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There may be endless reasons why you may be looking for a summer side hustle. It could be because your main job is seasonal and you have extra time in summer, or because you have a student looking to make your summer vacation more profitable. Whatever your motivation may be, there are many options to boost your income with a summer side hustle.
The best part? There are plenty of ideas out there that you can start quickly and with just a few, easy to gather supplies. Find out more below!
Iced Coffee Stand
As temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than a cold coffee on a hot day! Whether at a park or at the beach, you can rest assured that people will be happy to pay to enjoy a cup of refreshing coffee!
And, the options are endless here. You can set up an iced coffee table or stand at sports games, farmers’ markets, or busy corners not far from your own home. All that you will need to get started is a folding table, beverage dispensers, and, of course, a cooler with ice.
To make your coffee offer more refined, you may also consider investing in supplies like fair-trade coffee, dairy and non-dairy milk, flavored syrups, takeout cups, and straws. If you have previously worked as a barista or you are a student looking for a side hustle, this may be a great project!
- Startup costs: $75–$200 for a table and the supplies listed above.
- Permits: Be sure to check local regulations, as these may vary. In fact, most cities require basic food handling and sales permits even if you are planning to run a simple sidewalk stand.
- Break-even: If you sell 25–50 drinks at $2–$4 each you can start making profit!
Party Cooler Rentals
Summer is the perfect time of the year for social gatherings, but temperatures can make BBQs, birthday parties, or celebrations a bit of a challenge – especially if there is no pool or beach nearby! Here’s where a cooler can help keep drinks cool and fresh.
You can profit from this demand in a simple way! If you have a few high-quality coolers (or want to invest), you can rent them out on weekends. You can even offer delivery and pickup for extra income!
- Startup costs: $100–$300 for two or three large party coolers, some fliers, and simple Facebook or Instagram ads to get a bit of visibility for your business.
- Permits: Usually, you won’t need any permits for this. But this may change if you consider selling additional party supplies.
- Break-even: You can start covering your cost by securing 2-3 $35 rentals.
Ice Delivery Micro-Service
Local delivery can be a lifesaver, especially in hot climates or during busy summer weekends. If you have a car and a chest freezer, build a micro-service that delivers ice to picnics, parties, food trucks, or weddings. You’ll want to guarantee fast delivery and reliable supply with each order.
It pays to compare ice makers so you can match production speed to your needs. Resources like Ice Machines Plus let you compare different models and production rates, helping you figure out the best setup for your delivery volume.
- Startup costs: $400–$2,000, depending on whether you buy or lease a commercial freezer and ice maker.
- Permits: Basic business license, sometimes a health inspection if you store consumable goods.
- Break-even: With $20–$40 per delivery and low overhead, you can profit after a dozen runs, especially around holidays.
Rental Property or Room
Sometimes, the best idea to make some extra cash in summer is right under your nose! For instance, if you have an extra room, a guest house, or even a vacation property, you may consider renting it in the summer.
Regardless of your location, you can be sure that there is some demand – it’s all about understanding how to tap into it. For instance, in industrial areas, seasonal workers may be looking for short-term stays. However, if your property is located near beaches, tourist attractions, or city centers, you may be able to advertise to tourists. And, of course, don’t overlook the power of seasonal events! If you have a space to rent near summer festivals you can make some easy cash just by renting it out for a week or even a weekend!
- Startup costs: $50–$500 for cleaning, essentials, and minor touch-ups. Be sure to invest in cosmetic upgrades that can make your property go for a higher price!
- Permits: Some cities require a permit or registration for short-term rentals—be sure to check local laws and HOA rules before listing.
- Break-even: Just a few weekends of bookings may cover your costs, especially in high season. If it works out for your finances, you may even rent it throughout the year and create an additional income source. For example, on average, Airbnb hosts make around $14,000 over the year!
The Bottom Line
Above we’ve seen just a few ideas to earn extra cash this summer. But remember that it’s all about your skills, creativity, and strengths. So, think outside the box to offer your community a service they’ll need and love!