30 Genius Side Businesses You Can Start in India with Under ₹1000 (Your 2025 Guide)

30 side business ideas in India under 1000 rupees.

Are you tired of waiting for the end of the month for your salary? Do you dream of having an extra income stream, but think you need lakhs of rupees to start a business?

Think again.

The truth is, you don't need a huge investment or a fancy office to become an entrepreneur. You just need a good idea, a little bit of your time, and the courage to start. Right now, with just ₹1000 in your pocket – less than the price of a dinner at a fancy restaurant – you can plant the seed of a profitable side business.

This guide is your starting point. We have curated 30 practical, real-world business ideas that you can start in India with an investment of ₹1000 or less. We will break down each idea, showing you how to start, where to find customers, and how to grow.

Let's turn your dreams into income.

Category 1: Food-Based Businesses (From Your Kitchen)
Category 2: Online & Digital Services (Using Your Skills)
Category 3: Creative & Handmade Products (Unleash Your Art)
Category 4: Local & Hyperlocal Services (Serve Your Neighbourhood)
Category 5: Reselling & Other Ideas (Smart Hustles)

Category 1: Food-Based Businesses (From Your Kitchen)

Your kitchen can be your first office. The demand for authentic, homemade food is always high.

1. Homemade Pickles & Papads

The Big Idea: Everyone loves their grandmother's pickles (achar) and crispy papads. The store-bought versions are often full of preservatives. You can offer authentic, homemade, and fresh products to your locality.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Raw Materials (Mangoes, Lemons, Chillies, Spices, Lentils for Papad): ₹500
Glass Jars & Packaging Material: ₹300
Labels & Printing: ₹200

How to Start:

Perfect Your Recipe: Start with one or two recipes that you are an expert in. Maybe it's a spicy mango pickle or a unique garlic pickle.
Source Smartly: Buy raw materials in bulk from the local mandi (market) to save costs.
Package Beautifully: Presentation matters. Use clean glass jars and print simple, attractive labels with your brand name and ingredients.
Get FSSAI: For selling food, you will eventually need an FSSAI registration. The basic registration is easy to get online and doesn't cost much.

How to Get Your First Customers: Start with your own network. Share samples with family, friends, and neighbours. Post delicious-looking photos on a dedicated WhatsApp group and your personal Facebook/Instagram profiles.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain

2. Custom Cake & Brownie Baking

The Big Idea: There's always a celebration somewhere! From birthdays to anniversaries, people need cakes. Instead of generic bakery cakes, offer customised, fresh-to-order cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Baking Essentials (Flour, Sugar, Cocoa, Eggs, Butter): ₹600
Basic Moulds & Piping Bags (if you don't have them): ₹200
Packaging Boxes: ₹200

How to Start:

Master 2-3 Items: Don't offer everything. Be known for the "Best Choco-Lava Cake" or "Fudgiest Brownies in Town."
Click Amazing Photos: Food sells with the eyes. Learn basic food photography with your smartphone. Good lighting is key.
Create an Instagram Page: This is your virtual shop. Post high-quality pictures of your bakes, share customer reviews, and run small offers.

How to Get Your First Customers: Bake for a family function and let everyone taste your skill. Offer a special introductory price to your friends' circle for their upcoming events.

3. Healthy Snack Boxes

The Big Idea: With growing health consciousness, people are looking for alternatives to junk food. You can offer curated weekly or monthly subscription boxes with healthy snacks like roasted makhana, granola bars, trail mix, or baked vegetable chips.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Ingredients (Oats, Nuts, Seeds, Makhana, Jaggery): ₹700
Pouches & Boxes for Packaging: ₹300

How to Start:

Design 3-4 Snack Options: Create a small menu of healthy, tasty snacks.
Focus on a Niche: Target office-goers, students, or gym enthusiasts in your area.
Offer a Subscription: A weekly subscription model ensures recurring income. For example, "A box of 5 different healthy snacks delivered every Monday for ₹300."

How to Get Your First Customers: Collaborate with a local gym or yoga studio. Offer them a commission for every customer they refer. Distribute pamphlets in nearby office complexes.

