14 Best Low Maintenance Businesses to Start Today

What are you wondering about? The best low-maintenance business Are you looking for a business that doesn’t require much effort? You’re not alone. Lots of people want to find ways to make money without having to spend time managing things.

There are plenty of low-maintenance businesses out there that can earn you a high income without a lot of hassle — you just need to know what options are out there and how you can make it work around your busy life.

So what does a low-maintenance business look like?

This varies from person to person, but low-maintenance businesses are usually easier to run because they use automation to handle the work for you. This means that you don’t have to spend a lot of time and effort managing and growing your business.

These types of businesses usually require less attention and are easier to manage. For example, a vending machine business involves mostly refilling the machines and collecting payments. Another example is owning rental property, where you might only need to deal with tenants and make the occasional repair.

Running a low-maintenance business has many benefits. It reduces stress and workload for business owners, makes it easier to grow because work is simplified, and allows you to focus on long-term planning instead of day-to-day operations. This approach also improves work-life balance, leaving more time for hobbies and personal interests outside of work.

In my case, I run a relatively low-maintenance business. It’s taken me a while to get to this point, but I work about 10 hours a week now, and it gives me free time to do the things I want and pursue my passions. So I know how useful these things can be.

The best low-maintenance business

Below are some great, low-maintenance businesses to start.

1. Printable

Printing is a great, low-maintenance business idea. Create digital files that people can print at home. This can include diaries, planners, calendars, coloring books, and more.

One of the best places to sell printables is Etsy, because you can create a design once and sell it over and over again, so you don’t have to keep making new products.

Another benefit is that no inventory is required: customers download the files and print them themselves, saving you time and money on shipping and storing products.

Firstly, you’ll need some basic design skills – there are plenty of free online tools available, such as Canva, that will help you create professional looking products with a little practice.

By focusing on a high-quality digital product and great customer service, you can build a steady income stream with print — a fun, creative way to make money with low upkeep.

For more information, see How to make money selling prints on Etsy.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great business idea that requires no effort. It allows you to promote other companies’ products and services. When someone buys through your link, you get a commission. It’s like getting paid to recommend something you love.

I do affiliate marketing through this blog (you can learn how to start a blog in my free blogging course ) and through “Making Sense of Cents” and I think it’s a great way to make money whether you’re looking for a full-time income or a part-time side hustle.

It’s not hard to set up, and you can share your link via blog posts, social media, and your YouTube channel. We recommend choosing products that are related to something you love or are familiar with, so it feels natural and fun to share. Plus, you know you’re helping people who click on your referral link.

One of the things I really like about affiliate marketing is that you don’t need a lot of money to get started. Joining an affiliate program is almost always free (I’ve never actually been asked to join, and I’ve never seen a program that charges a fee). Many companies offer referral programs, including Amazon, eBay, and even smaller brands.

The best part is that you don’t have to manage inventory or customer service – the company does all that for you, so you can just focus on getting people to click your links.

Affiliate marketing can be done from anywhere with internet access, offering a flexible way to make money, especially if you have a busy schedule. It takes just a little effort up front to set everything up, and the rest happens pretty much automatically.

I usually spend less than 10 hours on my blog, yet I earn a full-time income from it. It took a lot of effort in the beginning, but now it all runs almost automatically with just a little maintenance like updating blog posts and sending emails.

Check out my Affiliate Marketing Tips for Bloggers – Free E-Book for more information.

3. Vending machines

Vending machines are a great low-maintenance business idea as they do not take much time to manage and can bring in some extra cash. All you have to do is place your vending machine in a high-traffic area and refill it regularly.

Vending machines can sell all kinds of products. Snacks and drinks are popular, but some sell toys or beauty products. The key is to choose products that your target customers (the people already in the location where you’ll be placing your vending machine) will want to buy.

One of the best things about vending machines is the low start-up cost: you can start with one vending machine and scale your business from there, and you don’t need to hire lots of staff or go through complicated setups.

Running a vending machine business also means you can earn a passive income. Once you set up your vending machine and stock it, it will make you money while you do other things. All you have to do is check it and refill it when needed.

Learn more about how to start a vending machine business here.

4. Real estate rental

Renting property is a popular way to earn passive income with low maintenance.

Start by buying and renting real estate, whether that be a single-family home, condo, or apartment.

Many people use platforms like Airbnb to rent out their properties to tourists, and if you live in a popular area, this can be a good way to make money.

If maintaining your property seems like a hassle, you can hire a property management company. They will handle tasks like finding tenants, collecting rent, and maintenance. Hiring a property management company is a great way to eliminate the hassle of maintenance.

For more low-maintenance real estate ideas, check out 23 Best Real Estate Side Hustles to Make Extra Money.

