Our methodology
One score. Seven questions.
The rating is a decision aid, not an earnings forecast. We score the structure of an opportunity for a careful beginner, then explain who could reasonably reach a different conclusion.
How the score works
Startup cost
How much cash must be at risk before the idea produces useful evidence? Lower required investment scores higher.
Time to first revenue
How quickly can a careful beginner reach a legitimate paid test? Shorter, controllable paths score higher.
Realistic earnings
What can remain after direct costs, acquisition, refunds, tools, and normal operating friction?
Beginner difficulty
How much skill, coordination, regulation, or operational complexity must be mastered?
Competitive room
Can a new entrant create a credible edge, or is the offer immediately interchangeable?
Downside risk
How much capital, liability, platform dependence, or reputational exposure exists if the test fails?
Durability
Can customer demand, an audience, data, repeat service, or another asset compound over time?
How we research
Each article uses at least three credible sources and includes a primary source when one is relevant and available. We prefer platform fee pages, government guidance, regulations, company filings, and original industry reports. Vendor material can explain a product but is treated as interested evidence. Social posts, videos, and reported earnings are labeled anecdotal unless a representative method supports them.
How we calculate
We separate revenue from profit and identify the assumptions inside every scenario. That usually means product cost, marketplace or payment fees, advertising, refunds, travel, software, equipment, and the owner’s time. Readers can replace our assumptions with their own without losing the logic of the model.
What ratings mean
8–10: unusually attractive when the reader fits the stated conditions. 6–7.9: viable with clear trade-offs. 4–5.9: situational or difficult for most beginners. 0–3.9: poor economics or unacceptable risk for the audience we serve.
Update policy
We show publication and update dates. A material fee, eligibility rule, legal requirement, or market change triggers a factual review and, when warranted, a new score. We do not change dates simply to make an old article look fresh.