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Online course or paid workshop recording

Package something you already know how to do into a recorded course that sells without you on the call.

What you end up owning: a course that sells without you on the call.

Estimated range once steady

€0 – €900 a month

Check it fits me
Startup cost
€0–€200
First revenue
~2 months
Ongoing time
~10h a month
Scalability
High
Recurring
Medium
Difficulty
Medium
Competition
Medium
Risk
Low

Setup ~80 hours · steady income after ~9 months · typical starting capital €200.

What to do next

  1. TodayWrite the one result your course gets someone, and who already asks you how to do it.
  2. This weekBuild a sales page for a live version; message 30 people who fit.
  3. Week 2Run the live session for whoever paid (even 3 people); record it.
  4. Week 3Turn the recording and their questions into the course; launch it at a higher price.
  5. Month 2Collect reviews; set up one repeatable way to reach buyers (search, partner, community).

The assumptions behind that range

  • One course priced €30–€150.
  • 0–15 sales a month once it has reviews and a way to reach buyers (an audience, a community, search).
  • After platform or payment fees of roughly 5–30%.
  • Low end is zero: a course with no audience rarely sells.

An estimate, not a promise. Your result can be lower, including zero.

What you need before you start

  • Real expertise people already ask you about.
  • EU VAT rules on e-services to consumers — check whether the platform collects it.

What can go wrong

  • Building the course before checking anyone will pay.
  • Without an audience, sales depend on marketing you have to keep doing.

Irish tax — general information

Declaring side income as a PAYE worker (2026). Side income is taxable from the first euro. If your net non-PAYE income is under €5,000 (and gross under €30,000) you can declare it on Form 12 through myAccount. At €5,000 net or more you are a “chargeable person” and must register for self-assessment and file Form 11 by 31 October. Source · checked 2026-09-25

VAT registration thresholds (2026). You must register for VAT once turnover exceeds, or is likely to exceed, €42,500 a year for services or €85,000 for goods. Source · checked 2026-09-25

Not personal tax advice — your position depends on your other income. Check with Revenue or a tax adviser.

Sources

Need income sooner, from your time and skills? GravyTrain finds options that can pay this month.