20 Business Ideas For Collectors [2024]
Are you a dedicated collector with a keen eye for valuable items? In 2024, there are numerous ways you could turn your passion into viable business opportunities. Leveraging your unique expertise and resources, you might find entrepreneurial success in various creative ventures.
Imagine transforming your collection into a profitable online store, connecting with fellow enthusiasts worldwide. Alternatively, you could offer appraisal services, using your knowledge to help others understand the worth of their collections. If you're inclined towards content creation, consider generating income by creating videos or blogs centered around your unique collection.
The possibilities are as diverse as the items you collect. Whether you sell, appraise, or educate, your deep understanding of collectibles could be the foundation for a successful business. Dive into these ideas and explore how you could make 2024 the year your hobby becomes your livelihood.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other collector businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is a great opportunity for collectors to monetize their passion by curating and sharing niche products with others. This business model allows you to create a recurring revenue stream while offering subscribers exclusive items that they can't find anywhere else. With the rising demand for personalized and unique products, a well-curated subscription box can be highly profitable and fulfill your entrepreneurial dreams.
Why consider starting a subscription box business?
- You could turn your collection into a revenue stream by offering curated, niche products that cater to specific interests.
- Subscription boxes provide a recurring income, making your business more stable and predictable.
- It allows you to share your passion and expertise with others, creating a community of like-minded enthusiasts.
For more information to get started, check out subscription box business success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
2. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business can be an excellent venture for collectors looking to supplement their income or even transform their passion into a full-scale business. As a collector, you already possess extensive knowledge of your niche and have an eye for valuable items that others might overlook. By leveraging an ecommerce platform, you could turn your curated collection into a profitable side hustle or primary income stream without the overhead costs associated with production.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could capitalize on your specialized knowledge, purchasing items that resonate with your collectors' market and reselling them at a profit.
- Utilizing social media and online marketplaces means you can start without needing a website, allowing you to scale your business as it grows.
- Reselling items can provide a steady stream of income while allowing you to remain immersed in the world of collecting, combining passion with profit.
For more insights, you could check out this link on pros and cons of starting an ecommerce reselling business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
3. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business can be an excellent way for collectors to supplement their income or even build a full-time business, given the many unique and niche products they might be passionate about. By leveraging dropshipping, you could curate a selection of specialty items without the need for inventory, capitalizing on your deep knowledge of the niche to offer value to other collectors. With platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, setting up your online store can be straightforward, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer service. For more tips, check out these dropshipping success stories.
Why should you consider starting a dropshipping business?
- You could turn your collector's knowledge into a marketable asset, offering curated products.
- No inventory risk means lower starting costs and minimal financial risk.
- Flexibility allows you to manage your business alongside your primary job or other commitments.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
4. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business is an intelligent move for those who have an interest in financial markets and enjoy analytical thinking. As a collector, you could leverage your skills in research, pattern recognition, and strategic decision-making to thrive in this domain. This entrepreneurial avenue revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit, requiring continuous learning, market analysis, and precise execution of trades.
Why start a stock investing business?
- You could apply your analytical skills to identify lucrative investment opportunities.
- Diversify your income sources by participating in a dynamic and potentially high-return market.
- Benefit from a business model that allows for flexible operations and scalability, making it suitable as a side business or a full-fledged endeavor. Learn more.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
5. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an excellent side hustle or full-time business for collectors. With a knack for creating compelling video content, you could share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Your channel could feature how-to guides, vlogs, educational content, or pure entertainment, providing a versatile platform where your creativity meets endless opportunities. For more insights into the potential profitability of this venture, you can check out this article on YouTube channel success stories.
Why starting a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a global audience, showcasing and discussing your unique collections.
- You could monetize your passion through ad revenue, sponsored content, and merchandise sales.
- You could build a community of fellow enthusiasts, creating engagement and exciting opportunities for collaboration.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
6. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Turning your photography hobby into a stock photography business could be a great way to monetize your passion for collecting images. Stock photos are highly sought-after by businesses for marketing purposes, making this a lucrative opportunity. By investing in good photography gear and learning the art of capturing high-quality images, you could build an impressive portfolio and earn passive income.
Explore more about how to start a stock photography business here.
Why consider starting a stock photography business?
- You could turn your image collection into a source of income by licensing photos to businesses.
- There's a high demand for stock photos, providing ample opportunity to sell your work.
- Building an online portfolio of your images allows for passive income generation as clients purchase your photos.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
7. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a fantastic way to supplement your income or even build a fully-fledged business as a collector. By sharing your expertise on a specific topic, you could attract a dedicated audience that shares your passion. Writing about niche subjects like fashion, video games, film reviews, or cooking, and offering unique content such as how-to guides, top product lists, and convention coverage, could turn your hobby into a profitable venture. To make your blog successful, focus on engaging content, networking with followers, and monetizing your site through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and YouTube channels. Learn more about the profitability of niche blogs here.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could engage with a passionate community and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.
