.

Demographic Fit

• Age: 25-55

• Skills: Hospitality, customer service

• Location: Popular tourist destinations or areas with high rental demand

Conclusion

These seven weekend side hustles offer unique opportunities to earn significant income with relatively low time commitment. Whether you’re interested in drone photography, furniture flipping, pet sitting, tour guiding, mobile car detailing, handmade crafts, or Airbnb hosting, there’s a side hustle that can fit your interests and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

1. Initial Investment: Most of these side hustles require a modest upfront investment but offer high returns.

2. Time Commitment: These side hustles can fit into a weekend schedule, allowing you to maintain your full-time job.

3. Scalability: Each side hustle has the potential to scale, increasing your income significantly.

4. Diverse Opportunities: There are side hustles suited for various skills, interests, and demographics.

By exploring these opportunities and leveraging your unique skills and interests, you can make additional money outside your 9-5 job, build wealth, and achieve greater financial security.

Warm regards,

Build Wealth Yourself Team