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Ten Great Business Ideas that Will Make You Money in 2024.

Nebojsa Vujinovic

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You might feel like you have the entrepreneurial spirit but are unsure what business idea you should pursue. Seeing all the possibilities in front of your eyes could be the key to taking the next step.

Recent research by Pew Research Center found that employees are most likely to quit their jobs due to low pay and lack of opportunities for advancement. Many professionals are looking for alternative careers. If you are one of these people, it may be time to start your own business.

BYOB (That’s “being yourself boss”) It can be a viable way to achieve financial independence. Which business idea is correct? These ten proven business ideas will help you start your entrepreneurial journey.

#1: Start an online course

E-learning was valued at $250 billion in 2020. It is expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2027. Online courses are an excellent option for anyone with a computer and a message to share. They have low startup costs and high-profit margins.

Online courses can only be successful if you have an audience. This can take many years to build. Skillshare, an online course marketplace, can help you solve the “no audience” problem. Liana M. Douillet Guzman, Chief Marketing Officer at Skillshare, says that your online course does not have to be as long to make it profitable.

She says that engaging content is key to success as a Skillshare instructor. It should be easy to digest, project-based and personal. “Most classes have an hour of prerecorded video content, broken down into short videos of between 2 and 5 minutes. Instead of teaching a wide range of skills, the most successful classes focus on a specific skill or concept.

Guzman says, “Once your content is uploaded, you can make passive income without additional work.” We find that teachers enjoy the platform and continue to interact with students even after classes are posted. Teachers get paid from a royalties pool based on how many people watch their style. As the teacher assigns more categories, the chance for others to view your content increases. This encourages teachers to build their Skillshare presence and become successful online creators.

Guzman points out that even one workshop or class can generate substantial residual income.

“Our top teachers make on average $2,000 per month. Some of our teachers can even pay their rent using earnings from one class.”

#2: Lease or rent existing assets

Airbnb was a new concept that allowed people to rent out their homes for a weekend. The “sublet economy,” which has been around for nearly 15 years, is now mainstream. Many “Airbnb For X” startups can help people make money from their existing assets. The latest “sublet economy options” include:

  • Ringo is a platform that allows you to rent your vehicle or book one for your next road trip.
  • Turo is the largest global car-sharing marketplace
  • The spacer is a marketplace for parking spaces and garages
  • It is a platform that lets you sublet someone’s pool.

You can sit on a yacht that isn’t being used or a private plane. Please call me. Kidding – you could also use Jettly or Boatsetter to generate additional residual income.

#3: A white label for a beauty or wellbeing product

It can be expensive and difficult to manufacture a skincare or wellness product from scratch. Have you reviewed all FDA regulations if your next great idea falls within this category? These industries are known for their multi-year timelines.

If you are starting, white labeling can be a great compromise. JBK Wellness Labs is an Inc. 5000 company that notes white labeling can be an excellent addition for salon owners, hairdressers, and beauty influencers who wish to add their branding to proven formulas.

Dr. Jenelle Kim is the JBK Wellness Labs’ Chief Formulator and Founder. “White labeling high-quality formulas gives you an opportunity to increase retail sales revenue with products that have higher profit margins,” she says. Additionally, clients cannot repurchase products purchased on e-commerce sites. This leads to higher visits to your office.

#4: Start freelancing

Millions of freelancers have been able to supplement their income through online job platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Another sign of the shift in employment opportunities is LinkedIn’s recent expansion of its ProFinder platform.

Are you able to write? Do you have skills in social media, video, or coding? You might be surprised by the response when you offer your talents online to people looking for them. Virtual assistant work is highly sought after and requires a keen eye for detail. Clients will also tell you what they need.

If you want to increase your income but don’t want to quit your 9-to-5 job, freelance work can be a great option. Contrary to popular belief, many entrepreneurs who succeed have started as side hustles and validated the value of their idea before they leap.

#5: Get into the creator economy

Snap, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook are just a few of the many online platforms that have allocated funds for creators. Big tech platforms are looking for content creators who have something to share.

