The 15 Best Business Ideas & Sectors That Thrive In A Recession
 1. Good Looks
For every ten jobs available in this recession, there are at least 35 people vying for the positions. A job applicant need the edge, and looking good is part of it. Make-up, clothing, image consultants, resume writers, and even manners training are in demand. |
2. Self-Help
In a recession, consumer spending in the self-help niche goes up dramatically. Consumers are looking to buy hope. Write a book, start a website and/or give seminars revolving around your self-help expertise. |
3. Go Green
In a recession, consumers want to spend less and like the idea of green bragging rights. Launch a green business to help consumers spend less and feel environmentally conscious when the do. |
4. E-Bay The “Cheap Way”
People want cheap. Forget trying to go toe-to-toe with the established “cheap” players like Wal-Mart and Costco. But you can get a business going on E-Bay. Pick a niche, find a discount wholesaler selling discontinued name brand items, and start moving them on E-bay. This is a risky move, since you only make money when you move serious volume. |
5. E-Bay The “Quality Play”
The other things people buy in a recession are micro-luxuries. The things that make up for the emotional loss of skipping the vacation or forgoing the home renovation this year. Are you able to make niche products? Sell them on E-bay. |
 6. Sue ‘Em
I am NOT suggesting you sue anybody, but perhaps you want to get into the business. Expert witnesses give testimony on any of a million fields of expertise. As the recession builds more people than ever are suing. Consider starting a business as an expert witness or a law firm. |
7. Import & Export
As the dollar weakens more stuff will ship out of the U.S., and lord knows tons of stuff is always being shipped in. Less stuff may be moving around now, but a competitive niche player may break out. |
8. Fast Food (Kinda)
Less people are going to traditional sit down restaurants and more people are picking up “semi-fast food.” Pizza, Chinese take-out and even Indian take-out are all on the increase. |
 9. Vices
More drinkers are drinking more. More smokers are smoking more. Vices are classic micro luxuries and always see an increase in consumption during a down economy. I not suggesting you start a moon shine business, well, kinda. |
10. Freelancing
I am NOT suggesting you become a freelancer, since that is simply a job with multiple bosses. What I am suggesting is you launch a business that brings freelancers to consumers. Start an association for freelancers, or pick a niche and bring in freelancers to fill the work while you sell it. Think freelancing from an entrepreneurs mind set. |
 11. Maintenance & Repair Services
In a recession, consumers will hold on to the things they already have longer. Auto repair, computer repair, and appliance maintenance are often sure bets. Avoid the stuff that people can do themselves (like carpet cleaning) or don’t feel the immediate “pain” if it is ignored (like chimney sweeping), instead pick maintenance of large ticket items that are depended on (like the refrigerator). |
12. Tax Preparation
Everyone wants to save every dollar they can when it comes to taxes. Observe the model used by H&R block – taking their fee out of the consumers “savings.” The consumer gets so of their money back and H&R makes lot’s of money – that is a no brainer for many consumers and a huge opportunity for you. |
13. Equipment Rentals
A lot more do-it-yourselfers come about in a recession than any other economic climate. If the toilet ain’t flushing, someone needs to fix it. If the decks is bowing, someone needs to sure it up. Rental businesses see an increase in mid-range and low-end do-it-yourself equipment. |
 14. Staging
Home staging, office organizing and outdoor improvements are all needed in a recession. When it comes to encouraging a prospective buyer or renter, looks are (almost) everything. Instead of expensive home rehabilitation’s or landscape makeovers, consumers want to use what they already have – but just make it look better. Services that leverage the stuff that people already have are selling a lot more, than services that require new stuff. |
15. Consignment Sales
So by now, you probably have figured out that consumers want things on the cheap. But what about you, you need to provide inventory on the cheap. The answer is consignment. But don’t be a pawn shop, per se. Pick a category, a niche, and dominate it. That will give you a great reputation with both buyers and sellers! |
Subscribe to Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Blog! Just click on this, confirm you are a living human, and we’ll email you every time we have a new post (but will NEVER spam you).
January 22nd, 2009
Great ideas, I wouldn’t have thought about adding good looks to the list, but it makes sense. Anything to help you get the edge over the competition.
Doug
January 22nd, 2009
Great post – I have to say that I feel darn lucky to have a few of these going on. The recession has been very good to my business!
Thanks for sharing -
January 22nd, 2009
Excellent list! Several surprised me but after some thought I realized they made sense.
Mark
January 22nd, 2009
@Doug & Cheryl – I was going to include the porn industry. But after my research (A LOT of in-depth research)… I found that while there is increasing demand, the free availability is a huge barrier to get pass to launch a business.
