28+ Pop-Up Shop Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Interested in starting a pop up shop business in 2024?
We put together 28 of the best pop up shop businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other pop up shop businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a photo booth business
A photo booth business involves providing a portable and automated photography setup that allows individuals to take fun and creative pictures at events or venues.
This business is becoming more popular for various occasions like weddings, parties, and corporate events, providing a unique and entertaining experience for guests.
To start a photo booth business, you need to invest in quality equipment, create a user-friendly website to showcase your services and market your business to event planners and individuals hosting celebrations.
How much you can make: $50,001 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
2. Start a shipping company
A shipping company can be a great business to start. You can get the support and training that you need to run a successful small business. You may already have some of the resources at hand. This could include what you need to transport goods and a vehicle or two that you can use to get these materials from point X to point Y.
Shipping is a crowded industry. Starting your own shipping company isn't as hard as it used to be. With the explosion in eCommerce, there's an increasing demand for small package shipping. Becoming a shipping company entrepreneur has its rewards. Shipping is an area where there's a lot of potentials to earn bounties, it serves as a good source of income.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $2,400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Nationwide Auto Transportation ships approximately 4,000 vehicles per month and has served more than 50,000 customers, offering custom services such as help for clients who cannot find suitable carriers for their vehicle.
3. Start an ecommerce marketing agency
Ecommerce agencies help online sellers achieve their eCommerce business goals through creative, technology, and marketing skills.
Hiring an eCommerce agency enables online sellers to start an eCommerce business or grow an existing one without employing full-time staff.
The eCommerce industry is often changing, and online sellers must match the current trends or risk being paced out by the competition. Balancing between production, launching creative services, and working on growing their eCommerce brands can be extremely difficult. Thus, the brands have no other option than hire eCommerce agencies.
Starting an eCommerce agency can be a profitable and fulfilling business opportunity. If you plan to state your eCommerce agency, educate yourself on the current trends and focus on building digital skills. You may focus on a particular niche or offer end-to-end services to your customers.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
4. Start a holiday pop-up shop business
A pop-up holiday shop refers to a short-term, temporary retail event during the holiday season, often in winter.
Setting up an online or a brick & mortar pop-up shop provides a practical way for entrepreneurs to tap into the year's biggest shopping season.
5. Start an online retail store
Starting an online retail store is straightforward. All you need is a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service. Then, determine a niche for your online store, and conduct product research before listing products.
You can start your online store based on a drop shipping business model or list your self-made products in your online store.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
6. Start a flash sale offering business
7. Start a complementary care provider business
8. Start a sample offering business
9. Start an interactive product demos business
Ever wished customers could experience your product firsthand without stepping into a store? Enter the world of interactive product demos.
This business revolves around creating immersive, digital experiences that allow potential buyers to virtually engage with products in real time. Imagine developing software or apps that use augmented reality, 3D modeling, or live webinars to showcase products in a way that feels tangible.
The demand for interactive product experiences is growing as businesses seek to set themselves apart in an increasingly crowded market. If you have a knack for tech and creativity, this venture could be highly rewarding. The work involves collaboration with product teams, creating dynamic demo content, and staying ahead of tech trends.
If this piques your interest, it's time to delve deeper into the world of interactive product demos. Your journey could redefine how people shop and experience products digitally.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
SmartCue, a demo automation platform, is helping software sales teams close deals faster with personalized product demos and has attracted 10+ pilots, both free and paid, since its launch in 2022.
10. Start a sampling tents business
11. Start an exclusive products business
12. Start a themed selections business
In search of a unique business that sparks curiosity and creativity? Consider starting a themed selections business.
A themed selections business curates and markets collections of products around specific themes or events, such as seasonal holidays, birthdays, or niche interests. It’s a creative enterprise where you thoughtfully assemble and sell packages of complimentary items, creating convenient, ready-made experiences for your customers.
The appeal lies in the mix of personalization and convenience. Imagine offering a "Summer Beach Day" package with sunscreen, a beach towel, and a novel, or a "Cozy Winter Night" set featuring hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, and a good book. Customers love the curated experience, and you get the thrill of crafting each collection.
If you're passionate about curation and have an eye for what works well together, this venture can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
ThemeSelection offers a wide variety of fully coded admin dashboard templates and UI kits tailored for designers and developers, helping to kick-start projects with ease and saving time and resources.
13. Start an in-store demonstration service business
14. Start a special guests business
15. Start a street entertainer business
Ever considered turning your talent into a business? Street entertaining offers a dynamic opportunity to do just that.
Street entertaining involves performing in public spaces, capturing the attention of passersby, and earning money through tips from delighted audiences. This could range from magic acts and juggling to playing a musical instrument or performing dramatic sketches. The beauty of this business lies in its low startup costs and the freedom to perform almost anywhere.