4. Homemade Spice (Masala) Powders

The Big Idea: The flavour of freshly ground masalas is unmatched. Many busy families don't have the time to make their own. You can prepare and sell pure, unadulterated spice powders like garam masala, sambar powder, or chai masala.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Whole Spices (Cardamom, Cloves, Cinnamon, Chillies, etc.): ₹700
Airtight Packaging Pouches: ₹200
Stickers/Labels: ₹100

How to Start:

Source Quality: The quality of your whole spices will determine the final product. Find a good local supplier.
Roast & Grind in Batches: Ensure you follow a consistent process for roasting and grinding to maintain the same taste every time.
Highlight "Purity": Your marketing message should be "No Colours, No Preservatives, Just 100% Pure Homemade Masala."

How to Get Your First Customers: Give small sample packets to your local kirana store owner to give to their customers. Word-of-mouth marketing is very powerful for this business.

5. Tiffin Service (for 1-2 Clients)

The Big Idea: Starting a full-fledged tiffin service can be expensive. But what about starting with just one or two clients? Many bachelors, students, and working couples are looking for simple, home-cooked meals.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Groceries for the first 3-4 days: ₹800
Good Quality Tiffin Boxes (Reusable): ₹200 (You can ask the client to invest in this too).

How to Start:

Set a Simple Menu: Create a weekly menu with simple, comforting food like roti, sabzi, dal, and rice. Don't overcomplicate it.
Calculate Your Cost: Accurately calculate the cost of each meal to set a profitable price.
Focus on Quality and Hygiene: This is the most important factor. Your food must be fresh, tasty, and packed hygienically.

How to Get Your First Customers: Post on local Facebook groups like "Flats and Flatmates." Many people looking for accommodation also look for tiffin services. Print a simple flyer and put it up on notice boards of nearby PGs and hostels.

Category 2: Online & Digital Services (Using Your Skills)

If you have a laptop and an internet connection, you have a global office.

6. Social Media Handler for Local Shops

The Big Idea: Your neighbourhood salon, restaurant, or boutique owner is great at their business, but they probably don't have time for Instagram or Facebook. You can manage their social media accounts for a monthly fee.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Canva Pro (optional, free version is great): ₹0 - ₹500
Your time and smartphone: ₹0

How to Start:

Learn the Basics: Watch YouTube tutorials on how to create engaging posts, write good captions, and use relevant hashtags.
Build a Portfolio: Create 2-3 sample posts for a fictional brand or even your favourite local shop. This will be your sample work.
Create Simple Packages: Offer packages like "Basic Plan: 12 posts a month (3 per week) for ₹3000" or "Growth Plan: 20 posts + 4 stories a month for ₹5000."

How to Get Your First Customers: Walk into 5 local shops near your home. Show them their competitor's social media page and then show them your sample work. Offer a "First Month 50% Off" deal to get your first client.

7. Content Writing & Translation

The Big Idea: "Content is king." Websites, blogs, and businesses always need fresh articles, product descriptions, and content. If you have a good command of English or any other language, you can become a freelance writer.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Good Internet Connection: (You probably have this already)
Grammarly Premium (Optional, but recommended later): ₹0 for now.

How to Start:

Choose Your Niche: Are you good at technology, fashion, finance, or travel? Writing about a topic you know makes the process easier and the content better.
Create Writing Samples: Write 2-3 high-quality articles in your niche and save them as PDF files. This is your portfolio.
Create Profiles: Sign up on platforms like Internshala (for beginners), Fiverr, or Upwork.

How to Get Your First Customers: Join Indian content writing groups on Facebook. Many startups and businesses post requirements there. Email small businesses and blogs directly, pointing out how you can improve their content and attaching your samples.

8. Resume & Cover Letter Writing

The Big Idea: Many job seekers struggle to create a professional resume that stands out. If you have a knack for clear communication and professional formatting, you can offer a service to craft impressive resumes and cover letters.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Professional Resume Templates (Can be found online for free or cheap): ₹0 - ₹500
Your time and MS Word/Google Docs skills: ₹0

How to Start:

Study Modern Resumes: Look up the latest resume trends on Google. Understand what recruiters are looking for.
Develop a Process: Create a questionnaire to send to your clients to gather all their information (work experience, skills, education, achievements).
Price Your Service: Start with a low price, like ₹400 for a resume and ₹200 for a cover letter.

