Thinking about acquiring an already existing business?
If yes, you’re already a step ahead of the game.
This is true given that the world has significantly changed in the past years and so has the way we do business.
That said, acquiring a thriving business is a good move for creating financial independence while avoiding the risky "start from scratch" step.
But the million-dollar question is: Which is the best business to buy today? This guide takes a dive into some of the best opportunities to consider for a future-proof investment.
Let’s do this…
1. E-commerce and online retail
Yes! One of the safest bets you can consider when looking for a business to buy is e-commerce.
Reports indicate that global e-commerce will hit $6.3 trillion in the year, an 8.75% increase from last year. And you can guess the figures will keep soaring in the following years.
The beauty of online shopping is that it allows you to shop comfortably on your smartphone, from the comfort of your couch.
Who wouldn’t love that?!
Thus, an existing brand with a loyal customer base and smooth running profile is one of the hottest businesses to top your list today.
E-commerce businesses like Gymshark and Olipop should give you a clue of the potential these businesses hold.
And if you’re interested in an e-commerce business but can’t find a thriving one to buy(or want to take yours off the ground), we have good news for you.
At Trend Hijacking, we have a done-for-you program specially designed to help you build a thriving online store from scratch.
We have our team of experts ready to help you build, launch, manage(continually), and scale your store while you sit back and enjoy the profits.
Interesting, right? Let’s walk this journey together—schedule a call with us today and let’s get started working on your next big thing!
Pros: Scalable, low overhead costs, potential for global reach, high-demand industry.
Cons: Highly competitive, shipping/logistics challenges, reliance on marketing.
2. Health and wellness businesses
The health and wellness industry is another thriving business you can put your money in. After all, everyone wants a healthy and longer life.
And the numbers don’t lie: the global wellness economy valuation at 2022 stood at $5.6 trillion and is projected to hit a high of $8.5 trillion by 2027.
You may have noticed that everyone around you is suddenly into yoga, smoothies, biohacking, and so on, right?
Some of the best businesses to consider in this space include wellness centers, gyms, vitamin brands, and meditation apps, to name but a few.
Pros: Consistent demand, health-conscious consumers(a wide customer base), can offer personalized services.
Cons: Regulatory hurdles, liability concerns, seasonal demand in some sectors.
3. AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping industries, making it another promising area for business acquisition.
AI businesses come in many different forms, including AI-powered software, automation tools, or machine learning platforms—all of which are becoming increasingly valuable.
The demand for AI solutions spans across sectors like healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing. This makes it a versatile investment opportunity.
Companies offering AI-driven products can help other businesses streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and improve customer experiences.
When looking to acquire an AI business, focus on those with proprietary technology, a strong data infrastructure, and a well-established client base.
Quick Tip: Look for businesses that provide scalable AI solutions, such as predictive analytics, automation services, or AI-based customer support. These companies have great potential for growth in a world that's embracing digital transformation.
Pros: High demand and growth potential, AI can significantly improve business processes, Scalability, Better competitive edge.
Cons: High initial setup costs involved, Complexity and expertise required, AI raises concerns around data privacy, transparency, and bias. The field of AI also evolves rapidly, hence the need for constant updates.
4. Home services (landscaping, cleaning, HVAC)
The need for home services is also increasing as more and more homeowners prefer to outsource maintenance and upkeep.
This is especially true in sectors like cleaning, landscaping, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
The rise of remote work and people spending more time at home has only increased the need for clean, comfortable, and well-maintained living spaces.
A report by Upwork predicts that up to 36.2 million workers (translates to 22% of Americans) will be working from home by the year 2025.
Mind you, this is a sharp 87% increase from the pre-pandemic times.
Consequently, this increases the need for home service providers.
Acquiring a business in this space with a strong client base and consistent recurring contracts can provide you with a steady stream of income.
Additionally, there’s growth potential in expanding into eco-friendly or tech-integrated services, such as energy-efficient HVAC systems or smart home maintenance solutions.
This makes it another reliable, high-demand sector worth considering for acquisition.
Pros: Essential services, recurring clients, relatively recession-proof.
Cons: High labor costs, potential equipment and maintenance expenses, local competition.
5. Digital marketing agencies
Every single business today needs digital marketing.
Do a quick search and you’ll see businesses all over looking for services like PPC, SEO, and social media management.
This is mainly fueled by different businesses trying to boost their online presence and stay competitive.
This places digital marketing agencies on the list of profitable businesses.
When scouting for a digital marketing agency to buy, we suggest looking out for one with a strong portfolio and recurring clients.
Pros: High growth potential, scalable, location-independent.
Cons: Client churn, high competition, requires staying on top of industry trends.
6. Food delivery and meal prep services
One of the major effects of the increasingly busy lifestyles is people turning to food delivery and meal prep services.
