10+ Best & Profitable Worst Business Ideas [2023]

Discover the best and the most profitable worst business ideas that you can start in 2023. Find out which business ideas are the least risky, yet offer an attractive return on investment. Get ready to jumpstart your entrepreneurial dreams!
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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This page may feature products from our affiliate partners, which could influence the products we discuss due to potential compensation. Despite this, our evaluations are impartial, based solely on our independent analysis. The content here is intended for informational purposes and should not be seen as legal advice. For professional guidance, consulting with a legal expert is recommended.
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Hey there, future entrepreneur! You've landed on the right page. We're about to embark on a journey together, exploring the business landscape of 2023. You're probably buzzing with excitement, your mind teeming with ideas, and your heart pounding with the thrill of starting something new. But hold on, let's take a step back and really think this through. It's not enough to have just an idea; it's about having the right idea. So, buckle up as we dive into the 10+ best and profitable business ideas that could potentially skyrocket your success in 2023.

But wait, there's more! We're not just going to talk about the best, we're also going to delve into the worst business ideas. Yes, you heard that right. It's just as important to know what not to do. After all, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. So, let's get ready to learn, get inspired, and most importantly, get started on your entrepreneurial journey. Welcome aboard!

Selling Expired Food

Selling expired food is a great business idea that offers consumers the opportunity to purchase food at discounted prices. The food has likely passed its best-by date, but still contains many of the same nutritional benefits as new food. Some of the benefits of selling expired food include:

  • Discounted prices
  • Reduced waste
  • Supporting local businesses
  • Providing nutritious meals to shoppers who may not be able to afford fresh groceries
image of a Selling Expired Food

Online Gambling

Online gambling is a type of virtual gaming that allows players to place bets on games of chance, such as poker, roulette and slots, via the internet. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ease and convenience. While online gambling may seem like a good business idea, it comes with many risks, including:

  • Legal risks: It is important to ensure that all gambling activities are compliant with state and local laws.
  • Financial risks: Operators face the risk of losing large sums of money if customers bet illegally.
  • Reputational risks: Operators must take measures to ensure that their reputation is not tarnished by giving customers a safe and secure experience.
  • Cybersecurity risks: Online gambling requires operators to protect their customers’ personal data and money from cybercriminals.
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Examples of successful businesses:

The worst business industry is a difficult one to succeed in, and only a select few companies have managed to do so. Nevertheless, here are a few examples of successful companies in the worst business industry:

  • XYZ Corporation
  • ABC Industries
  • 123 Limited
  • Diamond Ventures
  • Eagle Solutions
  • Silver Enterprises

Pyramid Schemes

A Pyramid scheme is a business model that involves individuals recruiting new members and collecting a commission from their recruitment. It is illegal in many countries and typically collapses as the recruitment process slows down, leaving new members out of pocket. There are a few reasons why it would make for a good business idea:

  • It offers quick returns on investments.
  • It simplifies business structure.
  • It has the potential to reach huge numbers of people in a short period of time.
  • It encourages participation and involvement from participants.

More resources:

Renting Out Fake Pet Stores

Renting out fake pet stores can be a great business idea for those looking to get creative. Fake pet stores allow customers to take part in a unique shopping experience without having to worry about the costs and responsibilities of owning a real pet. Here are some reasons why renting out fake pet stores could be an ideal business venture:

  • Flexibility – You can choose the size and layout of your store, and make changes whenever you want.
  • Low Maintenance – Fake pets don’t require any feeding, cleaning, or vet visits.
  • Increased Foot Traffic – Customers may stop in just for fun, even if there’s no plan to buy anything.
  • Potential for Profits – Customers may be willing to pay a premium for the unique experience.

Door-to-door Sales

Door-to-door sales is the practice of selling products or services to customers by going directly to their homes. It can be a great way to get a face-to-face interaction with potential customers and provide them with more information about products than could be obtained just by looking at advertisements. Here are some reasons why door-to-door sales can make a good business idea:

  • Flexibility – Door-to-door sales allow you to work on your own schedule, work as much or as little as you'd like, and focus on areas you are interested in.
  • Low Overhead – Door-to-door sales don't require a huge investment in office space or employees, making it an ideal business for those just getting started.
  • Targeted Marketing – By going directly to potential customers’ homes, you can tailor messages to those individuals and better target your marketing efforts.
  • Building Relationships – Because you have the advantage of speaking directly with potential customers, door-to-door sales provides an opportunity to build relationships and gain customer loyalty.

Related business ideas:

Pay-to-view Online Streaming Services

A Pay-to-view online streaming service is an online platform where viewers pay a fee to access exclusive content. This business idea can be very profitable, as it is a great way to monetize the content viewed on popular streaming platforms. Here are some of the benefits of a Pay-to-view online streaming services:

  • Potential to generate long-term residual income from subscriptions
  • Customers only pay for what they watch/download/stream
  • Delivered over the internet, making it widely accessible
  • Can be accessed on multiple devices, such as computers, tablets or smartphones
  • Can be tailored towards specific interests or types of content
  • Offers more freedom in terms of pricing structure, allowing customers to choose from monthly or annual billing plans

Home Delivery Of Medical Treatments

Home delivery of medical treatments has the potential to be a very successful business idea. It offers convenience and accessibility for patients, as well as cost savings for healthcare providers. Here are some of the advantages of providing home delivery of medical treatments:

  • Accessible services for those who cannot leave their homes
  • Reduced costs of traveling to a medical facility
  • Flexibility in scheduling appointments
  • Higher quality care provided by trained professionals
  • Reduced risk of exposure to illnesses or other contaminants in healthcare settings
  • Timely delivery of medications and treatments

Multi-level Marketing Businesses

Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a type of business model where businesses rely on independent contractors to sell their products and recruit other independent contractors to join their company. In MLM, each independent contractor is able to earn commission based on the sales they make and the recruits they bring into the company. MLM makes a good business idea because:

  • It allows companies to reach more customers with less resources
  • It encourages customer loyalty through referrals
  • It helps create buzz around products and services as independent contractors are incentivized to share them
  • It's a low-cost way to market products

Unregulated Foreign Currency Exchange Services

Unregulated foreign currency exchange services provide customers with the ability to exchange their currency for another currency, often at a more competitive rate than traditional banks and exchange services. This can make for a great business idea as it allows customers to take advantage of opportunities to buy and sell currencies from around the world. The benefits include:

  • Low transaction costs.
  • A more secure method of converting currencies as compared to traditional methods such as banks or money transfer services.
  • The ability to convert one currency to another without going through a regulated institution.
  • The potential to profit from arbitrage opportunities between different currency pairs.
  • The potential for faster access to money than traditional methods.

Money Lending Without A License

Money lending without a license is a business that offers loans or credit to individuals or businesses without official licensing from a government or regulatory body. There are several benefits to this type of business, such as:

  • A lower cost of entry for those starting out in the loan industry
  • Flexibility in repayment terms, interest rates, and loan amounts
  • Minimal legal and financial paperwork needed to set up and maintain the loan
  • Ability to offer customized interest rates and repayment plans based on each customer's individual needs
  • No need to worry about complying with licensing requirements

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Founder and CEO

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.