Abby B. In this article, I’ll be sharing 15 side hustle ideas for car salesman, where some are related to cars, while others make use of skills you never thought you had. I’ll also provide recommendations of what you’ll need to start and provide more tailored options for making an extra income as a car salesman.
*This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
15 Best Side Hustles For Car Salesman
1. Get brand sponsorships as an influencer
As a car salesman, you’re probably already using social media extensively to promote your cars and services. I would recommend you drilling down further to rebuild yourself as an influencer within the car industry.
You can start by promoting products or services you’re familiar with and build the number of followers you have. Do it even if it’s unpaid at the start to get brands to recognize you and start approaching you for paid sponsorships.
It will take some time to build a considerable following but if you’re sharing what you’re already doing on a daily basis, it won’t feel like much!
Best platforms to start with are TikTok, YouTube shorts and Instagram Reels. I would suggest making videos reviewing cars or car-related products.
Already have a growing social media account? You can make an income faster by promoting affiliate products or services (compared to waiting for sponsorships).
Embedding affiliate links within your social media posts is much more doable on YouTube and Twitter, in comparison to TikTok and Instagram. The two latter platforms may need you to create a Linktree page to link to instead (rules may change pretty frequent!).
If your content is all about cars, you can promote car wash soaps, car accessories or even handy automotive tools. Some affiliate marketplaces to check out are Amazon Associates, CJ affiliate, Clickbank, Share-a-sale and Rakuten Advertising.
Once a person clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you’ll earn a commission – usually a percentage of the sale amount. It’s important to be genuine!
| What do I need to start? | – Affiliate products or services you can promote – Social media account with growing followers – Content platform to embed your affiliate links |
3. Build a YouTube channel around cars
The best way to grow is to do what you’re familiar with and scale! If you’re already popular on TikTok or Instagram, start creating long-form content for YouTube as well.
Aside from the slightly more complicated editing, YouTube should be easy breezy for you. Videos can be five to ten minute long, as long as it covers the topic thoroughly, you’re good to go!
One of the easiest way to make content for the automotive segment is to provide detailed comparisons (car X vs. car Y) – highly doable for car salesman as it’s something you’re already familiar with.
You can also share useful information for cars you’re currently selling and use YouTube as a way to sell to a wider audience.
Interesting YouTube channels for car sales & review niche:
| What do I need to start? | – A camera to record – Portable microphone for better sound – A video editing software |
Read: What I spent for my vlogging gear in first 6 months
4. Start a podcast sharing topics about cars
Want to be talking and sharing insights on a more casual setting? Start a podcast about cars and car ownerships. Educate others on topics you believe is important for car owners!
You can talk about cars or choose an entirely different niche to build a podcast around. I personally listen to podcast for self development but there are all kinds of podcasts out there.
Take things further by recording videos of yourself doing the podcast and sharing it on YouTube and other social media channels you have. It still takes some social media promotion to get your podcast found by the ideal audience!
| What do I need to start? | – Good desk microphone – Set of quality earphones – An audio editing software |
Check out: 70 podcasts in the automotive niche
5. Write car automotive reviews with your own blog
Tired of the salesy world but still want to share your knowledge and experience to the world? A more passive quiet way to share is via blogging on your own website.
While creating a full-fledged website sounds like a lot of work (it is), creating a simple website with a blog section (like this one) doesn’t take much technical skills. In fact, I had zero experience when I started mine!
There are an assortment of topics you can cover with a blog but I recommend sticking to a single niche e.g. car reviews to make it easy for yourself. Just like other content creation methods I’ve shared above, you can choose a different niche altogether that serves a different interest you may have.
Compared to YouTube videos and podcast episodes, a blog allows you to write in greater depth. It’s the reason why people still Google for answers than just resorting to the first two. So make it educational and helpful – not about you!