5. ATM business

We’ve all used ATMs, but did you know that people like you and me make money from them?

ATM business is a great low-maintenance business option. Install your ATM machine in a busy location where there are many people who need cash.

You make money from the fees people pay to use your machine, but these small fees can add up quickly.

ATMs typically cost around $2,000-3,000 or more per machine, so the initial cost will be your main expense, and you’ll have to buy it yourself.

Managing an ATM doesn’t take much time either, because once you set up the machine it handles everything automatically – all you have to do is fill it with cash and make sure it’s working properly.

Overall, this business can provide a steady income with little effort once you have everything in place. As long as you pick a good location and keep the machines running, you can make money with less day-to-day work.

6. Laundromat

The coin laundry business is a popular, low-maintenance business that has a steady demand because people are always in need of clean clothes.

Coin laundromats often require less day-to-day maintenance since you only need to make sure the machines are running and maintain a clean environment.

Setting up your laundry service in a bustling area where people are looking for a quick and easy solution to do their laundry can help you attract more customers.

In a laundromat, most of the work is done by the machines, and all you have to do is make sure they’re working properly and answer any questions customers may have.

For more information, see “Are coin laundromats profitable? How much profit do coin laundromats make?”

7. Self-storage units

Self-storage units are one of the most low-maintenance businesses you can start. People need extra space to store their belongings, and you can provide it.

You can set up a system that allows you to access your storage unit with a code or key card rather than having to be there all the time, which will reduce the time you spend managing your business.

In many areas, the demand for storage units is on the rise – people are always looking for a place to store their stuff, whether they’re moving, downsizing, or just need extra space.

Renting out your storage unit can allow you to earn passive income every month.

Maintenance for a self-storage unit is minimal. Most of the work is keeping the area clean and making sure everything is secure. Sometimes you might need to fix a door or take care of some paperwork, but it’s nothing that takes up a lot of your time.

Selling temperature-controlled units can help you attract more customers and allow you to charge higher prices. Some goods need to be stored in specific conditions, so offering this option can help differentiate your business.

You can also add features like 24-hour security cameras and secure fencing to give your customers peace of mind. Customers will be more likely to rent from you if they know their property is protected.

I’ve personally used storage units a few times to store boxes and other personal belongings, as well as RVs, boats, etc. The wait times have always been insanely long, with some towns having wait lists that last for years, meaning there is high demand.

Check out How to Invest in Self-Storage for Beginners for more information.

8. Car Wash

Starting a car wash business is a smart idea. You can choose between a self-service car wash or an automatic car wash and both options require less daily work compared to a full-service car wash.

A self-service car wash allows customers to wash their own cars, which means there’s no need for many employees, just those who have to keep the place clean and maintain the machines.

In an automatic car wash, your car goes through a machine that does the washing, and all you need to do is inspect the equipment and replenish supplies like soap and water.

Car washes can be profitable: Many people want to keep their cars clean but don’t have the time to wash them themselves, so demand is high.

You can also offer extra services such as vacuuming which are available for an extra fee, allowing you to increase your income without any extra effort.

With some planning and the right preparation, a car wash can be a great low-maintenance business idea that can generate a steady income once you get going.

9. Create an online course

Creating an online course is a great, hassle-free business idea that allows you to share your knowledge and skills with people all over the world. Once you create and upload your course, you can start earning money while you sleep.

I launched my first online course about 8 years ago and have made over $2 million over the years. I was able to help my students today because I had done a lot of the work up front. I’m constantly updating my courses, but most of the prep work was done years ago, which has been a great help.

Think about what you’re good at and you can start this low-maintenance small business idea.

You can create online courses on anything, including gardening, baking, musical instruments, business, finance, travel, and more.

Another benefit is that you can constantly update or add new content to keep your courses fresh and relevant, attracting new learners and encouraging existing ones to continue learning further.

Online courses are a great way to earn passive income with some effort up front and minimal ongoing maintenance.

Note: We encourage you to sign up for this free training. How to Create a Selling Online Course for Anyone – In this free training, you’ll learn the 7-step process to create, market, and launch a profitable online course.

10. Stock Photos

Stock photography is a great, hassle-free business idea that allows you to earn money simply by taking photos. Take photos in your spare time and upload them to a stock photography website. Every time someone downloads your photo, you earn money.

All you need is a decent camera, even a smartphone with a good camera!

You don’t have to worry about inventory management or dealing directly with customers, so you can focus on taking high-quality photos that people will want to use.

Popular subjects include landscapes, cityscapes and everyday objects, with seasonal themes and holiday photos also popular.

Once you upload your photos, you can continue earning money for years, so it’s considered a passive income source.

11. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a popular business model for many beginners. You sell products online, but don’t need to store any inventory. Instead, your supplier ships the products directly to your customers, which means you don’t have to spend money on storing inventory.

