Not every business has to be exciting to be successful. In fact, some of the most profitable ventures are considered “boring” because they focus on everyday services people rely on, like cleaning, plumbing and lawn care. These businesses might not grab headlines like tech startups do, but they’re often recession-proof, easier to manage and provide a steady income — making them a smart choice for anyone looking to build a reliable business.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of boring businesses that make money and have a solid track record of success. Whether you’re interested in starting one from scratch or buying an established business, you’ll find helpful insights on how each option works and what it takes to get started.
ATMs offer passive income with minimal maintenance. Owners can charge fees for every transaction, providing a steady cash flow with little hands-on work. It’s a business model that scales easily, with each additional ATM expanding revenue potential.
$200 to $500 per month per machine
Bookkeeping is an essential service for businesses and entrepreneurs, providing a steady income due to consistent demand. It’s relatively low-cost to start and can be run as a home-based business.
$50,000 to $100,000 annually for small practices
Car washes are a recession-resistant business that generates revenue through regular maintenance and optional premium services. They offer a stable income with minimal labor once established.
$40,000 to $500,000 per year, depending on location and scale
Residential and commercial cleaning services are always in high demand. Residential jobs give you a steady income from repeat clients, while contracts with businesses allow for a larger revenue stream.
$50,000 to $200,000 annually
Driveway sealing and repair is a seasonal yet profitable business. With relatively low startup costs and a niche market, it provides high margins, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
$75,000 to $150,000 per year
Equipment rental is a capital-intensive but highly profitable business. Renting items like heavy machinery, event equipment or tools can generate ongoing passive income.
$100,000+ annually, depending on inventory
Event management involves planning and organizing various events, from corporate gatherings to weddings. It’s a high-reward business, especially for those with excellent organizational skills.
$100,000+ per year
Fence installation is a steady business with consistent demand in residential and commercial sectors. The business can be profitable with low overhead and material costs.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Gutter cleaning is a straightforward, low-cost business that offers high margins and repeat clients. It’s relatively easy to start and has consistent seasonal demand.
$40,000 to $100,000 annually
Handyman services handle a variety of home repairs and general maintenance jobs. With low startup costs and steady demand, it’s a profitable option for skilled individuals.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Holiday decorating is a seasonal business that provides high returns in a short period. It involves setting up and removing decorations, making it perfect to start as a side hustle.
$25,000 to $100,000 annually
Home inspection services offer solid revenue by helping homebuyers and sellers understand a property’s condition. With low overhead and steady demand, it’s a solid business if you have an eye for detail.
$50,000 to $100,000 annually
House painting is a simple service business with low startup costs and high profit potential, especially for exterior painting jobs.
$50,000 to $200,000 annually
Junk removal services help homeowners and businesses get rid of unwanted items that are too large, bulky or difficult to dispose of. This business is easy to start and provides a steady revenue stream.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Landscaping services are popular for both residential and commercial properties because they maintain outdoor spaces and improve curb appeal. It’s a scalable business that can easily expand by offering additional services.
$50,000 to $200,000 annually
Laundromats provide a stable source of passive income. Once set up, they require little management and are recession-resistant.
$30,000 to $200,000 annually
Locksmith services are essential and recession-proof, with consistent demand for residential, commercial and automotive clients. It’s a low-cost startup that can generate high margins.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Mobile car washing services offer convenience for customers and low overhead for operators. The ability to work on-site is a significant selling point that attracts high-end clientele.
$50,000 to $100,000 annually
Moving services can be highly profitable due to the consistent demand for residential and commercial relocations. With the right equipment and team, this business scales well.
$100,000 to $250,000 annually
Nail salons offer a steady stream of clients seeking manicures, pedicures and other beauty treatments. With the right location and skilled technicians, a nail salon can achieve high profitability, especially with repeat business and add-on services.
$75,000 to $150,000 annually
Parking lots generate steady passive income, especially in high-traffic areas. Maintenance and overhead are relatively low, making it a lucrative business with minimal labor.
$50,000 to $300,000 annually, depending on location
Pet care services, including grooming and boarding, are in high demand as pet ownership rises. This business offers reliable income and the potential for repeat clients.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Pest control is a stable and profitable business due to the constant need for residential and commercial pest management. It has high margins and recurring revenue potential.
