10 Weird Business Ideas That Made Millions

Imagine selling rocks which seem like pets with manual instructions or even you can receive a haircut, not with scissors, but from a device that includes a vacuum. These ideas might sound a bit strange at first, but guess what? They have become hugely successful because they offer something different. This step into the world of unique business ideas shows that when you let your creativity run and think in ways no one else is, you can turn even the weirdest idea into a money-making business.

Let’s explore how being creative and thinking in a unique way isn’t just fun- it can actually make you rich!

Pet Rock

Everybody loves the idea of having a pet, but not everyone is thrilled about the chores that come with it. Cleaning up after them, spending money on food and vet visits, and all the time it takes to keep them happy can really add up. It was during a time when these complaints were all too common that Gary Dahl found inspiration.

He thought, What if a pet required none of that?

You got it correct- it’s a rock, but with a twist- it’s like your own little pet without the mess.

He introduced “Pet Rock,” a concept so simple yet so insane that it catches the world by surprise. Pet Rock became popular in the 1970s because it was a funny and weird business idea marketed well by its creator, Gary Dahl. He sold ordinary rocks as pets and even made a funny manual on how to take care of them. People liked it because it was different and made them laugh.

Dahl sold each of these Pet Rocks for $3.95, carving out a neat $3 profit. For anyone out there with a dream, the Pet Rock isn’t just a quirky piece; it’s proof of the power of innovation. It shows how creativity can transform ordinary items into desired products. Moreover, it highlights the importance of smart packaging and marketing ideas in attracting customers and increasing sales.

Santa Mail

You remember how during the holidays, kids used to send letters to Santa?

Well, imagine if Santa gets so many letters that he can’t reply to all of them.

Then, out of nowhere, someone has this genius idea: why not help Santa out and send personalized replies to these letters?

And just like that, Jim Frankel in the early 2000s developed Santa Mail.

In this, children pen their heartfelt desires and send them off to a special address designated by the company running the Santa Mail program where they await Santa’s eager response. Santa mail grew popular by delivering personalized letters from Santa, bringing joy to kids during holidays.

Despite its unusualness, Santa Mail has become a beloved tradition in many households. It exemplifies how some of the most unconventional ideas can generate profits, with annual revenue exceeding $1 million proving that sometimes, the most weird business ideas can lead to remarkable success.

Rent a Friend

Loneliness is a big problem these days. It makes a lot of people feel really sad and alone. Sometimes, it gets so bad that some people even think about hurting themselves.

Did you know that a good percentage of people actually try to hurt themselves because they feel so lonely?

But here’s something interesting that Scott introduced in 2009: a weird business idea called “renting a friend,” a concept that offers a solution to this dilemma.

In this unique concept, individuals can browse through their website and can register as “friends for hire,” each offering their own set of interests, personalities, and experiences. With just a few clicks, you can book a friend to accompany you to events, explore new hobbies, or simply provide company during times of loneliness.

Rent a Friend became popular among people because it offered a unique solution to the universal need for companionship and social interaction. Many people who felt lonely or isolated found it comforting to have the option to hire a friend for activities or simply to have someone to talk to.

Despite its unconventional nature, “Rent a Friend” reminds us to focus on relationships and explore different ways to make meaningful connections in our lives.

Flowbee

The chore of getting a haircut feels like a difficult task, eating up both time and money. People everywhere are secretly wishing for a simpler solution, something that would save them from the hassle of salon appointments. Then, along comes the Flowbee that merges a vacuum cleaner with hair-cutting attachments.

It’s the brainchild of Rick Hunts in the year of 1988 who probably thought, why not cut hair and vacuum up the mess at the same time?

Strange? Absolutely.

But in its own quirky way, this innovative device attaches to your vacuum cleaner, allowing you to trim your hair while simultaneously removing any loose hair. With adjustable length settings and easy-to-follow instructions, Flowbee offers a hassle-free solution for maintaining hairstyle. The Flowbee became popular among people because it offered a convenient and cost-effective solution for at-home haircuts.

Flowbee took off surprisingly well, selling thousands of units in its first year. Rick Hunts saw profits from each $100 Flowbee sold. Within a few years, Flowbee became a household name, earning Rick millions from his weird business idea.

Snuggie

Let’s journey back to a time when chilly evenings and cozy blankets were the perfect pairings. Yet, the desire to stay warm clashed with the inconvenience of not being able to snack or scroll through your phone comfortably.

Then along came the Snuggie in the year 2008, a blanket with sleeves! Sounds a bit funny, right?

But, it solved a real problem!

Scott Boilen came up with this genius idea, it’s like a cozy blanket with sleeves. It makes it easy to relax while keeping your hands free. You can wear it backward, like a robe but with sleeves. The Snuggie gained popularity for its innovative design, combining the warmth of a blanket with the convenience of sleeves.

With sales exceeding 4 million units, Snuggie became a household name. This weird business idea proves to be a reminder that simple inventions can bring comfort and convenience to everyday life, while also inspiring to do something unique. Snuggie’s success shows the importance of thinking outside the box, proving that even the most unconventional concepts can capture the hearts of millions and make a lasting impact on society.

