- Outfitters. Not being an outdoor person myself I was surprised to discover just how huge this industry is. Outfitters aren’t just people who will gear up vacationers with a fishing rod and rubber boots: the most successful outfitters have a cabin, prepare meals, know all the great fishing or hunting spots, and know when to participate and when to back away. In many cases an outfitter is someone who offers a one-stop vacation experience for the person who loves the outdoors and wants to get away from city life for a while: they call you, you provide a room and meals and enable them to enjoy a carefree fishing or hunting experience. If they catch something, you clean it and cook it or package it to send home with them. The easier you make their experience, the more carefree they will be. Getting started can be tough but once you get your name out there you end up with very loyal patrons and great word of mouth marketing.
- Bird watching. Bird watching is one of the largest sports in North America. According to a US Fish and Wildlife Service Survey, over 51 million people are birdwatchers. It’s the fastest growing outdoor activity in the US! That makes a ready market of bird enthusiasts who might be interested in bird feeders, bird planters, day-long or weekend-long bird watching excursions. And, as this hobby requires time and provides some fitness without being intense, it will likely increase in popularity among an aging population. There are several bird watching business opportunities available!
- Landscaper. With the increase in home decorating, landscaping plays an important part in that trend. This is a very physical business but may also be very seasonal, depending on where you do business, so you may have to augment your business with snow removal. Start up costs are not high as you really only need a truck and a shovel and a lawnmower and can rent some of the equipment initially (such as a roto-tiller) until you build up enough money to buy them. Plan to branch out into tree trimming services as well.
- Mobile carwash, detailing, and oil change service. People are busy and simply don’t have the time to bring their car in to have an oil change or to get it detailed. Advertise that you will go to people’s home or work and do it for them there. Offer different packages. Also, offer a bulk discount and advertise your service to car rental companies who need this service on an ongoing basis. Be sure to use environmentally friendly cleaners so that people don’t get upset with your suds.
- House inspector. These licensed professionals do a brisk business by looking at homes for new home owners to identify potential problems with the structure. There will be some initial schooling and likely an exam and a fee but once you have done the work you could be busy! As well, home sales may be increasing in upcoming years with a focus on house flipping and on foreclosures so business should pick up for this industry. You may even consider specializing in a certain type of home to allow you to charge more. Another area of specialization might be “no appointment” house inspections for people who need last minute inspections and don’t want to wait for an appointment. There is some inside work but a lot of this work is outside. You”ll need safety boots and a ladder and a willingness to walk on the roof.
