Profitable Businesses Almost Nobody Think of but very lucrative

When people think about starting a business, what mostly comes their mind is popular and common ideas like – opening a restaurant, launching a clothing brand, or becoming a freelance designer. But what if I told you that some of the most profitable businesses are the ones that almost nobody thinks of? but has great profit potential.

These hidden gems—often overlooked and underestimated—can generate good turnover and sustainable income in revenue annually. Some require little upfront capital, while others need expertise in niche areas. But one thing they all share? They solve real problems and quietly cash in.

In this in-depth article, we aim to explore Profitable Businesses Almost Nobody Think of but very lucrative! You’ll not only learn what they are but also how and why they succeed.

1. Parking Lot Striping and Maintenance

What It Is:

Parking lot striping involves painting or repainting the lines and signs in parking lots—essentially the “road markings” for cars in commercial spaces.

Why It Makes Money Businesses:

• Low overhead

• High demand from commercial buildings, malls, schools

• Municipal compliance requires regular updates

Secret Sauce:

You can charge $300 to $1,000 per lot. With minimal equipment and a few hours of work, this niche earns profits quietly.

2. Vending Machine Routes

What It Is:

Owning and operating vending machines in strategic locations such as offices, gyms, schools, or laundromats.

Why It Makes Money:

• Passive income stream

• 24/7 operation

• Low maintenance with high markup on snacks and beverages

Secret Sauce:

Start with one machine and reinvest profits. Some operators run dozens of machines earning them over $10,000 monthly.

3. Pet Waste Removal

What It Is:

A service that removes dog poop from residential lawns, parks, and apartment complexes.

Why It Makes Money:

• Extremely low competition

• Recurring weekly customers

• Low startup cost (bucket, gloves, bags)

Secret Sauce:

Market to elderly pet owners or busy families. A business most would never consider but pays $30–$50 per visit.

4. Mobile Car Detailing

What It Is:

Cleaning and detailing vehicles at the customer’s location.

Why It Makes Money:

• High-ticket service ($100–$300 per car)

• Low overhead (supplies and water)

• People love convenience

Secret Sauce:

Market to corporate offices and luxury car owners. Build a loyal customer base and watch your schedule fill up.

5. Niche Subscription Boxes

What It Is:

Monthly subscription boxes tailored to a very specific niche (e.g., cat lovers, plant parents, bookworms, left-handed people).

Why It Makes Money:

• Predictable monthly income

• Low customer acquisition with the right niche

• High perceived value

Secret Sauce:

A narrow niche makes it easy to market. Use social media influencers in that niche to scale quickly.

6. ATM Ownership

What It Is:

Placing ATMs in high-traffic areas like gas stations or clubs and charging a withdrawal fee.

Why It Makes Money:

• Each withdrawal earns you $2–$5

• Machines can pay for themselves within months

• Passive income

Secret Sauce:

Negotiate a revenue split with location owners and keep expanding your network of machines.

7. Mobile Notary Public

What It Is:

A licensed notary who travels to clients to witness and certify documents.

Why It Makes Money:

• Urgent legal and real estate documents

• Minimal startup cost (training and licensing)

• High demand in real estate

Secret Sauce:

Charge travel fees and weekend/emergency service rates. One appointment can net $100+.

8. Biohazard Cleanup Services

What It Is:

Cleaning up crime scenes, trauma events, or hoarder homes.

Why It Makes Money:

• Extremely high demand in emergencies

• Insurance often covers costs

• No competition in many cities

Secret Sauce:

Requires certification, but few want to do this job. Clients pay thousands for a single cleanup.

9. Voiceover Work for Small Businesses

What It Is:

Recording professional voiceovers for ads, explainer videos, or podcasts.

Why It Makes Money:

• Low barrier to entry with a home mic setup

• Global clients via Fiverr, Upwork

• Recurring gigs from agencies

Secret Sauce:

Master a few tones (corporate, fun, dramatic) and build a personal brand. Easily scalable.

