26 Business Ideas For Sales Engineers [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a sales engineer in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a sales engineer could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for sales engineers?
We put together 26 of some of the best sales engineer business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other sales engineer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a marketing consulting business ($122K/month)
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and analytical skills to start a marketing consulting business. Your deep understanding of the products and services you sell and the market's needs give you a strategic advantage. You could help other businesses enhance their marketing strategies by conducting market research, analyzing data, and developing tailored marketing plans.
With your problem-solving abilities and communication skills, you could effectively consult with clients, offering guidance on reaching their target audiences more efficiently. You could assess a client's marketing needs, conduct thorough market analysis, and create impactful marketing materials like websites, brochures, and social media campaigns. Additionally, your experience in client relationships and understanding of the sales cycle would allow you to manage your consulting business effectively, set competitive fees, and market your services to attract new clients.
Starting a marketing consulting business could be a rewarding path, enabling you to utilize your existing skills to help other businesses succeed while supplementing your income or creating a fulfilling side venture.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
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.
2. Start an email marketing tool ($249K/month)
As a sales engineer, you possess a unique blend of technical know-how and sales acumen, making you particularly well-suited to develop and market an email marketing tool. Given your understanding of both the technology driving products and the strategies for selling them, you could craft a tool that bridges the gap between complex software systems and user-friendly email campaign management. This could lead to a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture.
The email marketing industry is thriving, with the global market expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. By leveraging your expertise, you could tap into this booming market, offering a service that not only generates leads and increases sales but also automates time-consuming tasks. This kind of tool would be invaluable to entrepreneurs, startups, and various professionals like real estate agents, who want to optimize their outreach strategies.
Creating an email marketing tool is relatively straightforward, starting with securing a domain and hosting account. From there, your technical expertise and sales strategies could help you add value through features that your potential users will find indispensable. This venture could serve as an excellent way to supplement your income while utilizing and expanding your skill set.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 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.
3. Start a marketing coaching business ($81.2K/month)
If you're a sales engineer looking to supplement your income or start a side business, a marketing coaching business could be an excellent fit. Your experience in sales has already equipped you with a keen understanding of how to communicate value and strategically position products. Leveraging this skill, you could help companies sharpen their messaging, refine their strategies, and amplify their voices to reach their target audiences effectively.
No large upfront investment is required—just your expertise and strategic mindset. You could begin with one-on-one coaching sessions, group workshops, or even online courses, focusing on areas like market trend analysis, crafting compelling content, and delivering actionable insights. This venture could not only be financially rewarding but also offer immense personal satisfaction as you help businesses achieve their goals through refined marketing efforts.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.
4. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your unique skill set to start a B2B lead generation service, providing other businesses with high-quality leads. Your knack for sales, data analysis, and client relationship management positions you perfectly to identify and reach out to potential business clients, effectively bridging the gap for companies struggling to find prospective customers.
By using a mix of research, cold outreach, and technology tools, you could build robust lead pipelines that help other businesses grow. Given the constant demand for superior leads and your ability to analyze business needs and craft personalized outreach strategies, this venture could not only supplement your income but also evolve into a highly scalable and rewarding business.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
5. Start a sales automation platform ($171K/month)
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your expertise by starting a sales automation platform that streamlines and automates various sales processes. This software solution could handle everything from lead generation to follow-ups, freeing up valuable time for businesses to focus on closing deals rather than dealing with repetitive administrative tasks.
By creating a platform that enhances efficiency and minimizes errors, you could offer invaluable support to sales teams looking to improve their productivity. The growing emphasis on digital transformation and the increasing demand for streamlined processes make this an opportune moment for such a venture. With your strong grasp of both software development and sales strategies, you could develop a tool that adds real value to businesses navigating today’s fast-paced market.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
6. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
As a sales engineer, you already possess the analytical skills and customer insight necessary to excel in lead generation. By starting a lead generation service, you could leverage your expertise in understanding complex products and identifying potential customers to create targeted marketing strategies. This business opportunity allows you to take advantage of your technical knowledge and sales experience to craft compelling campaigns that attract high-quality leads.