$75,000 to $200,000 annually
Plumbing is a recession-resistant trade with consistent demand for installations and repairs. Skilled plumbers can easily command high rates, making it a profitable business.
$50,000 to $200,000 annually
Portable toilet rentals are a profitable, low-maintenance business that provides a steady income for events and construction sites. Expansion is straightforward with more units.
$75,000 to $200,000 annually
Pressure washing services are easy to start with low costs, making it a great business for those looking for high margins and scalable growth.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Property management is a lucrative business for those who want consistent, long-term income. It’s scalable by managing more properties and offering additional services like maintenance.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
RV parks can generate significant passive income, especially in popular tourist areas. With relatively low upkeep, it’s a stable business for long-term profits.
$75,000 to $300,000 annually
Snow removal services provide high margins in regions with significant snowfall. This seasonal business can generate quick returns and has repeat clients each winter.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Tent rental businesses cater to events like weddings, corporate gatherings and festivals, providing shelter and ambiance. Startup costs vary depending on the size and quality, but with high demand, this business can be both lucrative and scalable.
$50,000 to $200,000 annually
Storage units are a high-demand business with stable, passive income. Once set up, they require minimal management, making them a profitable investment.
$50,000 to $200,000 annually
Tree trimming services are profitable due to high hourly rates and steady demand. This business can generate substantial revenue, especially with the right equipment to handle more complex jobs.
$50,000 to $150,000 annually
Vending machines offer a low-maintenance way to generate passive income. With the right locations, a vending machine business can be scaled for greater profits.
$2,000 to $5,000 per machine annually
Traditional “boring” businesses offer a significant advantage over trendy startups because they’re more stable and have a higher chance of long-term success. While only 10% of startups succeed after ten years, a much higher 34.7% of traditional businesses survive over the same period. This stark contrast shows that boring businesses are three times more likely to last, making them a safer bet for entrepreneurs who prefer lower risk and steady growth.
One reason traditional businesses tend to be more successful is their reliance on consistent demand for essential services like plumbing, cleaning and property management. These industries typically aren’t subject to rapid market shifts or disruptive technologies that can destabilize tech startups. Plus, they often have more predictable operating costs and clearer business models, allowing owners to plan effectively and minimize risk.
Boring businesses also benefit from being easier to scale. Adding new services, expanding into neighboring regions or hiring additional staff can lead to steady revenue growth without the dramatic ups and downs of high-risk startups. This stability makes traditional businesses attractive for entrepreneurs looking to build reliable, long-term wealth rather than taking a gamble on more volatile ventures.
Owning a boring business can be a great option if you want to generate a steady income that you can rely on for years to come. Here’s a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if a boring business is the right choice for you.
Whether you’re looking to start a business from scratch or buy an existing one, you’ll need funding to cover startup costs, equipment and overhead expenses. Here are some of the most common ways to fund a boring business:
Each funding option has pros and cons, so weigh them carefully before choosing the one that best matches your needs and budget.
Opening or buying your own business may not be easy, but it is doable. Here’s how to start a business:
Finding the right funding option can make all the difference when starting a boring business. Use our comparison table below to explore various business lenders to find the best fit for your needs.
Boring businesses may not be glamorous, but they make up for it with stability, steady income and simple management. By investing in a proven model, you’re choosing a business that’s easier to run and has a much higher chance of long-term success than a flashy startup. If reliability and consistent profits sound good to you, a boring business might be your best bet.
Start by choosing a business that matches your strengths, develop a solid plan and secure the funding you need to bring it to life. The right business financing can turn a simple, “boring” business into a solid moneymaker you can count on for many years to come.
Absolutely, boring businesses can make great money because they deliver essential services that are always in demand. They’re less risky than trendy startups and often lead to steady, predictable revenue.
The most profitable small businesses are usually those with steady demand and low operating costs, like storage units, parking lots and laundromats. These businesses generate consistent revenue with minimal daily management, making them ideal for building substantial long-term income.
The easiest way to make money is to start a business that has low startup costs and high demand. Examples of this would include mobile car washing, handyman services, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, fence installation and residential cleaning services.
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