9 Part-Time Business Ideas to Start In Your Spare Time
The dream of being your own boss is powerful. But the reality of quitting your steady 9-to-5 job to start a business from scratch is terrifying.
The good news? You don't have to choose between a paycheck and a passion project.
Some of the world's most successful brands started as "side hustles"—projects built on weekends and late nights. In 2026, with the help of automation tools and platforms like Shopify, running a business in your spare time is easier than ever.
If you have a few hours a week and a WiFi connection, here are 9 part-time business ideas with low risk and high potential.
1. Start a Dropshipping Business
This is the ultimate "low maintenance" business model. You sell products, but a third-party supplier handles the inventory and shipping. You never touch a box.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: It’s almost fully automated. You can manage orders during your lunch break.
-
How to start:
-
Find a niche: 22 Trending Dropshipping Niches You Can Start Today
-
Learn the basics: How to Start a Dropshipping Business: A Complete Playbook for 2026
-
Get a theme: 10 Best Shopify Themes for Dropshipping in 2025
2. Launch a Print-on-Demand (POD) Brand
If you are creative, this is for you. You upload your designs to a provider (like Printful), and they print them on t-shirts, mugs, or hoodies only when a customer buys them.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: No upfront cost. No inventory risk.
-
Key Resource: How to Sell Art Online: The Ultimate Guide
3. Open an Online Clothing Boutique
Fashion is evergreen. You don't need to be a designer; you can be a curator. By sourcing trendy items from suppliers, you can build a boutique that reflects your unique style.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: You can focus on marketing (Instagram/TikTok) in the evenings.
-
Recommended Theme: Fashion relies on visuals. You need a theme that looks like a fashion magazine.
4. Sell Handmade Goods & Crafts
Do you make jewelry, pottery, or candles on the weekends? Stop giving them away as gifts and start selling them.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: You are already doing it as a hobby. Monetize it.
-
Platform Tip: While Etsy is popular, having your own site builds a real brand.
5. Curate a Home Decor Store
Post-pandemic, everyone wants a beautiful home. You can source unique vases, lamps, and textiles to sell online.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: High average order value (AOV).
-
Recommended Theme: Home decor needs a clean, spacious layout.
6. Start a Beauty or Skincare Line
You don't need a chemistry lab. Many suppliers offer "private label" cosmetics where you simply put your brand logo on high-quality, pre-made formulas.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: Consumable products mean repeat customers.
-
Recommended Theme:
7. Sell Tech Accessories & Gadgets
From phone cases to smart home devices, tech accessories are easy to ship and have high demand.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: Clear target audience (tech lovers) makes Facebook Ads easier to manage.
-
Recommended Theme:
8. Sell Digital Products
E-books, Lightroom presets, templates, or online courses. You create the product once and sell it infinitely.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: 100% passive income after the initial creation. No shipping required.
-
Tip: Use Shopify apps to deliver files automatically.
9. Flip Vintage or Thrifted Items
If you love hunting for hidden gems at thrift stores or flea markets, you can flip them online for a profit.
-
Why it’s great for spare time: It’s a treasure hunt! Great for weekends.
-
Note: Good photography is essential here.
How to Start Your Side Hustle Today
You don't need a perfect 50-page business plan. You just need to start.
-
Pick ONE idea from the list above.
-
Start your store: You need a professional platform to sell.
Special Offer: Click here to sign up for Shopify and get a trial for only $1/month for your first 3 months. -
Choose a name: Make it memorable.
-
Accept Payments: Set up Stripe or PayPal so you can get paid while you sleep.
Conclusion
Your "spare time" is your greatest asset. Instead of watching Netflix for 3 hours a night, spend 1 hour building something that belongs to you. Whether it's a dropshipping store or a handmade jewelry brand, the only failure is never starting.
FAQs
1. How much time do I need?
Most of these ideas can be managed in 5-10 hours a week. The key is consistency, not intensity.
2. Do I need to know how to code?
No. Platforms like Shopify are drag-and-drop. If you can use Facebook, you can build a store.
3. Which idea is the cheapest to start?
Dropshipping and Print-on-Demand are the cheapest because you don't buy inventory upfront. You only pay when you make a sale.