In today's digital landscape, businesses are constantly seeking effective methods to generate and convert leads. By offering your technical acumen and marketing skills, you could provide invaluable services to companies looking to enhance their sales pipelines. Additionally, venturing into lead generation enables you to diversify your income, whether you choose to run it as a side business or a full-time venture.
If you're entrepreneurial-minded and enjoy shaping the success of businesses, a lead generation service could be a profitable and fulfilling pathway. This venture not only supplements your income but also positions you as a vital player in driving business growth and competitiveness in the market.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
7. Start an email unsubscribing service ($13.3K/month)
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start an email unsubscribing service that addresses a universal pain point: inbox clutter. By creating a platform where users can easily link their email accounts to an algorithm that automatically filters and unsubscribes from unwanted emails, you could save your clients valuable time and reduce their stress.
Given your background, you could design a user-friendly interface and implement the necessary algorithms with minimal upfront investment. With the increasing reliance on digital correspondence, the demand for streamlined email management is on the rise, making this a timely and potentially lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. Embracing this opportunity could not only supplement your income but also allow you to deliver a practical solution to a widespread problem.
How much you can make: $21 — $30,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.
8. Become a vegan cookbook author
As a sales engineer, your analytical and persuasive skills could serve you well in becoming a vegan cookbook author. By leveraging your ability to understand complex products and articulate their benefits, you could create compelling, informative, and delicious vegan recipes that cater to a growing market of health-conscious consumers. You could also use your expertise in technical writing to ensure your cookbook is well-organized and easy to follow, making it appealing to both novice and experienced cooks.
Moreover, your experience in sales could help you identify and target niche markets, craft effective marketing strategies, and optimize your book’s reach. The growing demand for veganism means there's a ripe audience waiting for fresh, innovative recipes that you could provide. This side business could not only diversify your income streams but also position you as an authority in the burgeoning vegan space.
9. Start a technology consulting business ($144K/month)
Starting a technology consulting business could be an excellent way for a sales engineer to supplement their income and potentially transition into entrepreneurship. As a sales engineer, you already have a strong understanding of how technology can drive corporate strategy and success, which is exactly what many startup owners need but often lack due to non-technical backgrounds.
By leveraging your existing IT skills and experience in the technology sector, you could offer invaluable advice to businesses looking to harness technology to solve critical enterprise challenges. This can range from connecting them with advanced technology solutions to helping them stay current with tech trends, thereby driving innovation and growth in their organizations.
Starting a technology consulting business allows you to utilize your technical knowledge and industry expertise to offer practical, impactful solutions to a wide range of clients. This entrepreneurial venture could not only be a lucrative side hustle but also a fulfilling career shift that utilizes your unique skillset in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
How much you can make: $150 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.
10. Start a kids store ($166K/month)
Starting a kids store could be a lucrative venture for sales engineers, leveraging your expertise in understanding customer needs and effectively communicating value propositions. You could specialize in kids' clothing, toys, and accessories, offering products that cater to the unique demands of your local market. By researching industry trends and finding reliable suppliers, you'll be well-positioned to make strategic decisions that maximize profitability.
This side business could be an excellent complement to your current role, allowing you to apply your analytical skills to inventory management and sales strategies. A physical storefront can anchor your business locally, while an online store can expand your reach globally. By tapping into the expanding market for children's products, you could diversify your income streams and build a sustainable business that grows alongside your engineering career.
How much you can make: $1,250 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 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.
11. Start a health test kit business
As a sales engineer, leveraging your technical skills and customer-centric mindset, you could successfully delve into the health test kit business, benefiting from the booming industry driven by increasing health consciousness. By offering easy-to-use test kits that provide quick results, you could cater to consumers seeking convenient, reliable health monitoring solutions directly from the comfort of their homes or workplaces.
