The more popular side hustles get all the attention—Uber, Etsy, freelance gigs—but those markets are crowded. If you’re looking for something less saturated (and possibly more profitable), there are plenty of low-key options flying under the radar. Here are thirteen real ways people are earning extra cash right now that no one seems to be talking about.
Renting Out Backyard Event Space
If you’ve got a nice yard, you could rent it out for micro-weddings, photo shoots, or dog birthday parties. Platforms like Sniffspot and PeerSpace make it easy to list your space, and people are often willing to pay for a private, outdoor setting.
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Acting as a Professional Line Sitter
Yes, this is a thing. People in big cities will pay for someone to stand in line for product launches, event wristbands, or restaurant reservations. You just show up early, hold the spot, and cash out when they arrive.
Offering ‘Unclaimed Mail’ Mystery Boxes
People love the thrill of surprise. Some side hustlers are buying pallets of unclaimed or returned mail and reselling the items as mystery boxes on TikTok, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.
Setting Up Home Tech for Seniors
Older adults often struggle with smart home devices. If you’re tech-savvy, you can offer services to set up things like video doorbells, voice assistants, or Wi-Fi networks—plus teach them how to use them.
Selling Custom Phone Lock Screens
Minimalist and inspirational lock screen designs are trending, especially on Etsy. They’re quick to create, require no shipping, and shoppers like to update them often. People buy them to give their phones a fresh look without spending much.
Pet Waste Removal Services
Not glamorous, but highly profitable. Some people are earning steady income just by scooping yards once or twice a week for pet owners who’d rather outsource the chore.
Creating AI Prompt Packs
If you understand how to get great results out of tools like ChatGPT or image generators, you can sell curated prompt packs for bloggers, students, marketers, or creators.
Renting Out Kitchen Time
Commercial kitchens charge a lot, so some home cooks are renting out their certified home kitchens to other locals trying to launch a food business. If your space is compliant, this can be easy passive income.
Local Errand Running for Small Businesses
Small shops often need help with things like dropping off mail, restocking shelves, or picking up supplies. You can pitch a flexible “as-needed” assistant service in your neighborhood.
Becoming a Family History Researcher
Sites like Ancestry or FamilySearch are overwhelming for many people. If you’re good at research, you can charge for helping others build their family trees or uncover missing links in their ancestry.
Selling Digital Pet Portraits
You don’t have to be a skilled painter—apps and tools can turn pet photos into digital art. You can personalize them, add names or themes, and sell them on Etsy or Instagram.
Moderating Online Groups
Facebook groups and Reddit communities need help managing posts, removing spam, and answering member questions. Some companies hire part-time moderators for niche communities, especially in health or parenting spaces.
Curating Local Weekend Itineraries
Travel planning is going hyper-local. If you know your town inside and out, create and sell custom weekend guides for couples, families, or tourists. Offer add-ons like restaurant reservations or photo spot maps.
Side Income Doesn’t Have To Be Mainstream
These side gigs aren’t all over TikTok and they’re not swamped with competition. That’s exactly what makes them worth a look. Sometimes the best side hustle is the one no one else has discovered yet. Getting in early means you can build a steady income before the market gets crowded.
10 Lucrative Side Hustles That Will Pay You for Your Passions
Have you ever thought about turning your hobbies into a moneymaker? With the recent popularity of side hustles, countless people are cashing in on their passions and talents without giving up their full-time jobs. There’s a whole world of opportunities out there waiting for you to discover them. Exploring side hustles can be the key to making extra income while doing what you love can be both rewarding and financially fulfilling. 10 Lucrative Side Hustles That Will Pay You for Your Passions