What is an Unusual Business to Start?

There are thousands of unusual businesses to start that are not only profitable but also, believe it or not, legal in many countries. They range from wacky business ideas that sit right under your nose to concepts that make you shake your head and wonder, who would have thought of that? Ask yourself a simple question: what would it take to turn something odd that you’re already good at into a business that pays?

Some of the most durable companies were built in markets everyone else ignored. An unusual idea often means an underserved, and frequently affluent, niche with less competition and more loyal customers. In this article, we will look at four unusual business ideas, what each one can earn, and the licenses, tools, and marketing skills you need to make one work.

Do You Have What It Takes to Join These Unusual Industries?

You are most likely here in search of unusual businesses that can do well in almost any economy, including the kind of down economy that follows a recession or a pandemic. Before you commit, sound preparation matters more than the novelty of the idea. The SBA guide to market research and competitive analysis is a good place to size up demand and study your rivals. Here are four business ideas that look unusual to many people but serve a real, and often affluent, niche market.

Pet Bakery Business

The pet industry is for anyone with a passion for pets. If you are also passionate about baking, a profitable idea is to combine both passions and open a pet bakery. In the United States alone, the pet industry was worth roughly $99 billion in 2020, with about half of that spending going to pet food and treats, and pet owners have kept spending more every year since.

The secret to thriving in this business is to prepare specially formulated pet foods that are top quality, natural, and affordable, the kind that outdo the chemically preserved pet foods sitting on supermarket shelves. You do not need huge funding to begin, because you can prepare the product at home and then sell them on social media, through an eCommerce website, or on any other online platform you find appealing. After you make reasonable profits and inroads in the industry, you can open a retail store, which in turn brings additional exposure and customer traffic.

What else do you need to thrive in the pet bakery business?

• The help of an attorney and an accountant so you know which licenses or permits you need, your taxation requirements and benefits, the health codes and inspections to comply with, and everything around insurance.
• Basic dog bakery supplies such as cookie cutters, cake pans, and packaging containers, on top of your secret recipe and ingredients, of course.
• The ability to customize your products, giving them catchy names and themes for different target groups and occasions, so they are appealing enough to land in gift baskets on birthdays and popular holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day.
• In the early days you will probably be marketing your products on your own, so you need top-notch marketing skills to reach customers both online and offline.

If baking is not your strongest suit but you love animals, other businesses you can explore in the pet industry include pet grooming, pet clothing, pooper scooping, or starting a pet blog.

Cannabis Business

In the first quarter of 2020, the legal marijuana market was estimated at about $18 billion globally. Analysts have projected a compound annual growth rate of up to 18% between 2020 and 2027, which could push the market toward almost $70 billion by 2027. That is an unusual industry with unusual, and potentially crazy, returns.

Do you have what it takes to join the cannabis industry? You do if you:

• Have the necessary knowledge on growing the cannabis plant, making edibles and other products, and packaging for each target group.
• Are creative enough to pitch your products in a competitive way without making false claims that could get you in trouble with the FDA.
• Have basic digital marketing skills for platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram, where many cannabis consumers spend their time. Offline, you can market your products at cannabis wellness festivals near you.
• Understand the legalities around the industry. Find a lawyer to help you understand what you can and cannot do in your state when it comes to cannabis growth, packaging, and marketing.

If you do not want to grow, process, or market marijuana products but you are knowledgeable in matters of cannabis, you can still make good money with cannabis business consulting. Your job is to help new cannabis entrepreneurs find the right investment opportunities through advocacy and mentoring.

Lawn Care Business

Do you enjoy trimming, cutting grass lawns, and generally taking care of lawns? Are you experienced in weed control, fertilization, and pest control in plants? Do you understand the maintenance needs of homeowners and commercial property owners in your neighborhood? If so, a lawn care business would be great for you. You will still use the mower, leaf blower, trimmer, gasoline cans, and the same tools you already use on your own lawn, then scale up the equipment as you achieve business growth. For marketing, you can advertise your services through word of mouth, business cards, flyers, or go online through social media or a professional website. Most lawn care businesses yield $30,000 to $50,000 in annual profits.

Residential Cleaning Business

You will need more than basic home cleaning knowledge to start this business. Conduct thorough research on which cleaning chemicals are affordable, which ones do not hurt surfaces, and which surfaces are thoroughly cleaned by which products. You will also need a killer value proposition, a memorable business name, and an overall well-thought-out business plan for a startup. Lastly, purchase cleaning insurance, get the required licenses, and acquire the tools, supplies, and equipment you need.

Unusual Business Startups

Are you coping with a bad boss? Becoming your own boss is not as hard as you might think. The bottom line is to always weigh the risks and rewards tied to the unusual business you intend to start. The gamble is usually worth it when you turn a genuine passion into a business, and an unusual idea can be the very thing that sets you apart in a crowded market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Unusual Business to Start?

An unusual business is one built around an uncommon product, service, or niche that most entrepreneurs overlook, such as a pet bakery, a cannabis venture, a lawn care service, or a residential cleaning company. These ideas can be profitable and legal, and they often serve an underserved, and frequently affluent, market with less competition.

Are Unusual Businesses Actually Profitable?

Yes. Many unusual businesses serve loyal niche customers who are willing to pay a premium for something they cannot find elsewhere. For example, most lawn care businesses yield $30,000 to $50,000 in annual profits, and the pet industry alone was worth roughly $99 billion in 2020.

What Do You Need to Start a Pet Bakery Business?

You need specially formulated, natural, and affordable pet treats, basic dog bakery supplies such as cookie cutters and cake pans, the right licenses, permits, and insurance, and strong marketing skills to sell your products online and offline.

How Do You Market an Unusual Business?

Start online with social media and an eCommerce website, then add offline channels such as word of mouth, business cards, flyers, and local events. Digital marketing skills on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch help you reach niche audiences affordably.

Do I Need Licenses and Permits for an Unusual Business?

Almost always. Work with an attorney and an accountant to identify the licenses, permits, taxation requirements, health codes, and insurance your specific business needs before you open your doors.