Starting a service business can be an excellent way to generate income with minimal upfront investment. Many of these businesses require little to no tools or specialized skills, making them accessible for anyone looking to start quickly. This article explores five simple service businesses that you can begin today, either by doing the work yourself or by hiring subcontractors to manage tasks remotely.
One lucrative service business is parking lot cleanups, which involves cleaning commercial parking lots. Brian Welsh, a successful entrepreneur in this field, reportedly earns over $650,000 annually. His website, cleanlots.com, provides valuable insights on how to start this business and attract your first customers. The best strategy is to target medium-sized lots, such as those at strip malls, where property management companies may not have established cleaning services. This business can be operated during off-peak hours, making it a flexible side hustle.
Another simple yet profitable business is offering trash can services, which involves bringing residents' trash cans to the curb and returning them after collection. A company called Can Monkey generates $3 million a year by focusing on residential customers, particularly those who are out of town or elderly. They have expanded their services to include Airbnb hosts and property management companies, capitalizing on the need for reliable trash can management. With minimal startup costs, this business can be easily replicated in your area.
Pet waste removal is a niche service that can be surprisingly lucrative. Companies like Scin Poopin Copin have demonstrated that this business can generate six figures annually. The service involves visiting clients' homes to clean up after their pets, and pricing typically starts at around $87 per month for weekly cleanings. This business can be scaled by hiring subcontractors, allowing you to expand into multiple locations without significant investment.
Laundry pickup and drop-off services are another viable business option. Companies like Poplin utilize subcontractors to manage laundry tasks, processing millions of loads each year. By targeting commercial clients, such as restaurants that require regular laundry services, you can establish a steady income stream. While starting locally may require some investment in commercial laundry equipment, the potential for profit is significant.
House number painting is a straightforward service that involves painting addresses on curbs or sidewalks. This business can be particularly profitable when working with homeowners' associations (HOAs) or property management companies, as you can secure multiple jobs in one area. Websites like curbnumberpainting.com offer nationwide services and demonstrate the potential for profitability in this niche. With minimal equipment needed, such as stencils and spray paint, this business can be started with little investment.
These five simple service businesses offer excellent opportunities for anyone looking to start a venture with minimal investment. Whether you choose to operate these services yourself or hire subcontractors, the potential for profit is significant. By leveraging local demand and focusing on specific niches, you can create a successful business that fits your lifestyle.
Q: What are some simple service businesses I can start with minimal investment?
A: Some simple service businesses include parking lot cleanups, trash can services, pet waste removal, laundry pickup and drop-off services, and house number painting.
Q: How much can I earn from a parking lot cleanup business?
A: A successful entrepreneur in the parking lot cleanup business reportedly earns over $650,000 annually.
Q: What does a trash can service involve?
A: A trash can service involves bringing residents' trash cans to the curb and returning them after collection, catering especially to those who are out of town or elderly.
Q: Is pet waste removal a profitable business?
A: Yes, pet waste removal can be surprisingly lucrative, with some companies generating six figures annually.
Q: How can I scale a laundry pickup and drop-off service?
A: You can scale a laundry pickup and drop-off service by utilizing subcontractors to manage laundry tasks and targeting commercial clients for steady income.
Q: What equipment do I need to start a house number painting business?
A: You will need minimal equipment such as stencils and spray paint to start a house number painting business.
Q: Can I operate these service businesses myself or do I need to hire subcontractors?
A: You can choose to operate these services yourself or hire subcontractors, depending on your preference and business model.
Q: What is the potential for profit in these service businesses?
A: The potential for profit is significant in these service businesses, especially when leveraging local demand and focusing on specific niches.