Technological advances, globalization, digital scenarios and emerging economies have changed the way people relate to work.
“Ten years ago it was more complicated to maintain a part-time business. You risked neglecting your job or your business. But now everything is easier, since from your tablet or smartphone you can manage the operation,” explains Luis González Aspuru, director of Asgar – a Mexican organization specialized in Human Capital.
The best thing is that, regardless of your age, resources or the hours you have available, there are different types of businesses of this type, ranging from franchises that open 365 days a year to those that operate only on weekends. The important thing is that you make the decision and have the character to face the challenge.
Next, we give you 10 models with which you can start, as well as the contact of companies that offer an opportunity for you to undertake with their brand. Take note and investigate further those that fit your profile, tastes and budget.
1. Marketing of jewelry
If you like to adorn your look with accessories, this business is ideal for you. Distribute among friends, family and acquaintances quality items in varieties of gold, silver, steel and jewelry. The initial investment is between $5,000 and $15,000, with a profit margin during the first year that could reach up to 20%. According to the National Chamber of Silver and Jewelry, the consumption of fine jewelry in Mexico exceeds 700 tons per year, with 90% of what is sold being silver accessories. Although it is an activity in which women will be a large percentage of your clientele, consider that every day men use more accessories, especially young people between 17 and 30 years.
Expand your offer and market with rings, earrings, slaves, necklaces, chokers, earrings, watches or complete sets to meet the needs of your buyers. Dedicate the afternoons or mornings or even sell on demand through Pinterest or Facebook.
2. Residential maintenance
Unlike businesses that offer residential maintenance services on a unitary basis, the idea is that you provide plumbing, masonry, carpentry, electrical, waterproofing, aluminum and paint services all in one place. Your target audience is households of socioeconomic level A/B, C + and C that require corrective or preventive maintenance services of residential type for own or rented real estate. If you have no knowledge or experience in the field or decide not to get involved in maintenance, hire two assistants and focus only on the administration of the company. It operates during the week or on weekends with eight-hour days. Your initial investment will be around $400,000, with a profit margin that can range from 13 to 30 percent.
3. Healthy Kitchen
Did you know that Mexicans spend up to 30% of their income on junk food? If you are concerned about people’s bad eating habits and want to do your part to change this situation, start a business preparing and selling organic food, putting together creative menus and balanced diets for diners in classes A/B, C+ and C. Besides salads, it offers pizzas, pastas, sushi, tacos, etc., as well as desserts (cakes, cookies or cupcakes) based on organic and healthy products. Try to constantly supply your inputs while researching the latest gastronomic trends. The limit is your imagination. And since Mexico is the first place in child obesity, don’t forget to include options for the child public, who represent a good market niche. Develop a web page and attend only to home orders.
4. Beauty and Hair Removal Clinic
According to a study conducted by Kantar WorldPanel in 2014, Mexicans spend an average of $2,800 per month on treatments and products related to personal care. It offers laser hair removal services, photo rejuvenation, teeth whitening, facial massage, reductive and spa services, proving that the techniques and technology are safe for your customers. If you dedicate yourself to the management of the business, it will be necessary for you to hire at least three people trained in beauty treatments; if you know the techniques and are prepared to operate it yourself, schedule home appointments during the week or on Saturdays and Sundays. Generate additional income with the marketing of beauty products, provided by strategic partners. One more thing: your target will not only be women, nowadays many men also seek their personal care.
5. Ecological advertising
Are you concerned about global warming, about the use of non-renewable resources, and do you advocate recycling? Then a green advertising business can be for you. Using a bicycle, it provides flyer services, banners and advertising screens for brands. Additionally, it generates BTL campaigns, branding, outdoor advertising and POP material with recyclable materials. Consider that you will need to adapt the vehicles for their intended use, as well as a space to store them (it can be your home’s garage). If you live in Mexico City, don’t forget to go to the Ministry of the Environment and apply for the Sole Environmental License for Mexico City (LAUDF). In this way, you will guarantee compliance with the minimum ecological obligations, which will accredit you as a responsible company. Start operations with three adapted bicycles or tricycles and two drivers; you take care of the company’s numbers and attract customers.
6. Photo booth for events
There’s no doubt about it: Mexicans love the holidays, and any excuse is good to celebrate. Take advantage of this party soul and rent portable instant photo booths in XV years, weddings, children’s parties, corporate events, birthdays, school events, etc. Includes hats, glasses, necklaces, feather boas and hundreds of props to offer more originality and fun in the photos of your customers. Complement the offer by giving the organizer a CD or USB with the photos of the guests. You can even upload the images of each event to social networks so that attendees can interact with them. Offer promotions and packages that fit the pocket of your clients, whether they are families, institutions or companies. A fact that will invite you to take out accounts: only in Mexico there are about 40,000 weddings a year.
7. Private classes at home
It is no secret that Mexico is one of the countries that lags behind in terms of education. Combat this reality by teaching children, youth and adults in subjects such as Spanish, mathematics, science and languages. Don’t just teach the classes yourself in after-school hours, hire your own team of teachers and take care of the business administration. This will allow you to expand your offerings so that, in addition to regular classes, you can offer training for entrance exams or language accreditation, extracurricular courses in creative writing, music, painting, sculpture, robotics or photography. Don’t forget to test your teacher candidates so that your teaching staff complies with the best pedagogical methods. It operates during the afternoons or weekends, as well as with intensive and summer modalities.
8. Online store for pets
Ecommerce is one of the most important trends both in the world and in the country. According to the Mexican Internet Association (AMIPCI) e-commerce registered a 34% growth in 2014 and it is estimated that 75% of Mexican Internet users bought at least once online in the first quarter of 2015. Take advantage of this boom and sell Premium and Super Premium food for dogs and cats, in categories for puppies, adults and geriatrics. Increase your offer with toys, leashes, sandboxes, clothes, hair care items, dishes, watering cans, scrapers, beds and carriers, as well as pet health items. Offer gift certificates, promotions and discounts, and spice up your website with a blog containing animal care tips, adoption programs and trends in the latest dog and cat fashion. This business is ideal if you are an animal lover but don’t have enough time to open a store on the street.
9. Online housing reservation
Do you have extra rooms in your house or apartment? Do you go out of town all the time? Do you have an out-of-town rest home? Then this business is for you. Rent temporarily rooms or complete houses by advertising on a website or through social networks. You will need to be fluent in a language other than Spanish, preferably English, as well as to keep the facilities and furniture in good condition and guarantee basic services such as electricity, gas, water and Internet. Give a plus to your offer including breakfast or three meals (with extra cost). You can rent for days, weeks or months, charging through PayPal, bank deposit or credit card (amounts from $1,000 to $3,000), according to the advantages and characteristics of the place you are renting. Best of all, you will have the ability to choose your tenants. One fact: it is estimated that 23.7 million international tourists visit the country every year.
10. Tax Consulting
It offers accounting, tax and administrative services to companies and individuals. If you do not have the necessary experience, hire a team of accountants who will take care of the calculation and payment of taxes, advice, procedures to be carried out before the government and even sort out the assets of your clients. It is important that you have a website that includes some free service (for example, a tax calculator), as well as promoting yourself through social networks. Generate digital content regularly on topics of relevance to your customers, such as tax reforms, changes in legislation, requirements for procedures and articles of general interest.