- Monetization opportunities are diverse, from affiliate marketing to sponsored posts and ad revenue.
- Sharing your knowledge and experiences could help other collectors while also providing a creative outlet for your passion.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Creating a mobile app as a collector can not only supplement your income but can also turn your passion into a thriving business venture. With the increasing reliance on smartphones and the versatility they offer, a well-designed app can cater to a global audience, offering unique services related to your collection, whether it's a cataloging tool or a community-driven marketplace. The world of mobile apps offers significant revenue potential, and with the right strategy, your collector-focused app could resonate with a vast user base, generating both passive and active income streams. For more insights into starting a mobile app, explore the success stories and marketing ideas on Starter Story here.
Why start a mobile app business?
- You could create a unique platform specifically tailored to the needs and interests of collectors, filling a niche market.
- By offering specialized features, your app could attract a dedicated user base, opening up numerous monetization opportunities.
- Mobile apps are scalable, allowing you to expand your reach far beyond your local community, potentially reaching a global audience.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
9. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing.
By integrating AI solutions, companies could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. AI tools could automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy. You don’t need a background in tech to start—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- The demand for AI solutions is growing rapidly, offering significant market opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs.
- AI can provide profound insights and optimizations that traditional methods cannot, giving businesses a competitive edge.
- You could start without a tech background, thanks to user-friendly platforms and robust support systems.
Explore more about AI-based business solutions and their profitability.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
10. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Imagine supplementing your income or even starting a side business by developing an AI writing tool. With the growing demand for constant, quality content, an AI writing tool could become indispensable for businesses, bloggers, and students alike. This venture could help you tap into the lucrative tech industry, while also creating a solution that ease the workload for writers around the globe.
Embedding artificial intelligence into the core of content creation offers significant advantages over traditional methods. By automating the writing process, you could produce error-free, engaging content quickly and efficiently. If you're a tech-savvy entrepreneur, now is the time to make your mark in the digitized world with an AI writing tool.
Explore how to get started by looking at the profitability and startup costs associated with this business idea here.
Why start an AI writing tool?
- AI writing tools are a futuristic solution to the ever-growing demand for quality content.
- Automating the writing process saves time, reducing the manual workload for content creators.
- This business taps into the lucrative tech industry and offers a high potential for profitability.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
11. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast can be an exciting business venture for collectors looking to share their passion with a broader audience. As a collector, you can create engaging content around your specific niche, whether it's vintage toys, comic books, rare coins, or any other collectibles. You'll have the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts, gain followers, and potentially earn extra income through sponsorships and advertisements.
For more on how to start a podcast and profit from it, check out these success stories.
Why start a podcast?
- You'll showcase your expertise and passion, drawing in like-minded listeners.
- It's an affordable way to start a side business, requiring minimal initial investment.
- You could monetize your podcast through sponsorships, ads, and affiliate marketing.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
12. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
For collectors looking to supplement their income or start a side business, launching a niche website offers an exciting opportunity to monetize specialized knowledge and passion. By focusing on a specific collecting niche—whether it's rare coins, vintage toys, or antique furniture—you could create valuable content that attracts a dedicated audience. This niche focus enables you to offer targeted insights, recommendations, and unique items for sale, creating multiple monetization opportunities.
Once your website gains traction, you could earn through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or by selling digital products like eBooks or guides. A niche website can eventually become a reliable source of passive income, enabling you to turn your hobby into a lucrative venture.
Why starting a niche website?
- It allows you to share your unique collecting expertise and insights with a dedicated audience.
- You could generate multiple streams of income through ads, affiliate marketing, and digital product sales.
- A well-established niche website offers passive income potential, freeing up your time for other endeavors.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
13. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As a collector, starting an email marketing tool can be a lucrative venture that allows you to blend your passion for collecting with a savvy business idea. Email marketing is one of the most effective channels for reaching a vast and engaged audience, making it an excellent platform for promoting your collection, providing updates, and sharing insights with other enthusiasts. By leveraging your expertise and unique perspective, you could create a dedicated email marketing service tailored to niche markets, thus appealing to fellow collectors and other niche communities.
Why consider launching an email marketing tool as a collector?
- Collectors understand niche markets. Your deep knowledge of specific collections can be invaluable in targeting and engaging particular audiences.
- Email marketing is highly profitable. The global market is expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, offering substantial growth opportunities.
- Create a connection with like-minded individuals. Your email campaigns could foster a community around shared interests, expanding your network and potential customer base.
To learn more about this opportunity, check out some email marketing tool success stories.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
14. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business makes perfect sense for collectors with an entrepreneurial mindset. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. By creating tools and services that schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could cater to small businesses and influencers who are eager to save time and enhance their online presence. With the burgeoning need for consistent social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for such automation solutions.
For those with a knack for technology and marketing, developing or integrating software solutions and staying updated on social media trends can make this both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Plus, as a collector, you already have an eye for detail and organization, skills that are crucial for managing social media accounts and building strong client relationships.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could provide an in-demand service that saves time and boosts online presence for clients.
