Business Idea - Hand-Painted Jeans

Oh, to have a svelte jeans-wearing body... For those that do, hand-painted jeans are very popular. Purchase jeans in bulk at wholesale prices on eBay (look under “wholesale lots”). Hand-paint interesting designs using fabric paints. Reassure your customers that the design will hold with careful washing. And then resell at four to ten times what you originally paid, selling to boutiques, department stores or on eBay. Take special, customized orders for a higher price.

Business Idea - Hand-Painted Kitchenware

This is truly turning trash to treasure. Any old pot or pan or other kitchenware can be dug out of the garage or bargain bin at your local thrift shop. Clean the item up, apply a base coat and then paint whatever grabs your fancy for an interesting motif. If nothing is grabbing your fancy, try checking out a Donna Dewberry book on “one-stroke painting” for inspiration.

Business Idea - Papier-Mache Folk Art

Newspaper, wallpaper paste and your imagination. No craft exists that is cheaper to get into. Some ideas for salable objects d’art from your papier mache factory: nativity scenes for window and fireplace mantel displays, mannequins, trays, boxes, dolls, doll houses, toy furniture such as stoves, fridge magnets, decorative plates and bowls and so on into infinity. Practical or decorative or both. Check out instruction books in your local library or on the web. Sell at farmer’s markets, craft fairs or stores specializing in folk art.

Business Idea - Become an Airbrushaholic

Maybe if I’m reasonably good, Santa will bring me an airbrush this Christmas. I love the results in subtle shading I see other people coaxing out of these babies. Lifelike pictures, electric designs. People who get into customizing designs for cars and motorcycles can make a very good living with an airbrush.

Business Idea - Car-Detailing

I’m told it’s a sleeper business which can be very lucrative. Basically, you’ll be hand washing and polishing cars inside and out. You can prep new cars or recondition used ones for a local car dealer or just freelance, providing high-quality cosmetic maintenance to classic or quality car buffs. Build a regular clientele by offering a complete package for $150. Work almost anywhere with a hose, bucket, wax and lots of elbow grease - parking lots, garages, alleys or the car’s own home.

Business Idea - Car Swap Meet

Turn a vacant lot into a swap meet for cars only. You charge people who wish to display their car in your lot for a flat fee for a specific day or week - no selling or buying on your part - your only cost is your ad to attract sellers and buyers and whatever insurance costs to cover “trip insurance” - so that anybody that may injure him or herself by tripping on a crack is covered for their expenses. Offer a food concession for bigger profits. Who doesn’t want a hot dog or hamburger when shopping for a car?

Business Idea - Car Transport Service

Snowbirds love this service. They can have their car delivered to their winter home and then simply fly to their destination. And used car and RV dealers often have to figure out how to get their vehicles delivered from one part of the country to the other. Find reliable drivers with good driving records in need of free one-way transportation and hire them by subcontract to deliver the vehicle cross-country. Google “car couriers” for ideas on how to connect with customers.