How to Get Your First Customers: Offer to redo the resumes of 2-3 friends for free in exchange for a testimonial. Post the "before and after" pictures (with their permission) on LinkedIn. This is a powerful way to show your value.

9. Canva Graphic Design Service

The Big Idea: Not everyone is a designer, but everyone needs graphics—for social media posts, small event invitations, YouTube thumbnails, or restaurant menus. With a tool as simple as Canva, you can provide basic graphic design services.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Canva Pro Subscription (for one month to try): ₹499
(The free version is also very powerful to start with)

How to Start:

Become a Canva Expert: Spend a weekend watching tutorials on YouTube. Learn all the features, from templates to text effects.
Create a Visual Portfolio: Design 10 different types of graphics: an Instagram post, a Facebook banner, a YouTube thumbnail, an invitation, a restaurant menu, etc.
Define Your Offerings: Create a price list. E.g., "Set of 5 Instagram Post Templates: ₹500," "YouTube Thumbnail Design: ₹150."

How to Get Your First Customers: Find new, small YouTubers or Instagrammers and offer them a free thumbnail or post design. If they like it, they might become your paying clients. Join Facebook groups for small business owners and offer your services.

Simple Process Flow Diagram:

[Client Needs a Design] -> [You Get a Brief] -> [Design on Canva] -> [Deliver & Get Paid!]

10. Virtual Assistant for Busy Professionals

The Big Idea: A Virtual Assistant (VA) provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. Tasks can include managing emails, scheduling appointments, doing online research, or managing social media.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Absolutely nothing, other than your time, laptop, and internet.

How to Start:

Identify Your Skills: What are you good at? Are you super organised? Great at research? Good with Excel? List your top 3-5 skills.
Create Service Packages: Package your services by hours or by task. E.g., "10 Hours of VA Service per week: ₹4000/month" or "Email Management Package: ₹2500/month."
Build an Online Presence: Create a professional-looking LinkedIn profile. Highlight your skills and state clearly that you are open to Virtual Assistant roles.

How to Get Your First Customers: Network on LinkedIn. Connect with startup founders, coaches, and small business owners. Send a polite message explaining how you can save them time. Offer a 2-hour free trial so they can experience your work.

11. Online Tutoring

The Big Idea: If you are an expert in a school subject, a musical instrument, or a language, you can teach students online. The demand for personalised education has never been higher.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

A basic digital pen/tablet (optional, for math/science): ₹800 - ₹1000
Using platforms like Google Meet or Zoom: ₹0

How to Start:

Choose Your Subject & Level: Be specific. Instead of "I teach Math," say "I teach CBSE Class 10 Mathematics."
Prepare Your Material: Get the relevant digital textbooks and prepare a lesson plan for your first few classes.
Set Your Hourly Rate: Start with a competitive rate, maybe ₹200-₹300 per hour, depending on the subject and your expertise.

How to Get Your First Customers: Inform your friends and family circle. Post in your residential society's WhatsApp group. A simple message like, "Expert online tuition available for Class 8-10 Science. First class is a free demo!" can work wonders.

12. YouTube Channel Management

The Big Idea: Many YouTubers love creating videos but hate the backend work: writing descriptions, creating thumbnails, adding tags, scheduling videos, and replying to comments. This is a service you can offer.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Canva for thumbnails: ₹0
VidIQ or TubeBuddy (free versions): ₹0

How to Start:

Learn YouTube SEO: Understand how to write keyword-rich titles and descriptions. Watch tutorials from channels like VidIQ.
Practice on Your Own Channel: Create a dummy channel and practice uploading and optimising a few videos.
Create a Service List: Offer services like "Thumbnail Creation," "Video SEO (Title, Tags, Description)," and "Full Channel Management."