Your expertise in explaining technical products and building trust with customers could place you at a unique advantage in this market. You could develop a niche by emphasizing the simplicity, accuracy, and rapid results of these kits, all while creating an additional revenue stream or potentially even a full-fledged business. This venture perfectly aligns with the current trend of consumers increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional medical establishments, driven by their growing reliance on mobile technology for health management.
12. Start an intellectual property service business ($800K/month)
As a sales engineer, starting an intellectual property service business could be a highly lucrative and engaging venture. You likely already have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of products and innovations, making you well-equipped to guide clients through the complex world of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Given your expertise, you could offer tailored advice on how to protect and leverage their intellectual property, thus adding a valuable service to your professional repertoire.
Moreover, your strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities are crucial assets in this field. You could translate intricate legal details into actionable strategies for your clients, helping them secure their innovations and shield their brands. As businesses place increasing importance on intellectual property, the demand for skilled IP professionals will only grow, presenting you with an excellent opportunity to supplement your income or even transform this into a full-time business.
How much you can make: $100,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)
White Bullet CEO and founder, Peter Szyszko, discusses how he identified and began targeting IP-infringing websites and apps with his IPI Analytics Platform, which has seen the company grow and expand into new areas such as social media antipiracy and connected TV.
13. Start an artificial plants business
As a sales engineer, leveraging your technical and sales expertise to start an artificial plants business could be a lucrative side venture. With your skills in identifying client needs and providing solutions, you could effectively market artificial plants to event organizers, homeowners, and businesses who prefer these long-lasting, low-maintenance décor options. Your ability to understand and communicate the benefits and features of products can help you stand out in a market that values both aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Moreover, the growing trend of indoor and outdoor decoration makes this business opportunity even more attractive. You could use your professional network to establish partnerships and secure bulk orders for office and event decorations. By capitalizing on the increasing demand for high-quality artificial flowers, you could supplement your income while building a successful side business.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
Sharon Demmery started a luxury artificial flower arrangement business from scratch and now achieves sales of around £50k/month, focusing on creating bespoke and unique products with high margins and low competition, while building a loyal customer base through organic social media efforts and referrals.
14. Become a tech tutor
As a sales engineer, leveraging your technical proficiency to start a tech tutoring business could be a lucrative side venture. You already possess a strong understanding of software, hardware, and various tech solutions, which puts you in an excellent position to educate individuals or organizations struggling to keep pace with technological advancements. By teaching others how to navigate smartphone apps, social media, office software, and cyber security, you could help close the digital divide while supplementing your income.
Additionally, your experience in explaining complex technical concepts to clients can translate seamlessly into an educational setting, making your lessons both comprehensible and impactful. The demand for tech literacy is ever-increasing, and your expertise could not only be profitable but also fulfilling as you empower others. If you have a passion for teaching and a knack for guiding others through digital challenges, this entrepreneurial path could be an ideal fit.
How much you can make: $6,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
No Code MBA founder, Seth Kramer, has built a training platform for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to launch their very own businesses and build apps using no-code tools, recording over 150 real-world video lessons which have resulted in over 400 paid members in just 6-months and a focus on growing the No Code MBA community.
15. Start a computer store
As a sales engineer, starting a computer store could be a natural extension of your existing expertise and skill set. You are already well-versed in the technical aspects of various products and services, so translating that knowledge into a retail environment allows you to leverage your background to educate customers on the benefits and features of different computer products. Moreover, your experience with marketing and sales strategies in a technical context could be invaluable when it comes to promoting your store, establishing partnerships, and utilizing both online and offline channels to attract customers.
Additionally, offering supplementary services such as repair, maintenance, and installation could tap into your troubleshooting skills, providing additional revenue streams beyond just product sales. Your customer-centric approach as a sales engineer will also be crucial in building strong relationships with customers, ensuring they have a positive experience and are more likely to return.
