Shopify's 30 Easy Side Hustle Ideas

You can start a side hustle without any prior experience by picking ideas that rely on easy-to-learn tools, ready-made platforms, or services that need little to no technical skill. Shopify compiled a list of 30 side hustle ideas that require no prior experience, each with its own method for earning extra income or building a business from scratch. Each idea leverages widely available resources or platforms, making them accessible to beginners.

Print on demand is a low-barrier side hustle that lets you create custom products, like t-shirts or mugs, without handling inventory or shipping. This works because third-party suppliers such as Printful and Printify integrate with platforms like Shopify, letting you upload designs that are printed only when a customer places an order. You earn the difference between the retail price and the supplier’s fee.

Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products without managing inventory. You set up a Shopify store, choose products from suppliers like Oberlo, and list them online. When a customer orders, the supplier ships the product directly to the buyer. Your profit comes from marking up the supplier’s price.

Freelance writing is a side hustle open to beginners because platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have thousands of job postings for blog posts, product descriptions, and website copy. You can start by offering simple services, charging per word or per project, and building up a portfolio as you go.

Virtual assistant work involves tasks like responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and managing data. Websites like Belay and Fancy Hands connect clients with virtual assistants. Most tasks require organization and communication rather than specific technical knowledge.

Taking online surveys pays cash or gift cards in exchange for opinions. Survey companies such as Swagbucks and Survey Junkie act as intermediaries for brands looking for consumer feedback. You answer questions, and the site pays you per survey completed.

Selling handmade goods on Etsy or on a Shopify store lets you turn crafts, jewelry, or artwork into a business. Even without artistic training, you can follow popular trends or tutorials and focus on simple, in-demand items like friendship bracelets or candles.

Transcription services require listening to audio files and typing what you hear. Sites like Rev and TranscribeMe pay per audio minute. Most companies require only fast, accurate typing and attention to detail.

Pet sitting or dog walking can be started through apps like Rover. You create a profile, set your rates, and offer pet care services in your area. Pet owners book you for walks or overnight stays, paying through the app, which takes a percentage as a fee.

House cleaning is a direct service that doesn’t require certification in most areas. You can advertise via local classifieds or Facebook Marketplace. Customers pay per job, and you supply basic cleaning products and equipment.

Flipping furniture works by finding used pieces at garage sales or online classifieds, making minor repairs or cosmetic upgrades, and reselling them for a profit. Many flippers use Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to source and sell, sometimes doubling or tripling their investment on each item.

Social media management can be offered to small businesses that lack time or expertise to post updates, design graphics, or engage with followers. Free tools like Canva and scheduling apps like Buffer make this accessible to beginners who are comfortable with Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

Tutoring online is possible through platforms like Chegg Tutors or Wyzant. Many subjects require only a strong grasp of high school material. You set your availability and are matched with students needing help in math, English, or science.

Selling digital downloads, such as planners, coloring pages, or resume templates, works because you can create files once and sell them repeatedly on Shopify or Etsy. Free or low-cost tools like Canva allow you to design products with minimal graphic design experience.

Affiliate marketing involves promoting someone else’s products online and earning commissions on sales generated through your unique referral link. Signing up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale doesn’t require a website—social media accounts or YouTube channels can be enough to start.

Photography for stock image sites lets you upload photos to platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. You earn royalties each time your photo is downloaded. Entry-level cameras or even smartphones produce images that meet many sites’ quality standards.

Renting out your car on platforms like Turo allows you to earn passive income by making your vehicle available to others when you’re not using it. Turo handles bookings, insurance, and payments, and you set your own prices and availability.

Creating an online course is accessible because course platforms like Teachable and Udemy provide templates and distribution. Many successful courses teach basic skills, such as how to organize your home or beginner’s guitar lessons, which don’t require formal credentials.

Voiceover work is open to those with a clear speaking voice and a quiet space to record. Sites like Voices.com connect clients seeking narration for videos, ads, or audiobooks. Entry-level work often pays per project, with rates increasing as you build a portfolio.

Reselling collectibles such as trading cards or vintage video games can be started with knowledge from online forums. eBay, Mercari, and Facebook groups act as marketplaces. Beginner resellers often start by flipping items from their own collection or local thrift stores.

Renting out a spare room or apartment on Airbnb lets you turn unused space into income. Airbnb provides the booking system, handles payments, and offers insurance. You set the nightly rate and rules, and provide the space and basic amenities to guests.

Teaching English online is possible for native speakers or fluent English users. Companies like Cambly or VIPKid hire tutors to conduct video calls with students around the world. Many programs require only basic hardware and a stable internet connection.

Becoming a mystery shopper involves visiting stores, making small purchases, and reporting on the customer experience. Market research firms like Market Force pay per assignment, usually reimbursing purchases and paying a small fee for your time.

Testing websites and apps is a task that platforms like UserTesting or TryMyUI pay for. You record your screen and voice as you navigate a website and provide feedback on usability. Each test typically pays a flat fee, and you can complete them in your own time.

