When winter comes, families usually spend most of their time getting warm by the fireplace and sipping hot tea or chocolate. Not everyone, however, has the luxury of staying comfy during the cold season. Some people need more money to pay their monthly bills and meet other financial obligations. If you need to bump up your cash flow, consider pursuing a business venture that’s in demand during the winter. It has to be specific to the season and one that customers want or can’t resist.
Here are six business ideas to help you earn extra dollars in your pocket:
1. Shovel Snow off the Driveways
Snow clearing work is an in-demand business during the cold season, so long as you’re living in a snowy area. You don’t need much when pursuing this venture. A couple of basic tools that you should have are some salt to help melt the snow and a shovel.
Take note, though, that removing snow manually is an intensive activity. According to an article from Harvard Health Publishing, shoveling snow off a property can be hard on your heart. If you’re going to do this for money, make sure that you follow the following safety tips:
- Warm up your body before beginning this activity
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Go on frequent breaks
2. Deliver Delicious Hot Chocolate or Coffee
People consume hot coffee or chocolate more frequently during the winter to stay warm. When employees report to work on a cold morning, they most likely look forward to a fresh brew of their favorite hot beverage.
If you’re quick on your feet and live downtown, you could start a beverage delivery service. You could deliver hot drinks ordered from a Starbucks franchise or some other coffee shop to office workers.
3. Sweep and Clean Chimneys
Chimneys become dirty over time. Apart from the ash left behind in the fireplace, soot can become stuck inside the chimney. Regular cleaning is required to prevent these minor issues from turning into serious problems.
If you’re willing to get the “dirty” work done, you could offer to clean the fireplace and sweep the chimney. The work is strenuous, but you could earn a lot from it, especially if you could get customers to put in a good word for your service.
4. Wrap Presents
Many love to give out wrapped presents but don’t have the time, patience, or skill to make their gifts presentable to the recipient. This is a perfect opportunity for budding entrepreneurs looking to earn more cash. Before you offer your wrapping services to the public, first test your present wrapping skills. Once you’ve had enough practice, you can charge your friends for this service.
5. Help People Get Into Shape
One of the famous New Year’s resolutions that people make is to be in better shape or stay active in the coming year. You’ll find that there’s a demand for fitness services at the start of the year. Look at this as an income-generating opportunity.
If you want to become a personal trainer or fitness instructor, you’ll need specific training and certifications. A fitness instructor teaching specific classes, however, often has fewer requirements. Get in touch with boutique fitness centers or gyms in your area about the openings.
6. Run an Errand Service for the Elderly
The cold season is typically a difficult time for these old people, as the cold weather prevents them from fulfilling basic needs. If you’re living in a residential community filled with senior folks, consider offering errand services. Make sure you give them a business card with your name and contact number boldly printed, so they can call you whenever they want.
Bump up your cash flow this winter by starting one of these profitable ventures. Just like any business, you’ll need to do your research before you commit to a money-making idea.