By developing a knowledgeable team, staying up-to-date with technology trends, and maintaining a professional store environment, you could create a reputable and successful computer store that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations.
16. Become a real estate broker
Considering your background as a sales engineer, branching into real estate brokerage could be a lucrative venture. With your skills in sales and client relationship management, you already possess a strong foundation to connect buyers and sellers, facilitating property transactions and earning commissions. The real estate market offers flexibility and substantial income potential without the need to invest in properties yourself.
As a real estate broker, you would need to focus on understanding market trends and local real estate regulations while continuously building and maintaining a network of clients. This role leverages your expertise in negotiation and problem-solving, making it a suitable side business or even a full-time career shift. By investing in the right certifications and staying ahead of industry trends, you could successfully position yourself as a trusted advisor in the ever-evolving property market.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
Adventures in Mobile Homes founder, Rachel Hernandez, shares her experience of mobile home investing which has led to around $500 cash flow per month for every deal she does and has allowed her to achieve $10,000 per month from the business.
17. Start a glass tinting service
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and customer relationship skills to start a glass tinting service. With your understanding of materials, specifications, and performance metrics, you could effectively market the benefits of glass tinting solutions, such as energy efficiency, UV protection, and enhanced privacy, to both residential and commercial clients. Your ability to translate technical details into value propositions will be instrumental in gaining trust and securing contracts.
This business could be run as a supplementary income stream alongside your current job or scaled over time into a full-fledged business. Your existing network of contacts within the engineering and construction sectors could serve as a ready pool of potential customers, giving you a competitive edge in the market. Additionally, your project management skills would ensure that installations are handled efficiently and to high standards, further enhancing your reputation and client satisfaction.
18. Start a sporting goods rental
As a sales engineer, your strong foundation in client relationship management and problem-solving skills positions you uniquely to capitalize on the growing trend of outdoor activities and wellness with a sporting goods rental business. With more people seeking to engage in sports infrequently, you could tap into this market by offering high-quality equipment rentals tailored to a variety of activities, from cycling to kayaking, meeting the needs of your target audience.
Exploring customer requirements before investing in inventory is key, and your analytical skills in market research and product requirements will be invaluable here. Implementing a reservation system using technology and leveraging your sales, networking, and negotiation abilities will ensure a streamlined customer experience, setting your business up for success.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Esports management software company ggCircuit has doubled its revenue every year since inception and amassed $4 million in revenue in the past year alone, while offering services to over 700 customers globally and projecting double that in revenue over the next 12 months.
19. Start a warranty-expiry alerts app business
As a sales engineer, starting a warranty-expiry alerts app business could be a strategic way to leverage your deep understanding of product lifecycles and customer pain points. Your experience in sales engineering means you already possess the technical know-how and customer engagement skills needed to create a valuable service that helps users track warranty expirations.
By offering a solution that provides timely reminders, you could enhance customer satisfaction and retention while creating an additional revenue stream for yourself. This app could streamline warranty management for both businesses and individual users, highlighting your ability to identify and solve real-world problems in a technical context.
20. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your understanding of market trends and customer needs to start a print-on-demand business. This business model involves no upfront inventory costs and uses dropshipping to produce and fulfill orders for custom products like apparel, home goods, and phone cases, one at a time. By creating unique, market-driven designs, you could reach a global audience through platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
With minimal startup costs and the ability to operate from home, a print-on-demand business offers a scalable way to supplement your income. You could capitalize on your analytical skills to identify high-demand niches and drive sales with targeted marketing strategies, turning your entrepreneurial vision into a profitable venture.
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.
21. Start a personal finance newsletter ($595K/month)
Starting a personal finance newsletter could be a lucrative side business for a sales engineer looking to diversify income streams. With your analytical skills and ability to simplify complex concepts, you could effectively communicate valuable financial insights to your readers. Covering topics such as budgeting, investing, and debt management can fill a growing demand for accessible and reliable financial education.