How to Get Your First Customers: Find small, growing channels (1000-5000 subscribers) in a niche you like. Send them a professional email. Start with, "I love your content!" and then gently suggest how you could help them optimise their videos to get more views, maybe by redesigning a few of their thumbnails for free.

Category 3: Creative & Handmade Products (Unleash Your Art)

Turn your hobby into a source of income. People love buying unique products made with a personal touch.

13. Handmade Jewellery Making

The Big Idea: The market for quirky, non-traditional, and handmade jewellery is booming. You can create and sell items like beaded necklaces, resin art earrings, or terracotta jewellery.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Raw Materials (Beads, Wires, Hooks, Clay, Resin Kit): ₹700
Tools (Pliers, etc.): ₹150
Packaging material: ₹150

How to Start:

Find Your Style: What kind of jewellery do you want to make? Modern and minimalist? Or traditional and ethnic? Stick to one style initially.
Create a Small Collection: Make 5-10 unique designs to showcase.
Set Up an Instagram Shop: Instagram is perfect for visual products. Post clear, beautiful pictures of your jewellery. Use relevant hashtags like #handmadejewellery #supportsmallbusiness.

How to Get Your First Customers: Wear your own creations! When people compliment you, tell them you make and sell them. Participate in local flea markets or college fests.

"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." - John D. Rockefeller

14. Customised Gift Baskets

The Big Idea: People are always looking for thoughtful gifts for festivals like Diwali, Rakhi, or for birthdays. You can offer a service where you curate and assemble beautiful gift baskets or hampers based on a theme and budget.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

This budget is for your first 1-2 orders. You buy materials after getting an order and taking an advance payment.
Baskets, Ribbons, Filling Material: ₹400
Sample Products to Showcase: ₹600

How to Start:

Create Theme Ideas: Brainstorm themes like "Tea Lover's Basket," "Spa & Relaxation Kit," "New Mom's Hamper," or "Work from Home Survival Kit."
Build Supplier Contacts: Find local shops where you can get good quality products like chocolates, mugs, scented candles, and decorative items at a good price.
Make a Sample: Create one or two beautiful sample baskets and take stunning photos for your catalogue.

How to Get Your First Customers: Post your sample basket photos on your WhatsApp status and Instagram before a major festival. Offer an early-bird discount for pre-orders.

15. Upcycled Home Décor

The Big Idea: Turn trash into treasure! With a bit of creativity, you can transform old bottles, tyres, or pieces of wood into beautiful home décor items like lamps, planters, or wall art. This is an eco-friendly and low-cost business.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Paints, Brushes, Glue, Varnish: ₹600
Decorative items (Rope, Mirrors, etc.): ₹400
Main raw material (old bottles, etc.) is often free!

How to Start:

Gather Ideas: Look for inspiration on Pinterest. Search for "DIY bottle art" or "upcycled decor."
Create a few unique pieces: Make 4-5 high-quality products to build your portfolio.
Sell on Social Media: Create a page on Instagram or Facebook Marketplace to showcase your creations. Highlight the "eco-friendly" aspect.

How to Get Your First Customers: Gift one of your creations to a friend who has a lot of visitors. Their home becomes your showroom. Connect with local interior designers or furniture stores.

16. Mehendi (Henna) Artist

The Big Idea: Mehendi is an integral part of Indian festivals and weddings. If you have a steady hand and a creative flair, you can become a freelance mehendi artist.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

High-Quality Mehendi Cones: ₹500
Design Book/Portfolio: ₹200
Glitter, Sealer Spray (optional): ₹300

How to Start:

Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice on paper, and then on your friends and family, until your designs are neat and intricate.
Create a Portfolio: Take clear photos of your best work on different hands. Print them or create a digital album on your phone.
Set Your Prices: You can charge per hand, per design, or on an hourly basis for events.

How to Get Your First Customers: During festivals like Karva Chauth or Teej, set up a small stool in a local market or residential area (with permission). Collaborate with a local beauty parlour and offer them a commission for referrals.

