Here are some project ideas that can be profitable without directly involving sales:

1. Ad-Supported Websites or Apps

• Idea: Create a website or app that provides valuable content or services, monetized through advertising.
• Example: A tech blog, a free-to-use tool like a calculator or a news aggregation app.
• Monetization: Use platforms like Google AdSense to display ads and earn revenue based on clicks or impressions.

2. Subscription-Based Content

• Idea: Develop a platform or service where users pay for access to premium content or features.
• Example: A members-only forum, an online course library, or a premium newsletter.
• Monetization: Charge users a recurring subscription fee for ongoing access to content.

3. Affiliate Marketing

• Idea: Create content that promotes other companies' products, earning a commission on any sales generated through your referral links.
• Example: A blog that reviews tech gadgets, a YouTube channel with product tutorials, or a website with affiliate links.
• Monetization: Earn commissions for each sale made through your affiliate links, without directly handling the sales process yourself.

4. Crowdsourced Funding

• Idea: Launch a project on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon, where supporters can contribute funds to help you develop a product or service.
• Example: A new open-source software tool, a creative project like a game, or a recurring podcast or video series.
• Monetization: Receive ongoing financial support from backers who believe in your project, without needing to sell anything directly.

5. Freemium Model

• Idea: Offer a basic version of your software, app, or service for free, with optional premium features or upgrades available for a fee.
• Example: A free app with additional features unlocked via a premium subscription, or a free SaaS tool with advanced capabilities for paying users.
• Monetization: Generate revenue from users who choose to pay for the premium features, while still offering value to free users.

6. Paid API Access

• Idea: Develop an API that provides access to valuable data or services, and charge users based on usage.
• Example: A weather data API, a financial data API, or an image processing service.
• Monetization: Implement a pay-per-use model or subscription fees for access to the API, where users are charged based on their usage.

7. Open Source Donations and Sponsorships

• Idea: Contribute to or maintain an open-source project that attracts significant user interest, and seek donations or sponsorships.
• Example: An open-source software library or tool, a popular GitHub project, or a community-driven development effort.
• Monetization: Receive financial support from individuals or companies that benefit from your project, through platforms like GitHub Sponsors or Patreon.

8. Monetized Content Platforms

• Idea: Create content on platforms like YouTube, Medium, or Twitch, where you earn money through views, ads, or platform-specific revenue-sharing programs.
• Example: A YouTube channel with tech tutorials, a blog on Medium covering industry trends, or live coding sessions on Twitch.
• Monetization: Earn revenue from ads displayed on your content, viewer donations, or platform-specific partner programs.

9. Licensing

• Idea: Develop software, code, or content that others can license for use in their own projects.
• Example: A software library or tool that can be integrated into other products, or creative content like music or images that can be licensed for use.
• Monetization: Charge licensing fees for businesses or individuals who want to use your work in their own projects.

10. Automated Tools or Bots

• Idea: Create a tool, bot, or automation that saves users time or effort, and offer it for free with optional premium features.
• Example: A social media scheduling bot, an email automation tool, or a stock trading bot.
• Monetization: Offer the basic version for free and charge for advanced features, customization, or higher usage limits.

These projects allow you to generate income without directly selling a product, often relying on alternative revenue models like advertising, subscriptions, or donations.