What makes street entertaining compelling is the instant feedback from your audience, the flexibility in your schedule, and the chance to showcase your unique talents in an organic, engaging environment. Start by crafting a captivating act, securing any necessary permits, and scouting out high-traffic areas.
If you’re passionate about performing and enjoy the thrill of live interaction, this business could be an ideal path for you.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
Gary Ferrar, a professional magician and mentalist, shares how he marketed himself to high-end clients and corporations, resulting in a 25k/month career which has included performances for clients such as Google, Facebook, Uber, and Pepsi.
16. Start a spooky deals and discounts offering business
Looking to tap into the thrill of spooky season year-round? Start a "Spooky Deals and Discounts" business.
This idea revolves around curating and promoting eerie-themed bargains, special offers, and exclusive discounts from various retailers and brands. By partnering with businesses selling Halloween costumes, horror books, gothic home decor, and more, you can create an irresistible hub for all things spooky.
Imagine a website or app where consumers find year-round frightful deals on their favorite macabre products. This venture has the potential to attract a niche yet fervent market of horror aficionados.
You don't need extensive upfront investment, just a knack for negotiating deals and marketing skills. If you love eerie aesthetics and have a flair for business, this could be your perfect haunt. The demand for unique, themed deals isn't going away, so take advantage of this niche and make spooky shopping a delight.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 85 days (?)
Discover how EMUCoupon achieved a 16% annual growth rate by targeting the untapped Australian market for online discounts, growing to a team of 21, and now attracting 20% of their traffic internationally—a must-read for aspiring founders keen on market gaps and global expansion.
17. Start a vending machine business
Starting a vending machine business in a crowded, busy city is an easy way to make money. Whether you want to run your own business, start a side hustle, or generate an income while at the office, this is the best business.
There are many advantages to starting a vending machine business, such as: low startup costs, simplicity, all cash-based transactions, and flexibility.
Here are the steps on how to start a vending machine business.
- Buy a franchise
- Find a location
- Secure all licenses and contracts
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
iKrave Vending founder Lakinya started her vending machine business after observing the lack of consultants who specialize in vending machine operations, and now offers online training courses and mentoring to help others achieve success in the billion-dollar industry.
18. Start a mobile store
19. Start a competition organizing business
20. Start a customization business
Stand out in a world of sameness by starting a customization business. This entrepreneurial venture revolves around creating personalized products tailored to individual customer preferences.
From custom t-shirts and mugs to bespoke phone cases and home decor, the opportunities are vast. You can use digital tools to design and manufacture unique items that speak to your customer’s identity.
The commitment involves setting up a business platform, working with clients to understand their needs, and managing production and delivery. While it does require some upfront effort and creativity, the reward is a loyal customer base who value the personal touch.
If you have an eye for design and are ready to meet the increasing demand for personalized products, a customization business offers a fulfilling path to explore.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Bookblock co-founder shares how they grew their corporate gifting platform to a £2m annual turnover, and their plans to expand to the consumer market through their new gifting platform.
21. Start a charitable donation business
22. Start a previews and early releases business
23. Start a behind-the-scenes look business
24. Start an on-brand decor renting business
25. Start a light bites business
26. Start a magnetic signs business
Looking for a flexible and creative way to advertise? Think about starting a magnetic signs business. This involves designing and producing removable magnetic signs for vehicles, storefronts, and other surfaces—perfect for businesses needing temporary advertisements.
The beauty of magnetic signs is their versatility; customers can easily apply and remove them, making it an attractive solution for advertising that doesn’t involve permanent changes. For small to medium-sized businesses, this is an effective way to increase visibility without the commitment of traditional signs.
You'll need some graphic design skills and access to quality printing equipment. Once set up, market your services to local businesses and fleet owners. It's a straightforward business with a clear target market and tangible products, making it easier to demonstrate value and attract clients.
Starting a magnetic signs business combines creativity with practicality, offering a valuable service for advertising solutions that can adapt and change as needed.
How much you can make: $220,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Sign Spot, a family-owned custom signage business, earns $220,000 in revenue per month and is projected to grow 25% in 2022, thanks to the streamlined processes and infrastructure it implemented through continuous investment in innovative machinery and technology.
27. Start a tote bags business
A white label tote bags business is where you order unbranded tote bags from a wholesaler, put your brand logo and resell them as if they were your own. You could request the manufacturer to customize the tote bags, so they fit your target market.
With a white label tote bags business, you do not worry about the tedious manufacturing process. All you do is market the tote bags to your target customers. Therefore, you can maximize your profits by negotiating discounted rate from the manufacturer.
28. Become a social media influencer
Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.
A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.
Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)
How one mother built a profitable frugal motherhood, life, and travel blog from scratch, using Instagram, Pinterest, and paid sponsorships to grow from 0 to 18.5K followers and generate $1,500-$3,000 per month in less than two years.
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.
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.