17. Custom Digital Portraits

The Big Idea: If you are good at digital drawing using a software like Procreate or Adobe Illustrator, you can create custom digital portraits or caricatures for people from their photos. These make for unique gifts.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Software subscription (many have free trials or one-time purchases): Your budget can go towards a one-month subscription or a cheaper app.
A basic drawing tablet can be an investment later. Initially, you can even use a phone/tablet with a stylus.

How to Start:

Develop Your Style: Decide if you want to create realistic portraits, cute caricatures, or minimalist line art.
Showcase Your Work: Create an Instagram page dedicated to your art. Post your drawings and also time-lapse videos of your drawing process – they are very engaging!
Offer Simple Options: "Single Person Portrait: ₹500," "Couple Portrait: ₹800."

How to Get Your First Customers: Draw a free portrait for a popular local influencer or a friend with a large social media following in exchange for a shoutout. Run a giveaway on your page.

18. Handmade Scented Candles

The Big Idea: Scented candles are no longer just for Diwali. People use them for relaxation, home décor, and aromatherapy. The process of making them is simple and the materials are easy to source.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Soy Wax (1 kg): ₹400
Wicks & Jars: ₹300
Fragrance Oils (2-3 types): ₹300

How to Start:

Learn the Process: Watch detailed YouTube tutorials on candle making. Pay close attention to temperature and measurements.
Experiment with Scents: Start with popular scents like lavender, vanilla, or sandalwood.
Focus on Branding: Give your candles a cool name and beautiful packaging. This is what sets you apart.

How to Get Your First Customers: These make excellent gifts. Sell them to your friends and colleagues. Partner with a local gift shop or home décor store.

Category 4: Local & Hyperlocal Services (Serve Your Neighbourhood)

Sometimes, the best business opportunities are right outside your door.

19. Tiffin Delivery Service

The Big Idea: This is different from a tiffin service. Here, you don't cook. You just pick up tiffins from home kitchens and deliver them to nearby offices or PGs during lunch hour. Many home cooks are happy to cook more but can't handle deliveries.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

A large, insulated delivery bag: ₹800
Printing pamphlets: ₹200
Your own two-wheeler/bicycle is a must.

How to Start:

Find Your Partners: Talk to ladies in your neighbourhood who run tiffin services from home.
Map Your Route: Focus on a 3-4 km radius. Plan the most efficient route to cover multiple offices.
Set Your Fee: You can charge the home cook a monthly fee per tiffin (e.g., ₹500/month) or charge the customer a delivery fee.

How to Get Your First Customers: Approach home cooks directly. For end-customers, distribute your pamphlets in office buildings and outside PGs.

20. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

The Big Idea: Pet owners often need someone reliable to take care of their pets when they travel or are busy at work. If you love animals, this is a fun and rewarding side hustle.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Leashes, treats, and toys (to show you're serious): ₹500
Creating a visiting card: ₹200
The rest is for emergencies/miscellaneous.

How to Start:

Gain Experience: If you're new, offer to pet-sit for friends or family for free to get experience and testimonials.
Be Professional: Create a simple profile detailing your experience with animals, your rates, and your contact info.
Set Your Rates: Charge per walk (e.g., ₹100 for a 30-minute walk) or per day for pet-sitting (e.g., ₹500/day).

How to Get Your First Customers: Post on your society's notice board. Inform local pet shops and veterinary clinics about your service; they often get requests for sitters.

21. Gardening & Plant Care Service

The Big Idea: Many people love having plants in their balconies and homes but don't have the time or knowledge to care for them. You can offer services like watering plants, adding manure, pruning, and re-potting.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Basic Gardening Tools (Trowel, Pruning Shears, Gloves): ₹600
Good Quality Manure/Fertiliser: ₹400

How to Start:

Learn About Plants: Gain knowledge about common houseplants and their needs.
Create Service Packages: Offer a "Weekly Visit" package (watering, checking for pests) or a one-time "Plant Makeover" service (re-potting, adding fresh soil).
Take Before/After Photos: Show how you transformed a dying balcony garden into a lush green space.

How to Get Your First Customers: Start with your own beautiful balcony garden. When neighbours ask, offer your services. Talk to your local plant nursery and see if they can refer clients to you for a commission.

