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Shopify put together a list of 30 side hustle ideas that don’t need experience. Print on demand is one of the most accessible. Print on demand works by letting you sell t-shirts, mugs, and other merchandise without buying inventory up front. A supplier, like Printful or Printify, prints and ships each order as it comes in, so you don’t need storage space or a big budget to start.
Dropshipping is another option. With dropshipping, you set up an online storefront and list products, usually from platforms like Oberlo or AliExpress. When a customer orders, the product ships directly from the supplier to the customer. You don’t handle products or shipping yourself. This model saw a surge in popularity in the last 10 years because startup costs can be under $100 and you don’t need technical skills beyond setting up a Shopify store.
Creating digital products is a third idea. This includes things like e-books, printables, or digital planners. Once you create the product, you can sell it unlimited times without shipping costs. Popular marketplaces for digital goods include Etsy and Gumroad. Many creators use free design tools like Canva to make products, lowering the barrier to entry.
Affiliate marketing is also on Shopify’s list. Affiliate marketers earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products online. The core mechanism relies on special links that track sales back to the affiliate. Amazon Associates and ShareASale are large affiliate networks. You don’t need a website to start; many affiliates use social media or YouTube to review products and include referral links.
Freelance writing can be started with no formal experience. Writers find gigs on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. Clients post jobs for blog posts, newsletters, or web copy. Writers can begin with simple projects that require minimal technical skill, building a portfolio with each job.
Shopify suggests selling handmade goods as a side hustle. Crafters can use platforms like Etsy, Shopify itself, or local markets to sell jewelry, candles, soaps, or art. Many handmade sellers start with basic supplies and learn as they go. In 2021, Etsy reported that over 7.5 million sellers listed at least one product, showing the scale of opportunity.
Printables and digital downloads are a growing market. For example, parents often download chore charts, meal planners, or educational worksheets. In 2022, the printable planner market was projected to reach $100 million globally. Sellers upload PDF files to a site like Etsy, and customers print at home.
Online tutoring doesn’t always require teaching credentials. Platforms like VIPKid and Chegg hire tutors in subjects like math, English, or science. Many tutors use just their high school education to help younger students. Sessions are held on video calls, and tutors can set their own schedules.
Transcription services accept beginners. Companies like Rev and TranscribeMe pay people to turn audio into text. Projects include podcasts, interviews, and business meetings. Pay is typically per audio minute, and anyone with a computer and headphones can apply.
Social media management is another path. Small businesses often pay freelancers to run their Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok accounts. Tasks might include scheduling posts, replying to comments, or making graphics with tools like Canva. Social media managers can manage multiple clients at once.
Pet sitting and dog walking are classic side hustles that need no formal background. Platforms like Rover connect pet owners with local caregivers. Walkers and sitters set their own rates and schedules. In 2021, Rover reported more than 2 million pet care bookings, illustrating steady demand.
Taking online surveys pays small amounts for feedback. Sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie let users earn gift cards or PayPal payouts by answering questions about consumer habits, ads, or products. Most surveys take under 15 minutes to complete, and no experience is required.
Shopify includes renting out property or gear as a side hustle. Airbnb lets people rent rooms or entire homes for short stays. Fat Llama and Loanables let people rent out equipment, like cameras or power tools, to neighbors. These platforms handle payments and insurance, reducing risk for new users.
Participating in the gig economy is another option. Companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart let people deliver food or groceries. Drivers need only a car, bike, or scooter and a smartphone. The apps match available gigs with local drivers in real time.
Online course creation is accessible to anyone willing to teach a skill. Platforms such as Teachable and Udemy allow users to upload video lessons on topics from cooking to coding. Some creators earn thousands per month from courses filmed on their phones.
Voiceover work is open to beginners with a clear speaking voice and a home microphone. Sites like Voices.com and ACX list projects for commercials, audiobooks, and explainer videos. Many voice actors record in closets or bedrooms to dampen sound.
Shopify lists selling stock photography as a low-barrier way to earn. Photographers upload images to sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Each download earns the photographer a royalty. Smartphone photos are accepted if they’re high quality.
Participating in focus groups can pay $50 to $150 for an hour of opinion-sharing. Market research firms, such as UserInterviews or Respondent, recruit people to test products, websites, or ads. Most focus groups are held online, so participants need only an internet connection.
Becoming a mystery shopper involves visiting stores, restaurants, or websites and reporting on customer service or product displays. Companies like Market Force send assignments that pay per completed visit. Shoppers often get reimbursed for purchases as well as a fee.
Print subscription boxes are another idea. Entrepreneurs curate small batches of themed items—like snacks, self-care products, or art supplies—and ship them to subscribers each month. Cratejoy helps manage storefronts and subscribers, requiring only basic web setup skills.
Remote customer service jobs don’t need prior experience. Major companies contract with third-party firms like Alorica or Sykes, who hire agents to answer phones or emails from home. Agents use scripts and company-provided training.
Self-publishing short stories or novels on Kindle Direct Publishing can be started with only basic writing skills. Authors set prices and earn royalties for each sale. In 2020, over 1 million e-books were self-published on Amazon, showing that many writers try this route.
Online translation gigs can be found by bilingual people with no formal translation degree. Platforms like Gengo and ProZ list projects from businesses needing website, email, or document translation. Translators pick jobs that match their language pairs.
Shopify recommends selling used items as a quick way to earn. Apps like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace connect sellers with buyers for clothing, electronics, or furniture. Sellers photograph items, write short descriptions, and set prices.
Offering résumé or cover letter reviews is in demand. Job seekers pay for editing or feedback, and many reviewers use templates or online guides to help clients. Fiverr and LinkedIn are common places to find these gigs.
Testing websites and apps is open to anyone with a computer or phone. UserTesting and TryMyUI pay users to record themselves using websites and providing feedback. Each test usually takes about 20 minutes and pays around $10.
Creating a YouTube channel does not require prior video experience. Many channels start with smartphone cameras and basic editing apps. Ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate links are the main ways creators earn money as their audience grows.
Becoming a podcast editor is another entry-level job. Free software like Audacity or GarageBand allows novices to cut, clean, and assemble audio files. Freelance marketplace sites list jobs for podcast editing, and basic tutorials are widely available.
Selling at local farmers’ markets or craft fairs is a seasonal side hustle. Vendors reserve tables for a small fee, often under $50, and sell items like baked goods, plants, or handmade crafts directly to customers. These markets are regulated by local governments, which issue permits.
Selling digital art or designs as downloads is a final option. Artists use graphic design tools to create wall art, clip art, or templates and sell them on Etsy or Creative Market. Customers print or use the designs for personal projects, so artists don’t manage shipping or inventory.