To monetize your platform, most platforms need to have a certain amount of traction. YouTube’s Partner Program requires that channel owners have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public hours.

Adam Erhart is a YouTube marketing strategist who has over 100,000 subscribers. He notes that these benchmarks can take time for different industries and platforms. However, you have complete control over the content production process.

He says that YouTube gives you the option of how fast you want to publish and produce your videos. You have to post 30 videos to reach specific watch time and subscriber benchmarks. It is up to you to decide how fast you want it to happen.

“Those first few dollars are extremely motivating and powerful, because they give proof that you are doing something right.”

Erhart also noted that the most common mistake made by new creators is to focus too much on creating content about them instead of what viewers want.

He says that if you research the types of videos people in your niche create, you will be able to go into filming with a clear understanding of what type of video you are making and why. “Most creators skip this step, and their videos don’t get published.”

#6: Host an informal group program

Do you want to work with many customers or clients at once? You might consider offering a live group program with a clear start and end.

Since the outbreak, virtual group programs have rapidly increased in popularity. Online book clubs, social clubs, and fitness challenges quickly become viable business models. Talk about how group programs can be more fun and cost-effective than working one-on-one when marketing them.

Pro tip: Test your online course idea first in a workshop or group setting. This allows you to work out the kinks and see what your customers want and need. It also helps you understand how they use the tools and ideas. This also enables you to avoid creating and launching an unpopular online course (which I know from experience – is not fun).

#7: Become an Affiliate for Your Favorite Brands

If creating your program, service, or product seems daunting, you might consider borrowing from someone else’s successful offer. Multi-level marketing schemes and pyramid schemes give affiliate marketing a bad name, but many software and products ethically rely upon referral links to grow their customer base.

Think about ways to make affiliate marketing different. This is a situation where everyone is selling the same product. Come up with ways to stand out.

#8: Start a paid newsletter/subscription

Many professionals choose to be creators and create their subscriptions. An internet connection is all you need to start your own niche media company if you can quickly create valuable content.

Substack and Patreon are similar platforms. They allow content creators to sell directly through their fans while taking a cut from the sales. Silicon Valley is buzzing about the business model. Last year, The Information published its Creator Economy database. It noted that U.S.-based creator startups had raised several billions of dollars in funding by 2024.

#9: Offer home delivery services

Many of us have become accustomed to delivering our goods to our homes over the past two years. A whole new range of home delivery services has opened up.

Are you able to see a need for items and services to be delivered to your home regularly? You might have the next profitable business idea if you answered yes.

Here, the sky is the limit. Los Angeles, fifth-floor apartment. My dog refuses to use the elevator or stairs, so we have a sod delivery service drop fresh grass on our balcony twice a week. This is true – and well worth every penny. Pricing psychology says that “the premium you charge is what you create.” Don’t be afraid of being creative.

#10: Get into e-commerce

E-commerce is a hugely popular industry. Tools like Shopify, Fulfillment By Amazon, and others have made it possible to bring your innovative product on the market in weeks or months instead of years. E-commerce companies have become so popular that venture-funded aggregators such as Thrasio or Perch are available to acquire your product-based company. You can also create your product and brand identity.

One caution: E-commerce can sometimes rely on global supply chains being in good shape. The last two years have been a logistic nightmare. This approach is best if you are familiar with the manufacturing and shipping requirements your company will have to meet.

While it takes time to get the product right, revenue will begin to flow once you start to dial in your marketing and shipping efforts. This is also true for the other examples. Try something new this year, and you may find yourself in the CEO chair sooner than you think.

Hi, my name is Nebojša, and I've been involved in digital marketing for over 15 years. I've written for various websites, covering a wide range of topics. I'm particularly interested in subjects like technology, gaming, app development, and I also have a passion for automobiles. Additionally, I work on SEO optimization. In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, traveling and spending time with my wife and daughter.

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How Interim CFOs Improve Financial Control

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In today’s rapidly shifting economic landscape, businesses often find themselves navigating uncharted waters. Financial control is more critical than ever, and for many organizations, the presence of an Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can be a transformative catalyst.