The catch here is to help them save time while still maintaining healthy eating habits with balanced meals.
And who won’t love the convenience of having ready-to-eat meals or pre-portioned ingredients delivered directly to their door?
These businesses range from local meal prep services focusing on health-conscious consumers to large-scale delivery platforms offering a variety of cuisines, this sector is lucrative.
To ensure you invest your money wisely in this industry, consider businesses with unique dietary offerings (like vegan or keto) and strong customer retention.
Moreover, look for scalable delivery models that can grow with demand.
Pros: Growing demand for convenience, can cater to niche dietary needs, recurring customers.
Cons: Logistical challenges, low margins, high competition.
7. Senior care services
Families are always ready to spend on reliable, compassionate care for their elderly loved ones.
Statistics by the US Census Bureau indicate that businesses that provide these services are seeing significant growth.
Senior care services offer steady, long-term revenue streams due to the ongoing need for medical support, daily assistance, and specialized care.
So, how do you ensure you get the best deal in this area?
It's simple; look for established providers with a strong reputation, trained staff, and a solid client base.
If a business has ties to local communities and focuses on personalized care, it can prove even more valuable.
Pros: Increasing demand due to aging population, recession-resistant, potential for expansion.
Cons: High operational and staffing costs, regulatory compliance, emotional labor.
8. Renewable energy and sustainability
The global shift toward greener energy makes the renewable energy and sustainability sector another trending industry.
This has seen companies like NextEra Energy boast a market cap of a whooping $170.10 billion (as per September 21 2024).
Some of the hottest areas in this industry include wind, solar power, electric vehicles, and eco-friendly products. (Source).
Here, we advise you to look for companies involved in solar panel installation, EV charging infrastructure, or offering environmentally friendly products and services.
Also, be on the lookout for businesses with innovative technologies and scalable models.
These are particularly attractive as the need for sustainable energy solutions will only continue to grow in the coming years.
Pros: High growth potential, eco-conscious consumers, government incentives.
Cons: High upfront investment, regulatory changes, technological changes.
9. Childcare and early education
Most parents who work full-time jobs with life want reliable and high-quality childcare and early education services for their little ones.
They seek not just supervision, but also an environment that promotes learning and development, especially in areas like STEM, creativity, and social skills.
Most parents are especially attracted to childcare centers that offer educational programs or specialize in unique areas, such as language immersion or STEM-based learning.
If you’re interested in this space, consider businesses with a strong reputation for providing a safe, nurturing environment.
Additionally, they should have programs geared toward engaging the children intellectually and creatively. This is key to attracting long-term, loyal customers.
Pros: Consistent demand, essential service for working parents, can offer premium services.
Cons: High operational costs, liability and safety concerns, regulatory challenges.
10. SaaS (Software as a Service)
The cloud-based services and subscription software market continues to grow, qualifying SaaS businesses as one of the hottest sectors you can invest in today.
Companies all over are looking for software solutions to streamline their operations.
These include customer relationship management (CRM) systems, project management tools, etc.
The B2B SaaS businesses, in particular, are thriving given that they’re designed to address specific pain points and usually feature scalable and recurring revenue models.
When buying a SaaS business, we advise you to look for one that addresses unique problems for businesses and has a loyal customer base.
Plus, it should offer growth opportunities through expanded market research and feature enhancements.
Pros: Scalable, subscription-based revenue model, global customer base.
Cons: High development costs, requires constant updates, competitive landscape.
11. Cleaning services
A cleaning business might not sound like such a lucrative investment.
But the truth is, the heightened awareness of hygiene post-pandemic, has led to an increased need for cleaning services. (Source).
Both residential and commercial clients are now prioritizing cleanliness, making this a booming industry.
Businesses that offer reliable cleaning services ranging from regular home cleaning to deep-cleaning offices and large facilities will always be in business.
When looking to acquire this type of business, you should focus on companies with long-term contracts, especially those servicing office buildings, schools, or hospitals. This ensures you’ll enjoy a steady income.
An established cleaning business with a strong reputation and a loyal client base will offer you significant growth potential in this market.
Pros: High demand, essential service, relatively low overhead.
Cons: Labor-intensive, low-profit margins, client retention challenges.
12. Pet services and products
A pet-focused business is also a gem in today’s world.
A large number of pet owners out there are always willing to spend big on pet products and services for their furry friends.
Here are interesting facts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and American Pet Products Association:
This year (2024), a pet owner in the US is projected to spend approx. $1733 on their furry friends.
And the total amount the pet owners will collectively spend on their pets will go up to $150.6 billion.
Whether it’s grooming, boarding, or premium pet food and accessories, there’s a wide range of opportunities you can tap into.
