Whenever you think about starting a business, your mind probably jumps to something that is already popular and highly competitive. Maybe that’s a new app idea, a tech startup, or something that carries the potential to make billions, not even millions.
But here’s something you’d like to know! While everyone else is chasing the next big thing, smart people are finding out new and untapped ways to make money that has good amount of room for growth. And I personally know some people who are making over $50,000/Month from such businesses. Once I tell you about these business ideas, you’d say, “really?”
None of these businesses are flashy, nor they involve posting content on social media. And of course, they don’t make millions overnight. But they solve real problems, serve local communities, and are practically competition-free.
The best part is, many of these business ideas have steady, recurring revenue and super loyal customers. So, if you’re looking for a business idea that has very less competition and requires as less social media connection as possible, then you’re in the right place (I mean post).
Just to let you know, you might have never even heard about the concept of these businesses in the past. So, get ready to discover something new.
1. Parking Lot Maintenance
This business idea is all about painting lines, sealing asphalt, snow removal and more. It’s all a part of keeping parking lots safe, clean and functioning.
Why it Makes Money?
- Commercial buildings must have and maintain parking areas,
- Contracts span seasons (snow in winter, sealing in summer), etc. And because of this, there’s always something to do.
Real Businesses Making Money
Here are few businesses providing these same services and making good amount of money.
- Lot Care Plus (MN): $78K/month, 127 contracts
- Commercial Lot Services (MI): $82K/month, 15-person team
Startup costs: To start this business, you’ll need proper gears and insurance. So, you can expect to spend $15K-$30K in the beginning to start the business. If you can find and second hand equipment at good condition, then that can drastically cut down your cost. The profit margins are somewhere between 40-55%.
This business needs local crew and weather based planning, so there is very few competition online. (You can run ads online to gain new customers.) And if you can build a strong connection with the property managers or owners, then that can help you to keep competitors out and secure a long-term deal.
Market Size: There are over 5.6 Million commercial buildings in the U.S. and they spend $3K-$12K/Year on average to maintain and manage their parking space. So, this can be a great opportunity for you to get in and make money.
2. Medical Equipment Cleaning Services
Every hospital and clinics must clean their machines regularly, like MRIs, surgical tools, and more. But they can’t just wipe them with a cloth. It requires proper cleaning from a certified cleaning professional.
Why it Works?
- It’s legally required by healthcare regulations,
- Contracts last 2–3 years and often auto-renew,
- Hospitals pay high rates for safety and compliance, etc.
Real Businesses Making Money
- MedClean Solutions (TX): $89K/month, 15 hospital clients
- Surgical Instrument Services (CA): $112K/month
Startup costs: It’s not start and go in case of this business. You need proper certification, equipment and various other stuffs which can cost somewhere between $25K–$50K. The profit margin in this business is around 35-45%.
As this business needs proper certification and involves stuffs related to the medical field, most people think it’s too complicated. And because of this, the competition in this field is very-very low.
Market Size: There are over 6,000+ hospitals and countless small medical shops. So, this can be a great time to learn a new skill and start this business.
Here are 11 Best Apps & Websites to Make $300/Month Passively!
3. HVAC Duct Cleaning for Restaurants
HVAC duct cleaning is all about cleaning greasy ducts and exhaust systems in restaurants. Every restaurant is required to clean these systems due to fire codes.
Why it Makes Money?
- Strict health/fire codes require frequent cleanings,
- Restaurants can be fined or shut down if these systems are not cleaned and maintained.
Real Businesses Making Money
- Kitchen Exhaust Pros (FL): $71K/month
- Restaurant Hood Cleaning (CA): $87K/month
Startup costs: As you’ll need proper cleaning equipment to start this business, you can expect to spend around $20K–$40K while starting this business. The profit margin ranges between 45-60%.
Because it needs licensed crews and restaurants looking for quick, local service, there is not much competition in this business. And another reason is, most people don’t know such things exist too.
There are over a million restaurants in the U.S. and each restaurant needs 4-12 duct cleanings per year.
4. Food Truck Commissary Services
This business is all about renting commercial kitchen space to food truck operators.
Why it Makes Money?
- Trucks must use commissary kitchens ( mostly required by the law),
- Multiple revenue streams: rentals, storage, consulting, etc.
Real Businesses Making Money
- Mobile Kitchen Solutions (Austin): $68K/month
- Food Truck Base (Miami): $61K/month
Startup cost: This one costs a big upfront cost to start as you’ll need to either buy or rent out physical space to setup a kitchen. And that may cost around $150K–$300K depending on the location and design of your kitchen. On average, the profit margins on this type of business is around 50-70%.
Market size: There are over 25,000 food trucks in the U.S. and the food truck industry is worth over $1.2 Billion. So, there’s a big room for growth.
Why These Businesses Win?
You can notice a similar pattern in all of these businesses. These businesses share five common traits that makes them unique and profitable.
- They’re required by law.
- They’re local, so they can’t be replaced by an app or online tool.
- They offer recurring income.
- They’re hard and quite expensive to start, so not anybody can start.
- Most people have no idea that such kind of businesses exist as well.
Final Thoughts
Look, you have a choice. Either, you can chase the next “big thing” with a 99% failure rate or you can go after a business that’s stable, proven, and pays you on a regular basis.
Sometimes the most boring path leads to the most exciting opportunity. These four business ideas can lead you somewhere you’d have never even dreamed of!