These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience, ready to tackle the myriad challenges that arise when fiscal uncertainty looms large. An Interim CFO doesn’t just step in to fill a gap; they strategically reshape financial frameworks, implement robust controls, and establish rigorous reporting standards.

Whether it’s during times of transition, crisis management, or growth initiatives, their insights and expertise can mean the difference between stability and chaos. This article delves into the pivotal role Interim CFOs play in enhancing financial governance and ensuring that organizations emerge stronger from turbulent periods.

Assessing Financial Health

Source: bridgepointconsulting.com

Assessing financial health is a critical undertaking that interim CFOs approach with both rigor and insight. They dive deep into the numbers, examining everything from cash flow to profitability margins, understanding that each figure tells a story. This analysis goes beyond mere data; it weaves together trends, forecasts, and historical performance to create a comprehensive picture of the organization’s fiscal vitality.

Are there hidden costs lurking in operational expenses? Is revenue being maximized? These questions demand answers, and interim CFOs are adept at uncovering the nuances within financial statements. Their keen eye for detail allows them to identify both strengths and weaknesses within the financial framework, paving the way for strategic adjustments that can enhance both stability and growth.

In this dance of digits, agility is essential—because in the world of finance, timing can be everything.

Implementing Robust Financial Controls

Source: news24.com

Implementing robust financial controls is a critical step that interim CFOs take to fortify an organization\’s fiscal health. These controls serve as a safeguard, ensuring that financial processes are not only efficient but also transparent.

Picture a web of interconnected policies and procedures—document reviews, approval processes, and compliance checks—all woven together to minimize risk and prevent errors. An interim CFO often steps into a firm with fresh eyes, identifying gaps that may have eluded others for years.

They might introduce sophisticated auditing techniques while also streamlining simple tasks to foster a culture of accountability. By engaging teams in this process, they not only enhance accuracy but also empower staff to take ownership of their roles within the financial ecosystem.

In this intricate landscape, a strong framework of financial controls acts as both a compass and a shield, guiding decisions while protecting the organization from unforeseen pitfalls.

Enhancing Budgeting and Forecasting

Source: onboardingofficers.co.uk

Interim CFOs bring a fresh perspective to the often mundane world of budgeting and forecasting, transforming it into a dynamic tool for strategic insight. With their diverse experiences across industries, these financial leaders adeptly dissect existing budgets, uncoupling inefficient patterns and illuminating overlooked opportunities.

They introduce sophisticated modeling techniques that integrate historical data with real-time market trends, enabling organizations to anticipate shifts and respond with agility. Moreover, by fostering collaboration between departments, they craft a more inclusive budgeting process, one that aligns financial goals with operational realities.

The result? A robust financial roadmap that not only guides the present but also charts a course toward future growth, empowering businesses to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interim CFOs play a pivotal role in enhancing financial control within organizations by bringing specialized expertise, fresh perspectives, and immediate operational efficiency. Their ability to swiftly assess financial systems, implement necessary changes, and provide strategic guidance allows companies, especially during transitional periods, to maintain stability and achieve their financial objectives.

Organizations looking to optimize their financial oversight should consider the strategic advantage of engaging interim CFOs to navigate complexities and foster growth. For more insights on leveraging financial expertise, visit www.fdcapital.co.uk to explore how interim solutions can elevate your businesss financial management.

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How to Cut Costs on Shipping to Amazon Warehouses – 2025 Update

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Costs on Shipping to Amazon Warehouses

Shipping products to Amazon FBA warehouses is a major expense for third-party sellers. Whether you’re shipping a single box via SPD (Small Parcel Delivery) or pallet loads through LTL/FTL (Less Than Truckload/Full Truckload), shipping costs can eat up 15% to 40% of your total margin if not carefully optimized.

In 2025, with higher fuel surcharges, regional delivery bottlenecks, and Amazon’s stricter FBA receiving policies, cutting shipping costs is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for profitability.

