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

PediCab Service

Help tourists and locals get around in a fun fashion.

Auto Parts Rebuilding

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

Kids' Taxi Service

Kids need to get places too, and Mom and Dad can't always take them. This is where you come in.

More from Business Ideas

Starting a Business

He Had $75 When He Immigrated to the U.S. as a Refugee. Then He Started a Business — and Grew It to $1.2 Billion.

Payam Zamani, founder, chairman and CEO of private equity firm One Planet Group, faced numerous challenges as an immigrant entrepreneur, but none of them deterred him from his vision.

Side Hustle

She Turned Her Dorm Room Side Hustle Into a $10 Million Business — And Scored a $200,000 Shark Tank Deal Along the Way

When Philomina "Philo" Kane started making satin-lined hoodies in her dorm room, she had no idea it would one day become a multi-million-dollar brand.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle Out of Their Volkswagen. It Made $1 Million a Month Last Year and Is 'So Fulfilling.'

Husband and wife Joe Demin and Rachel Connors are committed to building Yellow Leaf Hammocks — and supporting artisans in Thailand along the way.