22. Car & Bike Washing Service

The Big Idea: Everyone wants a clean vehicle, but few enjoy washing it themselves. Offer a weekend car/bike washing service right in your residential complex.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

High-Quality Microfiber Cloths: ₹300
Car Shampoo & Polish: ₹400
Buckets & Sponges: ₹300

How to Start:

Go Eco-Friendly: Promote a "low-water" or "waterless" car wash model using special sprays. This is a great selling point in cities with water shortages.
Offer a Subscription: Create a monthly package, e.g., "4 Washes a Month for ₹600." This guarantees you a steady income.
Do a Great Job: A sparkling clean car is your best advertisement. Pay attention to details like tyres and windows.

How to Get Your First Customers: Put up a neat poster on your society's notice board with your rates and phone number. Offer the first wash for a 50% discount to get people to try your service.

23. Ironing (Pressing) Clothes Service

The Big Idea: This is a service that will never go out of demand. Busy professionals and families are always looking for someone to do their ironing. You can offer a pick-up and drop-off service.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

A good quality steam iron (if you don't have one): ₹800-₹1000
A sturdy ironing board.

How to Start:

Set Per-Piece Rates: Check the rates of your local dhobi and set competitive prices. E.g., Shirt: ₹10, Pant: ₹10, Saree: ₹40.
Promise Quick Turnaround: Offer a 24-hour or 48-hour delivery promise.
Organise Well: Use cloth bags and tags to ensure you never mix up clothes from different clients.

How to Get Your First Customers: Start with your immediate neighbours. Word of mouth will spread quickly if you provide good quality and timely service.

24. Errand Runner & Local Delivery

The Big Idea: Be the "Dunzo" for your neighbourhood. People often need small tasks done – picking up groceries, dropping off a document, collecting a medical report, or buying something from a specific shop.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

This is mostly for your fuel/transport expenses initially.
Printing some small flyers or visiting cards: ₹200

How to Start:

Define Your Service Area: Stick to a 2-3 km radius to be efficient.
Create a Simple Rate Card: Charge per task (e.g., ₹50 for any task within 2 km) or by the hour.
Be Reliable and Trustworthy: This business runs on trust. Punctuality and good communication are key.

How to Get Your First Customers: Post your services in your society WhatsApp group. Let your local kirana store owner know about you; they can refer customers who want home delivery.

25. Senior Citizen Assistance

The Big Idea: Many senior citizens live alone and need help with non-medical tasks like paying bills online, booking appointments, reading the newspaper, or simply having a conversation. This is a noble and much-needed service.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

No real investment needed, just your time and compassion. Maybe a good smartphone to help them with digital tasks.

How to Start:

Be Patient and Empathetic: This service requires a kind and gentle personality.
List the Services You Can Offer: Tech help (video calls, online payments), companionship, reading, accompanying them on walks.
Get Verified: Getting a police verification check can help build trust with their families.

How to Get Your First Customers: Talk to the secretary or management of your residential society. They can help spread the word. Connect with local community centres or clubs for senior citizens.

Category 5: Reselling & Other Ideas (Smart Hustles)

These ideas are about being resourceful and spotting opportunities.

26. Thrift Flipping (Clothes Reselling)

The Big Idea: Buy good quality, fashionable second-hand clothes from local markets or online, clean them, style them well, and sell them for a profit on platforms like Instagram or Poshmark.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Your entire budget goes into buying your first batch of clothes (inventory).

How to Start:

Find Your Niche: Focus on a specific style, like ethnic wear, vintage shirts, or branded denim.
Learn to Spot Deals: Visit flea markets like Sarojini Nagar (Delhi) or Colaba Causeway (Mumbai) or browse OLX to find hidden gems.
Presentation is Everything: Wash and iron the clothes. Take great photos of them, maybe by wearing them yourself or using a mannequin.

How to Get Your First Customers: Create an Instagram page with a catchy name like "Bombay Thrift Finds." Use detailed descriptions, including measurements. Engage with the "thrifting" community online.

27. Used Book Reselling

The Big Idea: Similar to clothes, there's a huge market for second-hand books, especially for students (textbooks) and fiction lovers.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Your budget is for sourcing your first lot of books.

