Meta Description
Earn up to £4k/month with a low-competition side hustle charging £452 per job. Easy to start, minimal cost, and huge demand worldwide.
In the world of side hustles, most people run after the same trendy gigs—dropshipping, social media influencing, or reselling online. But sometimes, the real gold lies in unpopular jobs with little competition.
That’s exactly how one savvy side-hustler is making £4,000 a month by doing something most people would never think of—and charging up to £452 per job.
Here’s the full story, why it works, and how you could start your own version of it.
The Unlikely Hustle That Pays Big
The business? Grave cleaning services.
Yes, you read that right. It’s not glamorous, it’s not trendy—but it’s profitable. The hustle involves visiting burial sites, cleaning headstones, tending to flowers, and ensuring everything looks cared for.
For many families—especially those who live far away or have busy schedules—this is a service they are willing to pay for.
Why This Side Hustle Works
The key reason this hustle works so well? Low competition and high emotional value.
- Low Competition: Almost nobody thinks about offering this service. That means there’s less need for constant advertising battles or price wars.
- High Emotional Value: For many customers, this is about love, respect, and remembrance. They’re paying for peace of mind, not just a clean headstone.
- Repeat Customers: Families often request ongoing visits—monthly or yearly—which turns one-time jobs into recurring income.
Earning Potential: Breaking Down the Numbers
The side-hustler in our example charges between £100 and £452 per job, depending on the scope:
- Basic Clean: Wash, polish, and tidy the site – ~£100–£150
- Full Restoration: Deep cleaning, flower arrangements, and stone repairs – up to £452
If you book just 10 premium jobs a month, that’s already £4,520—without working full-time.
How to Start Your Own Grave Cleaning Business
You don’t need a huge investment, expensive tools, or prior experience. Here’s what you do need:
- Basic Equipment – Cleaning brushes, biodegradable soap, gloves, a water container, and small gardening tools.
- Transport – A car or van to travel between sites.
- Local Cemetery Permissions – Always check rules before operating.
- Pricing Packages – Offer basic, standard, and premium tiers to suit different budgets.
Startup Cost Estimate: Around £100–£200 for equipment, making it one of the cheapest service-based businesses to launch.
Marketing Your Services
Since this is a niche service, word-of-mouth is powerful. But here are some extra ways to market:
- Facebook Groups & Marketplace – Many community groups welcome local service ads.
- Flyers at Funeral Homes – Partner with local funeral directors for referrals.
- Google My Business – List your services so people searching locally can find you.
- Before & After Photos – Showcase your work on social media for credibility.
Customer Experience Matters
This job isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about compassion. When talking to clients, remember:
- Be empathetic – This is a sensitive service tied to personal emotions.
- Be reliable – Missing an appointment can hurt trust.
- Offer extras – Flower arrangements, photo updates, or seasonal visits.
Scaling the Business
Once you’re booked regularly, you can expand:
- Hire assistants for multiple locations at once.
- Offer maintenance contracts for guaranteed monthly income.
- Specialize in memorial restorations for higher-ticket jobs.
The best part? You can do this part-time and still earn more than many full-time jobs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low startup costs
- High earning potential
- Very little competition
- Flexible hours
Cons:
- Physically demanding at times
- Work is outdoors (weather-dependent)
- Emotionally sensitive nature
Final Thoughts
The idea of cleaning graves might sound unusual at first—but that’s exactly why it works. When you tap into a service nobody wants to do, but people are happy to pay for, you remove yourself from crowded, competitive markets.
With the right approach, compassion, and reliability, this low-cost, low-competition side hustle can easily turn into a £4,000+ per month business.
So, if you’re looking for a side hustle that truly stands out, maybe it’s time to think beyond the usual and step into a niche that pays—quietly, respectfully, and consistently.