Editor’s note: This article was first published in April 2010, during Spain’s economic crisis. The claims that demand for these businesses grew and that burglaries and break-ins soared refer to that period and are unsourced.
In the previous business ideas article, we talked about how to make money from a property, a plot of land or an old house.
Obviously, not everyone has a property or a piece of land to exploit, so I’ve put together some business ideas that have seen growing demand during the crisis. Anything related to services for homes and businesses is very profitable, as are the leisure and tourism sectors and renewable energy.
- Business ideas in services for the home
- Business ideas in services for companies
- Business ideas in leisure and tourism
Security systems
What hurts many can be profitable for a few. The crisis has sent burglaries, thefts, robberies, break-ins and the like soaring.
That is the misfortune of many; the good fortune of a few goes to people who work in security systems. By security systems I don’t mean the alarms we all know (although their revenue has also grown considerably), because that market belongs to large companies that are very competitive on product and price. I’m talking about a very specific niche that is in growing demand.
If electronics and security systems are your thing, and you add a bit of creativity, with the right training and information you can become a:
Specialist security consultant: your job is to advise clients on what suits them best, according to their needs.
Panic rooms: rooms mechanically sealed off from the rest of the house, a refuge in case of a break-in, with their own phone line and power supply.
Outdoor detection systems: much more useful than indoor alarms, because they are installed outside and give a warning before intruders are inside the house.
GPS tracking chips, for families whose main concern is peace of mind about their children. These chips can be fitted into a mobile phone or a trouser button. In a kidnapping, the police would have an initial trail to follow and possibly an exact location. A lot of peace of mind for a low price.
For spy enthusiasts: spy phones, to monitor who your wife or husband is talking to and listen to the conversation in real time, and so on.
You can be the consultant, seller and installer of this kind of product, or you can open your own shop or franchise selling a whole range of security and spy gadgets (cameras hidden in a button, a watch, etc.). These services have taken off in the times of crisis we are living through.
See also: If you have a good business idea
Massage
If massage is your thing, it doesn’t matter whether you are a physiotherapist, a qualified massage therapist or simply took a few courses. If you have good hands, go for relaxing massage, ideally with Eastern techniques. Set up a treatment room, which can be in your own house or apartment, and stand out from the rest by offering more relaxation time for the same price.
Eastern massage is really catching on in these times of stress, nervousness, lack of affection and so on. Advertise in every outlet you can and let people know about your offers, and demand will be incredibly good. Offer discount vouchers to companies for their employees, or offer your services to sports teams. Be a good salesperson and sell your services well.
All you would need is a massage table or a futon, some candles and incense for decoration, and little else. The investment is minimal and the profits can be considerable.
Takeout food
If cooking is your thing, another business in high demand is takeout or home-delivered food. It is a successful business if your location is good: a central neighborhood in a city, ideally near a student residence, a university or an area with cheap rental apartments for students.
If you offer a varied menu at a reasonable price, get ready to advertise and make yourself known, because you won’t be short of work, either in the kitchen or at the till. I know many businesses of this kind, from one that sells 70 takeout meals a day to one that sells 200.
And don’t forget the extras that go with this business: bread, drinks, desserts and so on. It would be up to you whether to close at 3 p.m. or stay open in the evening as well.
Further reading
Featured image: c-hq security services, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