Once you’ve set up your website and listed your products, you can automate your sales. As orders come in, you can streamline your fulfillment process, helping you serve more customers without any extra effort.

Another great thing about starting a dropshipping business is that it doesn’t cost anything. You can list products on your website and start selling with little to no initial capital. You only purchase products from your suppliers when you make a sale.

Another advantage of dropshipping is that it’s low risk. You won’t be stuck with unsold inventory. Plus, you don’t have to worry about packaging or shipping your products. That makes dropshipping a hassle-free business idea.

12. Print-on-demand

Print on demand is a great, low-maintenance business idea that allows you to create custom designs for items like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.

You don’t have to worry about storing inventory: when someone buys a product, the print-on-demand company prints it and ships it directly to the customer, making the process hassle-free.

Printful and Printify are popular print-on-demand companies that offer a variety of products and integrate with a variety of platforms, including Shopify and Etsy, allowing you to sell your designs in multiple stores and reach different audiences.

The good thing about print-on-demand is that you can start small and grow – you only pay for the products your customers purchase, which means lower start-up costs and reduced financial risk for your business.

Starting a print-on-demand business is a great way to make money with minimal effort.

I recommend you register 17 Popular Print-on-Demand Products to Help You Fund Your Next Vacation and More! For more information, please click here.

Recommended reading: How to make $1,500 per month with a print-on-demand business

13. Parking

Parking lots are a great, low-maintenance business, and if you have a space downtown, that’s a great place to be – lots of people probably need parking, and people are willing to pay a high price for parking.

Once your parking lot is set up, there isn’t much to do. You might need to repaint the lines or put up new signs every now and then, but these are easy tasks that don’t take much time.

Owning a parking lot has other benefits too, the main one being that you don’t have to manage a lot of employees and the maintenance costs are fairly low. Plus, you don’t have to be there every day to keep the parking lot running smoothly.

Even opening a small parking lot with just 20 spaces can be very profitable. If you charge $20 per space per day, that works out to roughly $146,000 in annual revenue, giving you a high profit margin.

14. Signboard

Billboards are a great low-maintenance business. Once they’re up, they don’t require much work. You can even rent out your advertising space to businesses that want to advertise.

To start a billboard business, you need to find a good location, a busy street or highway is best, rent or buy a location, after which the billboard will do the work for you.

FAQ

Starting a hassle-free business is a great way to earn income with minimal effort. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about hassle-free business options.

What is the cheapest, most profitable business?

Some of the cheapest, most profitable businesses you can start are selling printables on Etsy, affiliate marketing on a blog, creating online courses, and dropshipping.

What business is easiest to start and maintain?

Some of the easiest businesses to start and maintain are printing businesses, self-storage units, stock photo photography, and parking lots.

What kind of business can you start that doesn’t require a lot of time to manage?

Vending machines are a great option because they require little to no maintenance when placed in high-traffic areas – all you have to do is refill them and start making money.

Which businesses can truly run on their own?

Renting a property can be pretty much self-managed, especially if you hire a property management company, who will take care of the day-to-day operations like rent collection and maintenance.

What are the best business options for earning passive income?

An ATM business can generate passive income. Every time someone uses your ATM, you earn revenue from the extra charge. To maximize your revenue, place your ATM in a high-traffic area.

What is the least risky business?

Self-storage facilities are low risk. People will always need storage, and once set up, these facilities require minimal management. You can collect rental fees without any day-to-day hassle.

How do you find a low-maintenance business for sale?

To find self-employed businesses for sale, check listings on websites like BizBuySell and LoopNet, or contact a business broker. Before you buy, thoroughly research and vet the business to make sure it meets your needs and expectations.

What is the best business to buy to make passive income?

Buying an existing laundromat or warehouse is a great way to earn passive income. These businesses already have cash flow and customers, so the initial workload is reduced and buying one can help you get started faster.

Best Low Maintenance Business – Summary

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best low maintenance businesses.

As we learned above, there are many different types of businesses that are self-running and low maintenance. These include selling print materials, affiliate marketing, vending machines, renting real estate, running a laundromat, renting storage space, and more.

Key characteristics of a low maintenance business include:

• Fewer routine tasks
• Easy to manage
• Low maintenance and repair needs

One of the biggest benefits is the reduced time and effort required. Many low-maintenance businesses can be set up to run smoothly with minimal day-to-day involvement, allowing you to focus on other important tasks, like spending time with family or pursuing hobbies.

A low-maintenance business is also highly scalable. With less time spent on day-to-day operations, you can focus on growing your business. As your business grows, you can replicate your business model to open more locations or expand into new markets.

What do you think is the most low-maintenance business?

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