- Automation frees up your schedule, allowing you to manage other ventures or your collecting activities.
- Your attention to detail as a collector will help maintain high-quality and consistent social media content for clients.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
15. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could be a practical way for collectors to supplement their income or start a full-fledged business. Cold emailing, although a classic method, now leverages modern tools and strategies to effectively engage potential clients on behalf of businesses. By using your knack for writing and attention to detail, you can craft compelling email campaigns that help other companies generate leads and grow their customer base.
Given the structured and strategic nature of collecting, your meticulous mindset could be invaluable in researching target audiences and tracking campaign metrics. Starting with small businesses can pave the way for scaling up as you gain success stories and refine your techniques. Explore more about starting a cold email service business here.
Why starting a cold email service business?
- Low startup costs and high scalability potential make it accessible for beginners.
- A collector's attention to detail and research skills can translate well into identifying target audiences and crafting personalized campaigns.
- Generates ongoing revenue by offering a service always in demand, as long as businesses need clients.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
16. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Developing a lead generation tool could be a lucrative venture for collectors. As someone who understands the nuances of value and rarity, you could apply your expertise to create a tool that targets similar niches, automating the process of finding potential customers for that market. This allows businesses to focus more on converting leads rather than the often arduous task of finding them.
By collecting valuable data such as email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests through your software, you could cater to businesses looking to streamline their marketing efforts. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation, particularly in niche markets, a lead generation tool could become a profitable side business or even a full-time endeavor.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- You could leverage your existing knowledge of market trends to target the right audience efficiently.
- Automating lead generation allows businesses to focus on other critical areas, increasing their overall productivity and conversion rates.
- The demand for specialized lead generation tools is high, making this an opportune time to enter the market.
For more detailed information, you can check out this guide on startup costs.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
17. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business makes a lot of sense if you are a collector, as it allows you to leverage your passion for specific products and share that enthusiasm with a broader audience. By promoting products that you already value and are knowledgeable about, you could earn commissions on sales, earn passive income, and potentially turn your hobby into a profitable side business. Furthermore, affiliate marketing provides the flexibility to work on your terms and can be integrated seamlessly with your existing interests and activities.
For example, you could become an affiliate for an eCommerce store that specializes in collectibles or partner with manufacturers of collectible items. This way, you can build a niche audience who shares your passion and trust your recommendations. To learn more about starting an affiliate marketing business, check out this guide on profitability.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- You could turn your passion for collecting into a source of income, leveraging your existing knowledge and enthusiasm.
- Affiliating with brands you trust lends credibility and authenticity to your recommendations, increasing potential sales.
- It offers a flexible, low-cost entry point into entrepreneurship, allowing you to work according to your schedule.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
18. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business makes sense for collectors because it leverages their passion for unique and rare items to create custom designs that appeal to niche markets. Collectors can translate their extensive knowledge and love for specific genres, whether it's vintage comic books, rare coins, or antique toys, into trendy apparel, home goods, and other merchandise. By using platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, they can turn their collector's eye for detail into a scalable side business or a full-fledged entrepreneurial endeavor. Learn more here.
Why consider a print-on-demand business?
- Low startup costs with no need for inventory, making it accessible for anyone.
- Freedom to create and sell personalized merchandise appealing to your collector's niche.
- Ability to operate from home, offering flexibility to manage alongside your collection activities.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
19. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Launching a health and wellness app is a fantastic business idea for collectors who are passionate about health and technology. By creating this platform, you could offer personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking all in one place. Imagine a digital tool that serves as a virtual coach, offering expert advice tailored to individual needs—this could be the unique value you bring to the flourishing wellness market.
Building a health and wellness app involves rigorous market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies. However, the potential to positively impact lives and tap into a growing market makes it a compelling venture. If you’re interested in making a meaningful contribution while building a thriving business, this could be a perfect project for you.
Why launching a health and wellness app?
- You could create a platform that offers comprehensive health solutions, meeting a growing demand for wellness tools.
- The project allows for collaboration with health and wellness experts, adding valuable insights and credibility to your app.
- By developing this app, you could significantly impact users' lives, helping them achieve their health goals more efficiently.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
20. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a collector, you likely possess deep knowledge and expertise in your collection niche, making you an ideal candidate to start an online course sales business. By creating and selling online courses, you could teach others about your specific area of collectorship, sharing insights into finding rare items, understanding the market value, or maintaining a collection. This not only opens a new revenue stream but also transforms your passion into a platform for educating and engaging with a wider audience. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, the potential for growth and profitability is significant. Consider starting your own online course sales business today.
Why launching an online course business?
- Leverage your expertise: Use your specialized knowledge to create valuable content that can attract and educate other collectors.
- Generate passive income: Once your course is created, it can continue to earn money as new students enroll.
- Engage with your community: Teaching online courses allows you to connect with others who share your passion, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.