Start an indoor classic and collector car storage business

Classic and collector car owners, owners of sports cars and convertibles stored for winter, people in HOAs that ban long-term parking, and anyone wanting weather and theft protection.

Monthly rent per bay, with higher prices for climate control, bigger spaces or extras like battery maintenance, periodic starts or detailing.

• Customer service and trust building
• Organising space and schedules
• Basic knowledge of cars and their care
• Local marketing, including car clubs

• Insurance: ask about property, general liability and garage keepers coverage for customers' cars, as high-value vehicles raise the stakes
• Fire code and occupancy rules for storing vehicles indoors; check with your local fire marshal and city or county
• Lease terms, since landlords may restrict storage use or require their own insurance
• Lien and abandoned vehicle rules vary by state, so check before you write contracts
• Check whether you need a local business license and whether storage rentals are taxable in your state
• Rent and utilities are fixed costs, so a few empty bays can eat into profit

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the building you lease or buy, your security setup and whether you add climate control or battery tenders. These are estimates, and rent and utilities are fixed costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many bays you fill and your rates. Rent and utilities are fixed costs, so a few empty bays can eat into profit.

Ask about property, general liability and garage keepers coverage for customers' cars. Check fire code and occupancy rules with your local fire marshal, your lease terms, state lien and abandoned vehicle rules, and whether you need a business license or must charge tax on storage.