Blogging can be difficult so I recommend starting with this beginner course right here or check out my free article on how to set up a blog (step-by-step).
| What do I need to start? | – A WordPress Website – Domain name & hosting – Passion to write for a specific niche |
Read: Why I invested in a blogging coach before doing anything else
6. Become a certified driving instructor
If you love cars, teaching and driving altogether, consider becoming a certified driving instructor. Requirements differ depending on the state you’re living in but the basic things you should have is a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need to be above a certain age!
The New York state requires driving instructors to be at least 21 years old and employed by a licensed driving school. Individuals must then complete an Application for Driving School Instructor Certificate (MV-523) in order to be certified.
Driving instructors are commonly hired on a full-time basis but part-time roles are sometimes considered for busier seasons. Something I would recommend if you have the patience to teach!
| What do I need to start? | – Driving license – Relevant requirements based on state you live in |
7. Sell stock photos of cars online
A college friend of mine was a professional photographer who then started working for his father’s car dealership. The only way he was setting himself apart from other car salesman is to take amazing photos of the cars he intends to sell. He was also selling luxury cars to begin with!
No matter what kind of car you’re selling or intend to sell, taking good photos of them can be beneficial for you. Aside from using them for marketing materials, you can also sell these photos on stock websites and make passive income from them.
However, you’ll probably need to ask permission from the owners if you want to sell these photos – I’m not giving any advice. So stay vigilant!
You can start by learning photography the professional way and build up your portfolio. You might just be hired as a photographer for car launches or car-related events!
Stock websites you can join to start:
| What do I need to start? | – A good camera – Photo editing skills – Consistency to upload photos frequently |
8. Write reviews for other automotive blog or websites
Another way to make money from writing online (apart from blogging) is to write for other websites. You can start as a freelance automotive writer then consider doing it full-time if it pays well and you like it.
Freelance writers can earn up to $100 per article and even more if they’re specialized in writing for a niche e.g. automotive. So start specializing in one!
Compared to blogging, you don’t need to wait for months before Google sends you traffic and you can start earning. Get an article done and you’ll be paid by your client when it’s due!
It’s best to write for automotive blogs that targets a market or audience you’re familiar with. This is due to the difference in car models and variations from country to country (e.g. USA vs UK). This way, you’ll find it easier to write and your car sales experience is much more relevant.
This beginner freelance writing course is the one I took myself to start my writing career. It’s complete with everything you need to start earning from clients all over the world including finding the right topics to pitch!
| What do I need to start? | – Writing skills – Good command of English or the language you intend to write for – Promote your freelance writing service |
Check out: How to start freelance writing and make money (the ultimate resource)
9. Buy and sell high in demand car spare parts
If you’ve been a car salesman for some time now, you probably have substantial knowledge for cars that others may not have. It may be for a particular car model or a car brand. This also means you know what parts of the car needs maintenance (in due time)!
A possible side business venture to get into is to source these important spare parts and resell them for a profit. You also may have friends within the second hand automotive industry to help you out!
Spare parts are needed for replacement and modification of cars. Ask any car lover, modifying their cars is an endless spree – especially the unique ones!
Depending on the business model you’re going for, you may need some upfront investment to purchase these parts and allocate a space to store. Alternatively, you can sell without buying them in the first place, just have to help others source the product and take a cut.
It’s best to not make any huge investments until you know what sells!
| What do I need to start? | – Knowledge of spare parts – Ability to source spare parts for cheap – Platform to market and sell |
10. Build a collection of die-cast cars and sell on Etsy or eBay
Passionate about cars and have a kid that loves cars? You can start collecting die-cast cars for your own personal collection and resell them for profit later on.
You’ll have to think pretty long term for this one as the value of die-cast cars increase with time and seasons – rarity plays a part too. Hence, why it’s a great passion to share with your children!
Selling on secondhand or vintage marketplaces like Etsy or eBay works best for die-cast cars. Rare limited edition collections can get you a really high price, as long as you don’t mind letting them go.