10. Pallet Flipping

What It Is:

Buying returned or liquidated goods by the pallet and reselling them online or at flea markets.

Why It Makes Money:

• Huge supply from Amazon, Walmart, etc.

• High-profit margins

• Products include electronics, furniture, toys

Secret Sauce:

Buy low, sell high. Specialize in one category and master the resale market.

11. Digital Product Design for Etsy

What It Is:

Selling digital planners, calendars, resume templates, or journals on Etsy.

Why It Makes Money:

• No shipping or inventory

• Passive income from downloads

• Unlimited scale

Secret Sauce:

One product can be sold infinitely. SEO + Pinterest = traffic goldmine.

12. Local SEO Consulting for Brick-and-Mortar Stores

What It Is:

Helping local businesses appear in Google searches and Google Maps.

Why It Makes Money:

• Every business wants more visibility

• High-ticket service ($500–$1,500/month)

• Repeat clients

Secret Sauce:

You don’t need to be a marketing guru—just learn how Google Business Profiles work.

13. Trash Bin Cleaning Service

What It Is:

A mobile service that deep cleans residential and commercial trash bins.

Why It Makes Money:

• Gross but necessary

• Subscriptions = monthly income

• Almost no local competition

Secret Sauce:

Use high-pressure hot water and eco-friendly chemicals. Franchise potential is huge.

14. Airbnb Co-Hosting

What It Is:

Managing Airbnb rentals for owners who don’t want the hassle.

Why It Makes Money:

• 10%–30% of every booking

• Zero property ownership needed

• High demand from absentee owners

Secret Sauce:

Offer premium services like linen changes, cleaning coordination, and guest communication.

15. Selling Digital Stickers for Messaging Apps

What It Is:

Creating stickers for WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage and selling them via app stores.

Why It Makes Money:

• Creative and scalable

• Growing global market

• Tiny production cost

Secret Sauce:

Focus on trending pop culture or niche humor. Collaborate with meme pages.

16. Portable Storage Unit Rentals

What It Is:

Offering portable storage pods for people moving, renovating, or storing items.

Why It Makes Money:

• High rental fees

• Minimal competition

• Scalable with a fleet of units

Secret Sauce:

Provide short- and long-term options. Partner with real estate agents and contractors.

17. Specialty Food Manufacturing

What It Is:

Producing niche snacks (keto, gluten-free, vegan, African fusion) and selling online or in local stores.

Why It Makes Money:

• Health-conscious trend

• Premium pricing

• Loyal fan base

Secret Sauce:

Find a unique flavor and dominate it. Local farmer’s markets are the best place to start.

18. Vertical Farming in Shipping Containers

What It Is:

Growing produce in vertically stacked layers within containers.

Why It Makes Money:

• Year-round crops

• Minimal space required

• High yield per square foot

Secret Sauce:

Market to restaurants, groceries, and health food stores looking for local produce.

19. Headstone Cleaning Services

What It Is:

Providing professional cleaning of headstones and grave markers.

Why It Makes Money:

• Elderly and long-distance family members hire out

• Deeply emotional service

• Recurring business before anniversaries

Secret Sauce:

Offer “before and after” photos and package deals. Market through funeral homes or local groups.

20. Drone Roof Inspections

What It Is:

Using drones to inspect roofs for damage after storms or before insurance claims.

Why It Makes Money:

• High tech with minimal labor

• Insurance companies pay well

• Less risk than manual inspections

Secret Sauce:

Add aerial photography or 3D modeling services for added income.

Final Thoughts

There are countless Profitable Businesses Almost Nobody Think of but very lucrative! And the best part? Many require little more than creativity, resourcefulness, and the willingness to do what others overlook.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, full-time venture, or a retirement business, don’t follow the crowd. Instead, look around you. See what people need—but hate doing. That’s where the money is.