3 Easy Hustles To Start This Summer for Under $500 ☀️

If you’re new here, we turn $1 into thousands building these weird but simple side hustles. Welcome to Ghost Business 👻 Your (mostly) weekly email

TLDR;

• water guns, movies, coolers

• Earn $1k a week

• Get started with $500 (or less)

Here’s a quick list of ideas I’ve seen people do that actually work. No need to sell a kidney or learn rocket science—these are low-cost, non-technical, and ready to transform your summer into revenue!

Turns out even Fortune 500 companies book this company for water gun fights 💦 

Summer Ideas

Cooler Concierge

What it is: Rent out pre-packed coolers filled with drinks, snacks, and reusable ice packs for beach days, park picnics, or rooftop parties.
Start-up Cost: $300 (coolers + basic inventory)
How to Scale: Offer delivery via bike or car. Niche down for bachelor parties, corporate events, or moms' playgroups.
MVP: A few branded coolers, an Instagram page, Venmo, and a menu.
Profit Path: Charge $40–$60 per rental. Do 5–7 a day in a popular city.

Pop-Up Water Fight Rentals

What it is: Rent out water guns, water balloons, and inflatables for group water fights in parks.
Start-up Cost: $400 (bulk water toys + signage)
How to Scale: Offer event packages for birthdays, team building, or public park days.
MVP: Set up at a popular park on hot weekends. Use Eventbrite or Craigslist.
Profit Path: $250–$500 per group event; 3–4 events a weekend gets you there.

Outdoor Movie Setup-for-Hire

What it is: Set up backyard or park movie nights with projector, screen (or sheet), speaker, and cozy seating.
Start-up Cost: $400 (used projector + screen + blankets/chairs)
How to Scale: Offer add-ons like custom invitations, glow sticks, or themes (date night, kids’ party).
MVP: Facebook groups + Eventbrite listing + word-of-mouth.
Profit Path: $200–$500 per event. 3–5 events/week hits your goal.

This company (FunFlicks) has an “XTREME” package starting at $2,800 😳 

Viability:

1 [building spaceships] 🚀 to 5 [easy peasy] 😊 

These are super easy to get off the ground and can turn into thousands a month in profit. Test these ideas and once you think its time to go full time, set up legit business and get your permits!

(As usual each business will have it’s own setbacks, and it’s all about the execution and consistency rather than just having the idea)

It’s a great day to be great!

Love, Mike 👋