Side Hustle School Ep. 3168 - STORY: IT Guy Earns Extra $50,000/Year Restoring Vintage Radios
Sep 3, 2025
An IT professional taps into his engineering background to revive vintage 1950s radios, creating a profitable side hustle. By dedicating just a few hours each week, he discovers a lucrative niche that could net him an extra $50,000 annually. This journey highlights the idea that with the right passion and skills, turning personal interests into a thriving business is not only feasible but also rewarding.
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Flea Market Find Became Proof Of Concept
- Alan found two nonworking 1950s radios for $15 each at a flea market and decided to try restoring them.
- He researched online, repaired them, and sold one for $50 and one for $200, proving the idea worked.
Buy Smart To Save Time
- Buy radios online to save time instead of searching flea markets when you have limited hours.
- Aim for an effective hourly rate (Alan targeted $100/hr) and estimate repair time to keep the side hustle profitable.
From eBay Listings To Own Store
- Alan moved from eBay to his own store, Retro Radio Farm, to gain control over marketing and design.
- He experimented with advertising and found retargeting worked best to bring repeat visitors.