If you already have a collection build up but not planning to sell yet, build a YouTube channel instead to share videos of your personal collection of die-cast cars. It’s a huge thing apparently!
| What do I need to start? | – Collection of die-cast cars to resell – Expertise on car collections – Platform to sell the cars |
Check out: A grandad owning 6,500 die-cast cars worth £150,000 finally selling them!
11. Become a part-time real estate agent
Building a side hustle is much easier if you’re leveraging on a skill you already have. If you love meeting new people, reaching out to customers and making sale pitches, you can become a part-time real estate agent.
You can also tap into your current customer base for cars and sell houses to them. Depending on the type of audience or area you serve, it’s best to target houses with higher value as you get a higher commission with each sale.
Since you’re doing it part-time, you won’t be able to close as many sales as a full-time real estate agent. But this should not hinder you from making a good amount of money from it. Be strategic!
| What do I need to start? | – Real estate agent license – Great connections with locals and area you’re promoting – Platform to market your services |
Check out: How to start reselling things as a side hustle
12. Create and sell digital products online
Another way of making sales that is more passive in nature is to sell online. This works for anyone with a busy schedule as you only need to set up your digital product once and handle some operations from time to time.
The easiest way to get started is to sell digital products on Etsy. This can include digital planners, Canva templates, cut outs, drawing books, social media templates and even Notion templates.
Once a customer makes a purchase, they will receive a digital file to download and print as they wish. Nothing to post out for you! The selling price for digital downloads should be significantly cheaper compared to a physical product as there’s minimal production cost involved.
Apart from ensuring everything is in order for sales, creating new products and answering any questions customers might have, you have nothing else to attend to.
| What do I need to start? | – A digital product idea – Tools to create the digital product – Platform to sell on |
13. Teach others via physical workshops or pre-recorded online courses
Love teaching others? You can make money by sharing your knowledge in a useful learning format. You can do it through hosting physical workshops or recording them as a complete syllabus to sell online.
If you like the idea of selling a digital product, courses is also one of them! Physical workshops are best for building long term relationships and if you’re focused on a certain area or state. On the other hand, pre-recorded online courses are a great way to make side income passively.
Doubtful if you have anything to teach about? You probably have a set of skills that are important for new car owners or even seasoned ones.
Alternatively, you can explore other skills or passions you may have. You don’t need to be a pro to start teaching others, you just need to be a few steps ahead from most.
The common price points for a single payment short online course are $30, $47 and $67. But you can price it however you like as long as it delivers the right value!
Some sites you can host online courses on:
| What do I need to start? | – A niched course idea – Well thought out module – Tools to record your lessons e.g. screen record, microphone |
Creating courses is too much work for you? Here’s a list of digital products you can make to sell on easy platforms like Etsy. I’ve made a quick guide on how to creating listing for these products too!
14. Start a car wash business
You’ve probably heard of this business idea a couple of times but it’s true, a car wash business is super lucrative. Other options you may have within the same space is to start a mobile detailing business (I’ve attached a video explaining above!).
Aside from selling spare parts, setting up a car detailing or car wash biz is an opportunity to tap into your current customer base. If you’re a car salesman that has conquered the area and have great connections with others, it should be even more easier for you.
Word of mouth is your bestfriend!
Compared to any other brick and mortar shops, starting your own car spa takes minimal investment and does not require much renovation to the building. However, you’ll have to hire others for operations and learn to delegate if you want it to be a successful business.
| What do I need to start? | – Car wash or car detailing expertise – A shop unit for operations – Employees to carry out the services |
15. Sell designs on merchandise with print on demand
Interested in ecommerce but don’t know where to start? The easiest way to start making money with ecommerce is via print on demand.
Essentially, you’ll be making designs and placing them on merchandises like t-shirts, tote bags and phone cases. The products won’t be printed until a customer makes a purchase on sites like Etsy or your own website.
You can sell merchandises with automotive designs, quotes or even pictures – as long as they’re yours to legally use! You can also purchase ready designs on creative marketplaces like Envato Elements or Creative Fabrica.