Data entry jobs involve copying information from one source to another, updating spreadsheets, or digitizing records. Companies post these jobs on Upwork or Freelancer, usually paying per task, and require only basic computer skills.

Personal shopping or running errands for others can be started through apps like Instacart or TaskRabbit. Customers place orders or request tasks, and you complete them for a fee. Payouts are processed by the app, which takes a service fee from your earnings.

Selling wholesale goods means buying products in bulk at a discount and reselling them for profit. Shopify supports wholesale store setups, and local wholesalers or international sourcing sites like Alibaba make inventory accessible without industry connections.

Participating in focus groups pays for your opinions on new products, advertisements, or packaging. Companies like Respondent or FocusGroup.com list studies you can apply for, paying anywhere from $20 to several hundred dollars for a session.

Laundry services are in demand in urban areas. You set up locally and offer to pick up, wash, and deliver laundry to busy clients. Payments often happen per load, and you can use home appliances to start with little overhead.

Grocery delivery through apps like Shipt or Instacart allows you to shop and deliver food to customers who order online. The app matches you to orders in your area and pays per delivery, with the potential to earn tips.

Remote customer service jobs are posted by companies on sites like Indeed or Remote.co. These roles typically require answering calls or chats, helping customers solve problems, and use company-provided scripts or guidelines.

Bicycle or scooter charging for companies like Lime or Bird is possible in cities with micro-mobility programs. You sign up as a charger, pick up depleted vehicles, recharge them at home, and return them to designated locations for payment per vehicle.

Participating in product testing lets you receive free samples of consumer goods in exchange for providing feedback. Companies or market research panels mail you products and pay you for your time or let you keep the goods.

Becoming an online juror involves reviewing legal cases and providing feedback for lawyers preparing for trial. Companies like eJury pay per case reviewed, which typically involves reading materials and submitting answers to specific questions.

Podcast editing is in demand as more people create audio content. Free software like Audacity and hundreds of online tutorials enable beginners to learn basic editing, mixing, and adding music or sound effects. You can find clients on podcasting forums or freelance job boards.

Making greeting cards or invitations is possible using printing services and free design tools. Etsy and Shopify allow creators to list custom card designs for events like weddings, birthdays, or holidays.

Offering resume writing is a service needed by job seekers. Free templates and resume builders can help you get started, and you can market services on LinkedIn, Craigslist, or Fiverr.

Childcare or babysitting can be found via sites like Care.com or Sittercity. Background checks are often required, but no formal training is needed for most short-term jobs.

Car washing and detailing can be started by offering services to friends and neighbors, using supplies purchased at a hardware store. Many detailers charge per vehicle, and business can expand through word of mouth.

Becoming a notary public is a side hustle with minimal startup costs. In many US states, you can be certified after completing an application and a background check, which allows you to charge for notarizing documents.

Offering lawn mowing or yard work can be started with basic equipment. Many customers look for help during the busy spring and summer months, and you can advertise locally or on apps like Nextdoor.

Being a delivery driver for food orders via Uber Eats or DoorDash requires a car or bike and a smartphone. The app matches orders to drivers, and you keep a percentage of each delivery fee plus tips.

Offering mobile car repair services is possible for those with mechanical aptitude. Many minor repairs, like battery changes or oil changes, can be performed at the customer’s location. You can advertise on local Facebook groups or Craigslist.

Proofreading and editing are in demand for blog owners and small publishers. Free grammar tools and guides are available to learn basic editing rules, and job postings can be found on freelance marketplaces.

Language translation can be started by bilingual speakers on platforms like Gengo or ProZ. Many clients need simple translations of emails, ads, or social media posts rather than technical or legal documents.

Participating in paid online studies lets you join academic or corporate research. Sites like Prolific list studies for which you’re eligible, paying per completion.

Becoming a furniture assembler can be started with basic hand tools. Apps like TaskRabbit match you with clients who have purchased flat-pack furniture and need help assembling it.

Selling thrifted clothing is possible on Depop, Poshmark, or Shopify. You source clothes from thrift stores, photograph and list them, and ship to buyers, often earning a markup of several times your purchase price.

Creating a subscription box service involves curating a selection of themed items. Shopify supports subscription box setups, and you can source products wholesale or make them yourself.

Pet waste removal is a needed service among pet owners. You offer weekly or biweekly yard cleanups for a fee, using simple tools and advertising locally.

Becoming a mobile notetaker for students or professionals with disabilities requires only fast typing and good listening skills. Colleges and government programs often pay per session or hour.

Offering balloon decorating for parties is possible with online tutorials and supplies from craft stores. You can advertise on social media and charge per event.

Each of these side hustle ideas is designed to be accessible from day one, with platforms and tools available to guide you through setup and execution. For example, setting up a Shopify store to sell print on demand products or digital downloads takes less than an hour, and platform integrations handle fulfillment and payment processing automatically. Apps like Fiverr, Upwork, and Etsy provide built-in audiences searching for these services, reducing the challenge of finding initial customers. This accessibility lets beginners start earning income with almost no upfront investment, and with the possibility to scale efforts as confidence and skills grow.