Checklist for Cutting Amazon FBA Shipping Costs

Action Benefit
Use Partnered Carriers Save 30–70% on SPD/LTL rates
Consolidate into LTL when possible Reduce per-unit cost and handling fees
Ship from prep centers near FCs Shorten the last-mile distance
Use standard box/pallet dimensions Avoid oversized penalties
Automate with FBA software tools Reduce labor cost, avoid prep errors

1. Choose the Right Shipping Method: SPD vs. LTL/FTL

Many sellers default to SPD because it’s familiar and easier to set up. But as your shipment volume grows, this method quickly becomes inefficient. If you’re sending multiple boxes regularly, switching to LTL or FTL can significantly lower your per-unit cost.

LTL is ideal for 1–4 pallets, while FTL becomes more economical once you’re shipping 20+ pallets. The larger and more frequent your shipments, the more you save through freight consolidation and pallet optimization.

Shipping Method Best For Typical Volume Cost Efficiency
SPD (Small Parcel) Low-volume shipments (<150 lbs per box) Under 10 boxes Low to Moderate
LTL (Less Than Truckload) Medium-volume shipments 1–4 pallets High for consolidated loads
FTL (Full Truckload) Large shipments to one FC 20+ pallets Very high if volume allows

Always run a side-by-side cost analysis between Amazon’s partnered LTL and SPD options for the same shipment. Even at lower volumes, LTL can beat SPD in cost-per-unit when handled correctly.

2. Optimize Box and Pallet Dimensions

Optimized box and pallet stacking system inside Amazon warehouses for space efficiency

Smartly stacked boxes and pallets in Amazon warehouses highlight how optimizing dimensions helps maximize space utilization

Dimensional weight pricing has become the standard for carriers, meaning your shipping bill depends as much on volume as on actual weight. Oversized packaging, under-filled boxes, or poorly stacked pallets all translate into wasted money.

Even minor changes to your box dimensions can cut down on shipping charges significantly. It’s especially important to standardize carton sizes across SKUs and ensure you’re getting the most efficient stackability when using LTL or FTL.

Packaging Type Cost Impact Optimization Tip
Oversized Boxes Higher per-unit cost + surcharges Split items into smaller boxes
Inconsistent Sizes Inefficient pallet use Use standard cartons
Poor Pallet Stacking May result in Amazon rejections Follow Amazon’s FBA pallet guidelines

A Freightos shipping case study found that by trimming box height by just 2 inches across 300 monthly units, one seller saved $420 in dimensional weight charges over 30 days.

3. Consolidate Shipments Strategically

Frequent small shipments often result in higher per-unit shipping costs, more carrier pickups, and a higher likelihood of fulfillment center delays. Consolidating multiple small shipments into a single, well-organized load saves on handling and often qualifies for better freight rates.

More importantly, Amazon prefers well-labeled, bulk deliveries over fragmented ones, which can
delay check-ins during peak seasons.

Scenario Estimated Monthly Shipping Cost With Consolidation
4 SPD shipments × 10 boxes $900 $540
1 LTL pallet shipment (same qty) $480

If you’re using a prep center or 3PL, schedule shipments biweekly or monthly instead of weekly. Many centers will hold goods for a few extra days to help you consolidate at no added cost.

4. Use a Prep Center Near Amazon FCs

Organized prep center near Amazon warehouses with boxes ready for dispatch

A prep center near Amazon warehouses ensures faster and more accurate processing of shipments ready for dispatch

Shipping across the country adds avoidable costs, especially if your inventory is already located closer to Amazon’s main fulfillment hubs, according to Dollan Prep Center. Working with a prep center within a short distance of Amazon’s major FCs helps you reduce last-mile freight charges, shorten delivery windows, and reduce potential delays during appointment scheduling.

This also increases the chances of faster check-ins and fewer rescheduling penalties.

Top FC Regions Benefits of Nearby Prep Centers
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Central location, multiple nearby Amazon FCs
Hebron, KY Common FBA inbound point for East Coast sellers
Moreno Valley, CA Ideal for West Coast imports from Asia
Allentown, PA High Amazon FC density, fast East Coast distribution

Relocating your prep and storage from the West Coast to Kentucky or Ohio can reduce per-pallet shipping costs by 20–30%, especially for sellers distributing nationwide.

