Start your online business · Side hustles · 2 min read
Weird Ways People Make Six Figures (and What They Have in Common)
Short answer
Unusual businesses that can reach six figures include niche services like crime scene and biohazard cleanup, professional organizing, pet waste removal, golf ball diving, specialized reselling, custom pet portraits and niche content channels. They work because they solve a specific problem few people want to handle or serve a passionate niche. Income varies widely and is never guaranteed.
The idea that six-figure incomes come only from tech jobs or traditional professions is outdated. Some people earn very well doing things most of us have never considered. Results vary widely and none of these is a guaranteed path, but they show what is possible when you find an underserved niche.
Unusual services with real demand
Biohazard and trauma cleanup
Specialized companies clean up after accidents, unattended deaths and hoarding situations. It is emotionally demanding, requires training and often regulatory compliance, and few people want to do it, which supports higher pricing.
Pet waste removal
Weekly yard cleanup subscriptions for dog owners. Recurring revenue, low startup cost and steady demand in suburban areas.
Professional organizing
Organizers help people declutter homes, closets, garages and offices. Social media has made the before-and-after visible and popular.
Golf ball diving
Divers retrieve balls from golf course ponds, then clean and resell them. Courses often contract the work. It is physically demanding and can be hazardous.
Mascot and character performance
Performers wear costumes for sports teams, events and promotions. Top professional roles are competitive.
Bed bug detection dogs
Handlers with trained dogs inspect hotels, apartments and homes. Requires training and certification.
Unusual online businesses
Niche reselling
Sellers specialize in vintage band shirts, discontinued LEGO sets, rare sneakers or obscure collectibles, using deep knowledge to spot value.
Custom pet portraits
Artists paint or digitally illustrate pets, selling through Etsy, Shopify and social media. Personalization supports good margins.
ASMR and niche video content
Creators earn through ads, sponsorships and memberships on very specific content formats.
Digital templates for oddly specific needs
Spreadsheets for tracking chicken egg production, planners for D&D campaigns, wedding seating chart templates.
Selling unusual products
Some stores focus on quirky items like novelty gifts or unusual collectibles. See the weirdest things to sell online.
What these businesses have in common
- A specific problem or passion: they serve a clear need or obsession.
- Less competition: unusual or unpleasant work deters many people.
- Premium pricing: specialized skill or willingness supports higher rates.
- Recurring or repeat demand in many cases.
- Visible results that make marketing easier (before-and-after, unboxing).
Questions to ask before starting
- Is there consistent demand, or was it a one-time viral moment?
- What licenses, insurance or certifications are needed?
- What are the physical, emotional or financial risks?
- How will customers find me?
- Can I do this sustainably for years?
A reality check
Stories of six-figure weird businesses usually leave out the long hours, slow early months and failed attempts. Treat any income claims online with skepticism and do your own research. Start small, test demand and build gradually.
Finding your own weird niche
- Notice tasks people complain about but avoid
- Look at your own unusual hobbies or knowledge
- Browse local service requests and community groups
- Check marketplaces for niches with few quality sellers
For more lighthearted inspiration, see the silliest businesses to start. For practical next steps, read the easiest business to start in 3 simple steps and does passive income exist.
Frequently asked questions
Are weird businesses easier to succeed in?
Sometimes. Less glamorous or unusual niches can have less competition, but they still require hard work, marketing and good service.
How do unusual businesses find customers?
Often through local search, word of mouth, niche communities and social media content that showcases the unusual work.
Do I need special licenses for these businesses?
Some do, such as biohazard cleanup or pest-related work. Check local regulations before starting.
Platform features, prices and policies change. Check the official help pages linked above before you act on a detail that matters to your store.