Potato Parcel

While checking your mailbox and instead of finding a letter or package, there’s a potato waiting for you. Is it not a bit strange?

Let’s rewind to a time when sending a message through the mail meant cards and letters.

But what if in the middle of envelopes, there was a potato?

With this a peculiar concept came in the mind of Alex in the year 2015 who came up with an weird business idea of Potato Parcel.

People loved sending messages on potatoes, turning a simple vegetable into a fun way to connect with others. Whether it was a funny joke or a sweet message, each potato became a medium to send the messages. Alex’s idea brought a playful twist to gift-giving and greeting cards, showing that even the most unexpected things can bring joy.

After launching his website, he quickly made $10,000 in sales each month. In just four months, he sold over 3,000 potatoes, each with its own unique message or picture printed on it. Alex’s story serves as a reminder to be creative, take risks, and find joy in the most unlikely things.

Doggles

Imagine dogs wearing sunglasses. Sounds funny, right?

But this unique and weird business idea came to Runni’s mind in the year 1997 and Doggles were made. They’re like sunglasses, but specially made for dogs. These funky shades protect their eyes from the sun and dust while making them look super cool.

It might seem strange at first, but Doggles show that even pets can have a bit of style and protection too.Doggles have gained popularity for their practicality and style. They too added a fashionable element to their outdoor adventures.

With the option for prescription lenses Doggles make sure that your dog vision is clear and comfortable. Runi Di Lullo also offers various styles and colours to choose from, and you can even find the perfect pair to match your dog’s personality.

Doggles serve as an example of the power of innovation and creativity in pet products, showing that practical solutions can also be stylish and fun.

Bottled Air

Suppose the air we breathe becomes a commodity worth buying.

It’s a curious notion, isn’t it?

Vitality Air began when two Canadian friends, Moses Lam and Troy Paquette, played a prank. They sealed fresh Canadian air in a ziplock bag and jokingly put it up for sale. Surprisingly, the media noticed, and the bag sold for $130. Seeing potential, Lam and Paquette in the year 2015 decided to explore the idea of selling bottled air as a real business.

Soon after, in early 2015, Vitality Air officially started. They began exporting bottles of fresh air to countries like Mexico, India, Vietnam, and China. It evolved into a big operation with machines collecting air and a plant bottling it automatically.

Despite its unusual beginning, Vitality Air became quite successful, making over $300,000 in sales annually for two years in a row. This weird business idea reminds readers of the potential for success in the most unexpected places. It inspires aspiring business owners to think outside the box.

The Slinky

Richard James accidentally dropped a spring. Instead of just landing on the floor, the spring kept moving, almost as if it was walking. This surprising moment gave Richard a brilliant idea. He thought this “walking” spring could be a fun toy for kids and adults. So, he worked on his weird business idea in the year 1945 and created the Slinky.

The toy was an instant hit; within just two hours, 400 Slinkys were snapped up by customers. The Slinky’s affordability and durability made it accessible to a wide audience, allowing it to become a beloved toy in households around the world. This marked the beginning of its journey to becoming a multi-million dollar business. People were fascinated by the Slinky’s unique ability to walk downstairs and perform tricks.

The Slinky became an iconic symbol of fun and innovation. It remains a timeless classic, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest ideas can bring the greatest joy.

Beanie Babies

Back in the late 1980s, there was a problem with stuffed animals: they were fun to play with but not very special. Ty Warner noticed this and wanted to make them more interesting.

So he was like, What if each one had its own style?

Beanie Babies were exactly like that, and people went nuts for them, collecting them like they were gold.

Their popularity increased as they sold millions of units worldwide, becoming one of the most successful toy franchises. Beanie Babies appealed to both children and adults, serving as companions and thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Beanie Babies remain highly in demand, with certain rare designs fetching impressive prices in the market. The introduction of limited editions, special releases, and unique features further increased their allure and value.

Beanie Babies remind us of the fun and happiness toys can bring. They show that even simple things, like a cute plushie, can make us smile and create cherished memories.

Bottom-Line?

Thinking in a new and different way is really important but often people don’t pay much attention to it. Nowadays, everyone seems to want to fit in, but it’s really cool to think for yourself and have your own unique ideas. When you think differently, you can come up with new solutions that no one else might see. It also helps you stand out and grab opportunities that others might not even think about.

In short, thinking in your own way is a super valuable skill. It helps you see the world differently and keeps you open to trying new things. This can help you grow as a person and do better in your career. Remember, the most interesting paths in life aren’t always the most popular ones. By valuing your own unique way of thinking, you’re not just solving problems, you’re also living a life that’s true to you and full of possibilities.

Aashish Pahwa

A startup consultant, digital marketer, traveller, and philomath. Aashish has worked with over 20 startups and successfully helped them ideate, raise money, and succeed. When not working, he can be found hiking, camping, and stargazing.