5. Leverage Amazon’s Partnered Carrier Program

Amazon offers discounted rates through its partnered carrier program, which includes both UPS for SPD shipments and several freight providers for LTL and FTL loads. These discounts are only available if you create shipments directly through Seller Central and use Amazon’s pre-approved carriers.

In most cases, Amazon’s partnered rates beat outside quotes, even those from negotiated commercial accounts.

Service Estimated Discount
Partnered SPD (UPS) 30%–50%
Partnered LTL (XPO, CEVA, etc.) 40%–70%

While you must comply with Amazon’s strict packaging and labeling requirements to access these rates, the savings are substantial, l—especially for high-volume sellers or those regularly shipping to distant FCs.

6. Reduce Rejected Shipments with Better Labeling and Packing

Stacked cardboard boxes in Amazon warehouses, illustrating efforts to reduce rejected shipments

Neatly stacked boxes in Amazon warehouses demonstrate strategies to reduce rejected shipments and improve delivery efficiency

FBA rejections are costly and often entirely avoidable. If your shipment arrives with incorrect labels, mixed SKUs, damaged boxes, or non-standard pallets, Amazon may either reject the shipment or charge you additional fees for correction.

These mistakes lead to delays, inventory miscounts, and wasted freight costs. Proper prep practices—including double-checking barcode placements and securely packing all cartons—go a long way in avoiding financial hits.

Mistake Possible Charge
Wrong label placement $0.20–$0.30 per unit
Unscannable barcode $0.15–$0.40 per unit
Rejected pallet Full reshipment cost

Based on Amazon seller reports, approximately 1 in 5 shipments that result in receiving delays are traced back to labeling or prep errors, ot transport problems.

7. Compare 3PL and Freight Forwarder Rates

Freight pricing varies widely depending on your route, volume, and carrier network. Many sellers overlook potential savings by sticking with default options like Amazon Partnered LTL when they could secure lower rates via third-party logistics (3PL) providers or freight brokers.

For international shipments, especially from Asia, consider FBA-friendly freight forwarders who understand Amazon labeling and delivery protocols.

Shipping Scenario Amazon Partnered Rate 3PL Broker Rate Savings Potential
3 pallets to California FC $620 $520 ~$100 (16%)
Full container from China $2,400 $1,800 ~$600 (25%)

Always confirm that your 3PL or freight broker can handle Amazon’s strict delivery appointments and ASN documentation. Mishandled deliveries can delay check-in by days or even weeks.

8. Use Software to Automate and Optimize Shipping

Managing logistics manually might work at a small scale, but as your operation grows, automation is critical. FBA-compatible software can help you generate labels, track freight costs, schedule restocks, and reduce prep errors.

Most tools also offer data dashboards that allow you to compare historical shipping costs and identify which products are the most expensive to move.

Tool Functionality
InventoryLab Shipment creation, cost tracking, and label printing
RestockPro Restocking suggestions and forecasting
ShipStation Multi-carrier shipping rate comparisons
Sellerboard Profit analysis, including logistics cost modeling

Automating shipment creation and integrating freight cost visibility into your inventory management can help reduce administrative time by 20–30% and prevent avoidable prep center errors.

9. Negotiate Better Terms with Your Prep or Freight Providers

Shipping costs are not always fixed. If you’re consistently sending volume to FBA, you have leverage. Many prep centers, LTL brokers, and freight forwarders offer volume discounts, flat fees per pallet, or reduced storage costs if you ask.

Review your past 3–6 months of shipping data, calculate your average pallet count, and initiate a negotiation with your vendors.

Tip: Sellers averaging 10+ pallets per month can often secure flat monthly pallet rates, discounted receiving, or free shrink-wrapping—terms that reduce your cost per unit long term.

