Valet Parking Service

Startup Costs: Under $2,000
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? No
Online Operation? No

THE BRIEF:

Are you comfortable behind the wheel and able to handle a fast-paced environment? Drive right up to entrepreneurship as the owner of a valet-parking service. Restaurants, hotels and convention centers can all use the services of a well-dressed, bonded parking staff. The key is having your own team of drivers to keep clients' customers -- and their cars -- on the move. To make a great impression on customers that is sure to secure lots of repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, be sure your staff maintains incredible customer service.

ASK THE PROS:

How much money can you make?

“This business can be started with minimal cash and the profit potential is excellent, as rates for valet parking services are in the range of $75 to $100 per hour for a two-to-three person crew. And it goes almost without saying that tips can really add up!” —Entrepreneur staff

What do you need?

"A driver's license, the ability to obtain third-party liability insurance, and an outgoing friendly personality are the three essentials for starting a special-events valet parking service. Also, we suggest securing uniforms that are emblazoned with your business name and slogan." —Entrepreneur staff

What’s the most important thing to know about this business?

“Market your valet parking services directly to consumers hosting parties and events, corporations hosting conventions and other event and wedding planners, trade show organizers and charity groups and organizations.” —Entrepreneur staff

The Market

Market your valet parking services directly to consumers hosting parties and events, corporations hosting conventions and other event and wedding planners, trade show organizers, and charity groups and organizations.

Needed Equipment

A driver's license, the ability to obtain third-party liability insurance, and an outgoing friendly personality are the three essentials for starting a special-events valet parking service.

Valet Parking Service Ideas

Bicycle Tours

Build a business that cycles around your town.

Auto Parts Rebuilding

Turn a hands-on hobby into building secondhand auto parts.

Automotive Used Parts

Apply your auto industry know-how to sell used car parts.

More from Business Ideas

Starting a Business

Zillow Co-Founder Shares a 'Misunderstood' Truth About Starting, Funding and Selling Your Company

Now that he runs a venture fund himself, Spencer Rascoff is sitting on the other side of the table, and he sees what founders get wrong when pitching investors.

Side Hustle

When This Entrepreneur Couldn't Decide What to Name His Business, He Started a $2,000-a-Month Side Hustle to Help — Now It Earns Over $10 Million a Year

Darpan Munjal, founder and CEO of AI-powered startup ecosystem Atom, offered $50 to anyone who could help with the creativity block.

Side Hustle

This Insurance Agent Started a Side Hustle Inspired By Nostalgia for His Home State — Now It Earns Nearly $40,000 a Month

After moving to New York City, Danny Trejo started a business to stay in touch with his roots — literally.