Just sign up to POD fulfillments like Printify or Printful, create designs on Canva and upload them to your shop! No costs involved until you make a sale.
Choose between selling on Etsy or Shopify and your chosen fulfillment will handle the printing and shipping of orders to your customers.
| What do I need to start? | – Basic designing skills – A laptop to work with – An initial niche and product |
Can’t decide what product to design and sell? Check out my product guides before deciding!
- Tote bags for print on demand
- Tumblers for print on demand
- Phone cases for print on demand
- Posters for print on demand
- Leggings for print on demand
- Jewelry for print on demand
- Candles for print on demand
- Doormats for print on demand
- Hoodies for print on demand
- Pet products for print on demand
- Socks for print on demand
- Pajamas for print on demand
- Blankets for print on demand
- Baby clothes for print on demand
- Wrapping paper for print on demand
- Puzzles for print on demand
- Stickers for print on demand
- Athletic wear for print on demand
- Hats for print on demand
- Journals for print on demand
- Greeting cards for print on demand
- Mugs for print on demand
15 Side Hustles For Salespeople
Based on the current trends, here are 15 side hustles for salespeople:
- Work as a car salesman
- Become a part-time real estate agent
- Offer online consultancy services
- Become an influencer to get sponsorships
- Promote affiliates products or services via social media
- Create a YouTube channel around product reviews
- Build a podcast for sales and marketing strategy
- Write for your own blog or website
- Start a rental business for cars or equipment
- Offer copywriting services for online businesses
- Design merchandise with print on demand
- Create and sell digital downloads on Etsy
- Train others to become a salesman in a specialized field
- Buy secondhand or vintage items to resell for profit
- Sell stock photos online for passive sources of revenue
Which Side Hustle Should I Choose?
Unsure which side hustles for car salesman you should go for? Here are the top 6 things to consider when deciding which side hustle is best for you.
- How much time can you commit to it?
- Consider how much time you can set aside for your side hustle for weekdays and weekends
- What type of income are you looking for?
- Do you want to make income actively or passively while you sleep?
- What sparks interest & passion in you?
- Choose a side hustle that aligns to your personal goals and interests as it keeps you motivated
- Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
- Different side hustles requires different level of communication with the outside world, are you comfortable meeting new people every day?
- What is your current partner or friend up to that you can leverage on?
- Doing something with a friend or partner makes things easier and more manageable
- How soon do you need to make extra money?
- Not all side hustles make the same amount of money in the same pace, do you need money today or in a year’s time?
Bottom Line
When it comes to sales, the opportunities are limitless. It’s just in your nature to sell and make money! If you’re confused on where to begin, start by writing down your personal interests and how they can be monetized.
The best way to get started with side hustles is to TRY. Pick at least one or two things I’ve shared above, give time and you’ll eventually find something that works for you!
I would always recommend building passive income streams so you no longer need to trade time for money.
Here are 15 best side hustles for car salesman:
- Get brand sponsorships as an influencer
- Promote affiliate or referral links for car-related products
- Build a YouTube channel around cars
- Start a podcast sharing topics about cars
- Write car automotive reviews with your own blog
- Become a certified driving instructor
- Sell stock photos of cars online
- Write reviews for other automotive blog or websites
- Buy and sell high in demand car spare parts
- Build a collection of die-cast cars and sell on Etsy or eBay
- Become a part-time real estate agent
- Create and sell digital products online
- Teach others via physical workshops or pre-recorded online courses
- Start a car wash business
- Sell designs on merchandise with print on demand
I’m not one to brag, but blogging has changed my life. I’ve been able to earn an income passively while on a coffee date and traveling with my family. With everything, it takes time to learn and not an overnight success – to speed things up, get yourself a blogging coach before starting.
These are my blogging resources to help you out:
- Step-by-step guide how to start blogging in your free time
- Why you need a blogging coach right from the start
- Worried of exposing yourself? You can blog anonymously
Photo by Mike B