10. Eliminate Dead Weight: Audit Unprofitable Shipments

Cardboard boxes on shelves in Amazon warehouses focused on eliminating dead weight in shipments

A focus on eliminating dead weight in Amazon warehouses leads to lighter, more cost-effective shipments

Not every product is worth shipping. It’s easy to fall into the trap of sending every piece of inventory to FBA, regardless of sales velocity or margin. Always review your SKU profitability before creating a shipment.

If a product yields less than $5 net profit after shipping and FBA fees, it may not be worth warehousing, especially if it ties up cash flow or increases long-term storage fees.

Sellers who regularly audit their shipping loads and purge underperforming inventory can reduce overall FBA shipping costs by 15–25%, according to Helium 10 seller data from Q4 2024.

Conclusion

Shipping costs are one of the easiest areas to improve once you understand the variables that impact pricing, from carton sizes to shipping method selection, from software automation to vendor negotiation.

In 2025, sellers who optimize these components can see thousands in annual savings and increase their margins without selling a single extra unit. Whether you’re operating at 500 units per month or 50,000, controlling your logistics pipeline will separate your business from competitors who let costs run unchecked.

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Post-Purchase Customer Experience – Why It’s the Key to Retention and Loyalty

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In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, securing a sale is just the beginning of the customer journey, not the end. Post-purchase customer experience has emerged as a pivotal aspect of not only retaining clients but also building unwavering loyalty.

Once the transaction is completed, a new chapter unfolds—one that can either transform a one-time buyer into a lifelong advocate or reduce them to just another statistic in the sea of disengaged consumers. Every interaction a customer has after the purchase, from personalized follow-ups to seamless customer support, plays a crucial role in shaping their perception of your brand.

As the dust settles on their initial decision to buy, it’s the ongoing experiences that will ultimately determine whether they return for more or drift away into the clutches of competitors. Understanding and optimizing this journey is not merely an option anymore; it’s a necessity for businesses striving to cultivate lasting relationships in a world where choices abound.

The Path to Loyalty: How Post-Purchase Experience Shapes Customer Relationships

Source: reverselogix.com

The journey to fostering customer loyalty begins long after the initial purchase is made; it is intricately woven into the fabric of the post-purchase experience. Picture this: a customer who eagerly anticipates their delivery, receiving a thoughtful follow-up email that not only confirms shipment but also includes tips for maximizing the product’s use—this simple gesture cultivates a sense of connection.

Afterward, a timely survey asking for feedback demonstrates that their voice matters, transforming a transactional relationship into a dialogue. Each element, from personalized recommendations based on their purchase history to dedicated customer support, deepens trust and enhances the emotional bond.

In this ever-competitive landscape, understanding that retention hinges not on the initial sale, but on the entire journey afterwards, can unlock the secret to creating lifelong advocates for your brand.

Beyond the Sale: The Critical Role of Aftercare in Customer Retention

Source: globalresponse.com

In the whirlwind of commerce, where transactions often take center stage, one critical aspect frequently slips through the cracks: aftercare. This pivotal phase begins the moment a customer clicks “confirm” on their order, extending well beyond the point of sale.

It’s not merely a follow-up; it’s a commitment to nurturing the relationship, a chance to reinforce the connection established during their buying journey. Think of aftercare as the secret sauce of customer loyalty—personalized messages, helpful tips, and timely support can transform an ordinary experience into an extraordinary one.

Customers who feel valued and supported are more likely to return, not just for the products they cherish but for the community and service that accompany them. In a landscape flooded with choices, businesses that prioritize aftercare don’t just sell products; they cultivate loyalty, turning one-time buyers into lifelong advocates.

Conclusion

Source: youngurbanproject.com

In conclusion, the post-purchase customer experience is a critical pillar in fostering retention and loyalty among consumers. By understanding and enhancing this stage of the customer journey, businesses can build lasting relationships that go beyond a single transaction.

Effective post-purchase marketing not only reinforces the value of the initial purchase but also encourages repeat business through personalized communication and ongoing engagement. As companies strive to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape, prioritizing the post-purchase experience will prove essential in transforming customers into brand advocates, ultimately driving sustainable growth and long-term success.

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