- Mike
January 22nd, 2009
Good information thank you. What about the Financial niche? Based upon our present financial crisis. Wouldn’t be beneficial to target clients in foreclosure distress.
Assist in All aspects of the Foreclosure Process – For “Free” Consultation – Home Rescue Programs
January 22nd, 2009
Very interesting. I wouldn’t have necessarily thought that staging would be recession-proof, especially with all that is going on in the housing market. I suppose this just goes to prove that research is always an important aspect of any business.
January 22nd, 2009
I like the computer repair business, since I am familiar with it. I can do it cheap also.
January 22nd, 2009
An alternative to the cost of the porn industry is the “toy” industry which combines self-help, vices, (makes good looks less important), micro-luxury and also yields reduction in stress. According to the NY Times and a recent show on Oprah, the toy business is booming.
January 22nd, 2009
I’m surprised ‘Travel’ wasn’t included on the list. Many people are still traveling. Did you all see the Millions of folks in D.C. for the inaugeration? You know how many people who can’t pay their mortgage but they’re considering going to visit a friend or relative? With tax season upon us many people are using their refund to take their mind off all the ’stress’ of today. http://www.ytbtravel.com/kellyfarrell
January 22nd, 2009
I’ve been told I have a face for radio, so I guess that leaves me with only 14 ideas. As usual good stuff Mike.
Matt
January 23rd, 2009
@CvilleDiva – Increase in the “toy” industry? Any particular “toys” that are hot items.
@Matt – Hey! We all can’t be Angelina Jolie – even though, I secretly want to be.
@Mario – Excellent point. There is big business in financial crisis. A lot of people are foreclosing… and if you can be a business that provides valuable, much needed help, you could do well. Unfortunately the scammers are in there big time right now and ripping people off.
January 23rd, 2009
Excellent list – that’s what I’m talking about – tell me where to focus when stuff is bad.
January 23rd, 2009
Ivana is right, this is a good list to focus on right now and it’s time to get started.
January 24th, 2009
Regarding Item #2 and #9, I would like to take a friendly poll. Ever since I have found this fabulous site, I took very seriously the 3 pieces of toilet paper philosophy and starting with what you have.
Hopefully to the point…I am a successful business woman, currently on hiatus from life.
My husband had 8 years of solid recovery, and had a very long and horrible relapse. He is back in recovery today and living one day at a time.
My point, during his relapse, the family suffered on every level. I was a very healthy health and life insurance agent, life was and is good.
My true PASSION, will always be helping families of alcoholics. ( I promise I am getting to a point soon.)
So, combining #2 and #9 from your recession proof list above
My dream job/life would be to speak to small group settings iin North America, about the impact addiction has on the family, and helping families understand addiction. The Alcholic is not the only one who suffers from Addiction, the whole family is seriously affected.
So I was thinking of advertising in local newspapers, small intimate lectures series on Hope for Families of Addicts. Any thought? Any Ideas? Would people attend this type of lecture since there is such a stigma attached to it? I read here last week, that in times of recession, people will always buy hope.
I believe that as these economic times worsen, much more families will be affected by this disease, and would love to reach out and help. What do you think? You may reply personally if you like to powerless@live.ca
Thanks for caring….
C
January 25th, 2009
I would have to disagree with #3.
There is good evidence that the green industry is suffering in a major way right now between the lower gas prices and the bad economy. Cash is king right now, and no one wants to pay for an “investment” in efficiency that will be recouped in 3-7 years.
All studies and polls I’ve seen in the last few months show this to be true.
February 2nd, 2009
I am surpirsed that Marketing as a whole or in part was not mentioned. We know a few things in this economy, If people are not happy, they shop competitors and this climate (which is re-writing history) says, do something different.
If business do nothing they will fail. How so? If competitors around them go out of buisness and you do nothing, they will not know about you. If you don’t re-invent yourself, they won’t know about you either. either way… DO SOMETHING to stand out and ‘get noticed’
February 6th, 2009
2 and 9, hands down. And as for 9 all you have to do is follow the stocks of spirits companies. And self-help is always important personally and professionally. If you are in the self-industry make sure your company has a professional presence because people are also more critical and expect more value during my challenging times. And for some your ultimate success is about appearance on the outside as much as on the inside.
February 22nd, 2009
Great post. I definitely agree with number 9, and I’ve experience personal success with number 4.
February 25th, 2009
Haha… I like selling smokes idea, I think I will start selling weed… perfect time.
March 11th, 2009
Excellent post! Lots of food for thought.
March 27th, 2009
I enjoyed this a lot. Do I have rights to print and hand it out to my clients?
March 27th, 2010
There is obviously sooo much more to read about this. I think you made some good points in Features also.