Given your experience in solving problems and building relationships, you could build a loyal subscriber base by offering unique, actionable content that's hard to find elsewhere. While the initial setup and effort to grow your readership will require dedication, the potential for residual income and impactful contributions to people's financial well-being makes this an attractive entrepreneurial pursuit.
How much you can make: $160 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
22. Start a running courses
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your strong communication skills and technical knowledge to create and run specialized courses. These courses could be designed to help other professionals in your field improve their sales and technical abilities, honing the unique blend of expertise that is crucial in this role. By sharing your own experiences and practical insights, you could offer invaluable training that bridges the gap between engineering and sales.
Running courses could serve as a significant supplementary income stream or even evolve into a full-fledged business. The demand for high-quality, targeted training is ever-present, especially in specialized fields like sales engineering. Additionally, this venture allows you to build a personal brand, expand your professional network, and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
23. Start a pre-owned and custom luxury rv business
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and project management skills to start a pre-owned and custom luxury RV business. This niche market allows you to combine luxury with adventure, catering to clients looking for upscale, mobile living spaces. By focusing on acquiring high-end pre-owned RVs and customizing them, you could transform dated vehicles into sleek, modern mobile mansions, providing a unique and bespoke experience for affluent travelers.
This business opportunity capitalizes on a growing market trend and emphasizes sustainability by renovating existing vehicles. With your background in sales and engineering, you could forge partnerships with skilled craftsmen and use effective marketing strategies to attract a high-end clientele. This venture not only offers a new revenue stream but also allows you to deliver tailored, luxurious experiences that turn ordinary road trips into unforgettable getaways.
How much you can make: $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
NW Adventure Rentals is a thriving business with three locations, 85+ rental units, and $3M in annual sales over the last 10 years, offering clean, well-maintained luxury RVs for road trip adventures with a leaseback program that has proven to be a win-win for all.
24. Start a patreon
As a sales engineer, you could leverage your wealth of technical and sales expertise by starting a Patreon to supplement your income. By creating exclusive content such as in-depth product demonstrations, sales strategies, and personalized coaching, you provide invaluable resources to your patrons who may be aspiring sales engineers or those looking to refine their skills.
Additionally, you could offer tiered membership levels that include benefits like live Q&A sessions, access to a community forum, and downloadable sales templates. This not only generates extra money but also allows you to build a loyal and engaged audience around your niche expertise.
25. Start a music training business
As a sales engineer, starting a music training business could be a fascinating and lucrative side venture. You could leverage your technical skills to create structured and engaging music lessons, whether you focus on teaching instruments, vocal techniques, or music theory. This type of business can serve a diverse clientele, from young beginners to seasoned musicians, making it a versatile option.
The flexibility of a music training business means you could start small, perhaps offering lessons in your spare time, and scale up as demand grows. Your experience in sales could also come in handy for marketing your services effectively, using both traditional methods and online tutorials to reach a wider audience. With your knack for communicating complex ideas clearly, you could create lessons that students find both challenging and enjoyable, thereby attracting more clients through word of mouth and recommendations.
How much does it cost to start: $65 (?)
26. Start a nut butter
As a sales engineer, starting a nut butter business could provide an exciting and profitable side venture. Leveraging your analytical skills, you could identify market trends and develop unique, high-demand flavors like honey-pecan or chocolate-almond spreads. Your experience in sales can be invaluable in creating compelling pitches for local farmers' markets, health food stores, and online platforms.
Additionally, your technical know-how will help streamline the production process, ensuring quality and efficiency in sourcing nuts and grinding them into delicious spreads. This business harnesses your ability to solve problems and innovate, offering a rewarding opportunity to diversify your income. Engaging in the nut butter business could satisfy your entrepreneurial drive while tapping into the growing consumer demand for nutritious, plant-based foods.
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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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