A business in this sector often comes with perks like a consistent customer base and room for growth.
This is especially true if you cater to niche markets such as luxury pet care experiences and organic pet food.
Pros: Growing pet ownership, recurring customers, ability to offer premium services.
Cons: Niche market, high competition, seasonal demand.
13. Fitness equipment sales and rentals
Home gyms aren’t just for gym rats anymore.
Fitness culture is on the rise and with more and more people shifting towards working out at home, the demand for high-quality fitness equipment has gone up.
This places any business selling or renting fitness gear such as treadmills, weights, and stationary bikes as your next big win.
When considering an acquisition, look for companies dealing in unique products, such as space-saving designs or smart fitness equipment as these cater to evolving consumer needs.
Pros: Increasing health-consciousness, potential for subscription-based models, growth in home fitness.
Cons: Inventory management, equipment maintenance, market saturation.
14. Online education and e-learning platforms
If you’re looking for the best business to buy for passive income, you can’t go wrong with online education and e-learning platforms.
The shift in remote learning has only fueled the demand for online education and e-learning platforms.
More and more people are now turning to these platforms for flexible and easily accessible training—whether it’s academic tutoring, professional training, or simply skill development.
That said, acquiring a business in this space offers you the potential for high scalability with relatively low overhead costs.
Plus, the growing focus on lifelong learning and upskilling makes the e-learning business a profitable and future-proof investment opportunity for you!
Pros: High growth industry, global reach, scalable.
Cons: High initial setup, competitive, requires constant updates to stay relevant.
15. Niche manufacturing businesses
A niche manufacturing business simply focuses on producing specialized or custom-made products.
Such ventures have become quite popular today following the increasing demand for unique and high-quality items.
These businesses often serve specific industries or consumer needs, e.g. custom furniture and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Niche manufacturers tend to have less competition and more loyal customers compared to mass-production industries, making them highly attractive for acquisition.
With trends leaning toward sustainability, customization, and local production, owning a niche manufacturing business comes with the promise of profitability and growth potential.
Pros: Specialized markets with less competition, potential for high margins.
Cons: High capital investment, supply chain challenges, dependent on market trends.
Tips On How to Identify the Best Businesses to Acquire
Regardless of which industry you decide to invest in, you should keep in mind that not all businesses are created equal.
So how do you ensure you identify the best one for you?
Below are a few things you should keep in mind when looking for the best business to buy:
Look for consistent profitability: Ensure the business has a proven track record of generating consistent profits over time. A stable income stream is crucial to minimizing risks and ensuring a smoother transition after acquisition.
Check the financial health: Healthy cash flow is essential for the day-to-day operations of a business. A business with predictable and steady cash flow can offer you immediate returns and help you fund any necessary improvements post-acquisition.
Evaluate the industry growth potential: Go for a business in industries with strong growth potential. Flourishing sectors like the ones we have discussed above often offer you more opportunities for scalability and future profits.
Dig the company’s reputation: A business with a solid reputation, loyal customer base, and good standing in the market is more likely to maintain profitability. Check the business's reviews, customer feedback, and brand perception to get an idea of where their reputation stands.
Examine the contracts and client base: Long-term contracts or repeat customers signal a business's stability. Prioritize companies with established relationships, especially those in the B2B sectors or service-based industries like cleaning or IT services.
Review the operational efficiency: Acquiring a well-run business with efficient processes will be easier for you to manage and scale. Check the company's operations, team structure, and any existing technology that helps streamline tasks.
Look for growth opportunities: Consider businesses that offer you expansion opportunities, whether it's through new markets, additional products or services, or untapped customer segments.
Analyze the competition: It's also important to understand the competitive landscape. Acquiring a business with a unique selling proposition (USP) in a less saturated market can make a significant difference in its future growth.
What's the owner’s role? If the business you plan to buy heavily relies on the current owner, then the transition might be more difficult. Therefore, you'd want to look for businesses with a strong management team or systems in place to ensure smooth operations after the acquisition phase.
Evaluate the business’s digital presence: A strong digital presence is key in today's world. Thus, acquiring a company with an established online presence and digital marketing strategies can greatly help in attracting new customers and staying competitive.
Closing Thoughts
Acquiring an existing business is a great way to take charge of your financial future. The key is to find a thriving business with solid potential—and maybe even a few that can run themselves without the need for constant oversight from you.
Having discussed some of the best businesses to buy and how to choose the right one for you, we’re hopeful that you’re now ready to make an informed decision.
And if you’re interested in investing in the e-commerce space but don’t know where to start? Our team is your best bet.
We take off the issues of startup and acquisition by building, launching, managing(continually), and scaling your E-commerce business in your stead.
Book a free call here, and let’s chat about how we can help you get your next big investment.