How to Start:

Source Books Cheaply: Buy books in bulk from Sunday book markets (like in Daryaganj, Delhi) or from people who are moving houses.
Know Your Market: Bestselling fiction, non-fiction, and college textbooks sell the fastest.
Sell Online: List the books on Amazon Marketplace or create an Instagram page for book lovers. Post clear pictures of the book's cover and condition.

How to Get Your First Customers: Join Facebook groups for book readers in your city. Offer cash on delivery or local pickup to build trust initially.

28. Mobile Phone Repair (Minor Fixes)

The Big Idea: If you are tech-savvy, you can learn to do minor mobile repairs like screen guard application, changing a back panel, or cleaning a charging port. These are high-demand services.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

A basic mobile repair toolkit: ₹700
A stock of popular screen guards: ₹300

How to Start:

Learn from YouTube: There are thousands of detailed tutorials on how to perform basic repairs for different phone models.
Start with Friends' Phones: Practice on old or friends' phones to build confidence before you start charging.
Focus on Quick Fixes: Don't start with motherboard repairs. Stick to simple, high-frequency problems.

How to Get Your First Customers: Let everyone in your college or office know that you do this. You'll become the go-to person for phone troubles.

29. Affiliate Marketing (Blog/Social Media)

The Big Idea: Affiliate marketing is where you promote other companies' products. When someone buys through your unique link, you get a commission. Your ₹1000 can be used to set up a basic blog or run small social media ads.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Domain name and a year of basic hosting: approx. ₹1000 (with offers).

How to Start:

Choose a Niche You Love: e.g., smartphones, makeup, books, or kitchen appliances.
Create Content: Write reviews, comparison articles ("Best Phones Under ₹15,000"), or "Top 10" lists.
Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for programs like Amazon Associates. It's free. Place your affiliate links naturally within your content.

How to Get Your First Customers: This is a long-term game. Share your articles on platforms like Quora, Reddit, and Facebook groups related to your niche to get initial traffic.

30. Renting out Your Things

The Big Idea: You probably own things that other people might need for a short time. You can rent them out for a fee.

Investment Breakdown (Approx. ₹1000):

Zero investment needed if you already own the items. The money can be used to create flyers or a small security deposit.

What Can You Rent?

A DSLR camera for a weekend trip.
A bicycle or an electric scooter.
Party supplies like extra chairs or large speakers.
Video games or a gaming console.
Formal wear like a suit or a fancy saree.

How to Start:

Make an Inventory: List down all the items you own that have rental potential.
Set Rental Prices & a Security Deposit: Decide on a daily or weekly rental fee. Always take a security deposit.
Create a Simple Agreement: Write a one-page agreement that the borrower signs.

How to Get Your First Customers: This works best within a trusted community. Post a list of your available items on your society's WhatsApp group or a college friends' group.

How to Choose the Right Idea for You?

Feeling overwhelmed with choices? Ask yourself these three questions:

What am I good at? (Skill): Are you a great cook, a good writer, or a creative artist?
What do I enjoy doing? (Passion): You'll be spending your extra time on this, so it should be something you love.
What do people around me need? (Market): Is there a demand for your skill or product in your locality or online?

The best idea for you lies at the intersection of these three circles.

Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now

We've just explored 30 different paths to earning extra income, each starting with less than what you'd spend on a weekend movie outing.

The biggest mistake is waiting for the "perfect" idea or "more" capital. The secret is to start small, start now. Pick one idea from this list that excites you the most. Spend the next 48 hours researching it. And by this weekend, take the first step. Buy the raw materials. Create your Instagram page. Make your first product.

Your ₹1000 is not just money. It's a seed. Plant it today, nurture it with your hard work, and watch it grow into a tree of financial independence.

About the Author: Venugopal.G is the founder of Build Your Side Biz and a 25-year marketing veteran. After a long career launching products and building brands, his mission is now to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the practical knowledge and confidence needed to succeed. Read his full story here.

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Leave a comment below and tell us: Which idea are you most excited to try?