The Best Low-Cost Business Ideas with High-Profit Margins

Entrepreneurship is on the rise in South Africa as the country is recovering from the economic im

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pact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent inclinat...

The Best Low-Cost Business Ideas with High-Profit Margins
Lethabo Moodley Image
Lethabo Moodley
Updated: Friday 14th of October 2022
Evaluation

Entrepreneurship is on the rise in South Africa as the country is recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent inclination towards business ownership stems from the fact that many start-ups have grown significantly in the past few years. Also, abundant natural resources, government support and political stability have improved the confidence of passionate individuals who wish to become their own bosses.

The most common deterrent in the path of these new-age entrepreneurs is usually the lack of capital. It often makes them give up their dreams and follow the corporate grind. However, technological advancements have given birth to many low-cost business ideas that generate high-profit margins. So, here is a list of business opportunities that demand limited capital and can be quickly started by newcomers in the industry.

1. E-Commerce Retail Business

The pandemic has improved the market for e-commerce businesses. In 2020, online shopping took a giant leap of 50% during the Black Friday sales and most of these transactions were made with the help of smartphones. The statistics showcase the increased confidence of buyers in online shopping. The most popular commodity online is clothing, followed by groceries and food items.

An e-commerce business does not need a traditional office set-up and massive staff. It can be operated from home with technical support and a shipping partner. Identify the products that are highly sought-after and can be secured at a low price to be sold through an e-commerce site. All you need is a website with a payment gateway and product catalogue to get started.

2. Virtual Assistant

If you wish to start a business with zero investment, you can become a virtual assistant who offers professional, administrative, or bookkeeping services. The work responsibilities can be carried out remotely, allowing you to become self-employed and financially independent.

Offering administrative services does not require prior experience or qualification because the work entails responding to emails, organising calendars, scheduling meetings, booking accommodations and travel tickets, etc. Also, you get the freedom to choose your clients and work hours.

3. Homemade Food/ Mobile Restaurant

Catering businesses and mobile food trucks are one of the easiest ways to enter the ever-growing food industry. It is an essential service that is always in demand. However, starting a restaurant takes a lot of time, effort and money. Thus, aspiring food entrepreneurs can start services like catering and takeaway or acquire an existing business for sale in South Africa.

While catering can be carried out from home, takeaway can be operated from a fully equipped mobile food truck. The mobility of the food truck business will help you leverage the presence of your customers in busy areas. Also, these businesses can increase their reach through food delivery apps like Uber Eats, which is highly popular in the country.

4. Social Media Marketing

Every big and small business needs social media marketing to maintain online visibility and reach a broader audience. From regular posts and tweets to creating reels, videos, live sessions, and uploading images, there is a lot of work to be done online. Besides promotional content, businesses also use social media advertising to sell their products.

Thus, if you have the expertise to manage the social media calendar and campaigns for a business, you can start your own service in no time. The business needs zero investment and generates substantial profits.

5. Tutoring Business

Academic excellence can come to your rescue if you want to start a business without investment. Offering tuition to school and university students is an excellent way to capitalise on your good grades. Several students need one-to-one attention, which is impossible at schools and colleges.

The gap is quickly filled by tuition services offered at home, online or at a coaching centre. Private tutoring is in high demand in the country because of the high population of students and their need for quality education.

6. Content Writing

Digitisation has increased the need for writing high-quality content for the web. Businesses regularly need blogs, articles, infographics, and social media posts to engage their target audience. Thus, if you are good at creative writing and research, you can become a content writer or editor.

You can also start your blog on travel, food, fashion, or any other exciting topic that will be well-received by your target audience to earn good money. Again, this type of self-employment requires no investment besides a computer and internet connection.

7. Laundry Service

A laundry service that caters to one community need not be a massive set-up with several washing machines. If you have an appliance of decent size at home, you can start laundry service in your neighbourhood. Working professionals are usually time-poor and cash-rich, so they are willing to pay for these services.

Once you gain a decent client base, you can expand by leasing more washing machines and offering a pick-and-drop facility to customers. It can be easily started with minimum investment.

8. Gardening and Lawn Mowing

Households and commercial spaces with gardens and green spaces need regular mowing, pruning, and weeding services. If you love gardening and nature, you can start this business that requires just a few tools and supplies. The on-site service does not need any other investment.

It is an easy-to-run service, and word-of-mouth can help increase its client base in no time. With the number of residential and commercial properties growing, this service is always in demand. You can earn handsomely throughout the year.

9. Real Estate Agency

Residential real estate is growing in South Africa with rising population. It is expected to increase by more than 9% during 2022-27, indicating an increase in the number of homebuyers. Favourable interest rates, government support for human settlements, and a recovering economy have provided the impetus to the industry.

Thus, you can enter the growing sector to leverage its development. You can start as a broker or agent and move on to buy an existing real estate business for sale in South Africa to enjoy a rewarding income.

10. Pet Grooming

The number of pets in South African households is astounding. According to a report, the country has 9.1 million pet dogs and 2.4 million cats. The staggering numbers showcase the love of common people for these furry animals. They need pet care services, including nail clipping, shampooing, hair trimming and styling, etc.

If you are an animal lover and have some pet grooming experience, you can start a mobile or at-home pet grooming service. You will only need the supplies and tools to get this business up and running.

Conclusion

Starting a new business can be challenging if you cannot secure the required funding. However, if you are ready to make a humble beginning, various avenues can help you generate excellent returns at meagre costs. Take a cue from the abovementioned ideas to embark on your entrepreneurial journey.

Author Info
Lethabo Moodley

A business expert, Lethabo Moodley is a management consultant who has been working across domains since 2005. His rich experience includes a Masters degree in business administration from the prestigious Gordon Institute of Business Science and Doctor of Business Leadership degree from Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership. He has been actively working as a consultant with the biggest firms in South Africa and his contribution in the growth of these organisations is considered invaluable. He has saved a lot of small businesses from going bankrupt and has renewed the lost success streak of the big fish in the market. Business2Sell is delighted to have him onboard for his insightful blogs. 

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