Self-Service locker station in a busy area

Tourists, commuters, day-trippers and event-goers who need to store luggage or shopping for a few hours.

Fee per locker per use or per day, with larger lockers for suitcases priced higher. You pay rent on the space, so location choice matters most.

• Judging where foot traffic and demand are strongest
• Basic customer service by phone or message
• Simple bookkeeping and equipment upkeep

• Read lease terms carefully and ask about zoning and permitted use with your city or county
• Check your local business license and your state's sales tax rules for storage services
• General liability insurance and property cover, and ask how they treat customers' lost or stolen items
• Check accessibility rules (ADA) for layout and locker height
• Set clear rules and signs on prohibited items and unclaimed items, and decide how you will open a locker if a customer loses a code
• Slow seasons can leave you paying rent with few customers, so keep a cash buffer

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the size and location of your space, how many lockers you install and your payment system. These are estimates, so get quotes before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on foot traffic, location and the season. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours of work per week, and slow seasons can still leave you paying rent.

Read lease terms carefully and ask your city or county about zoning and permitted use. Check your business license, state sales tax rules for storage services, insurance for customers' lost or stolen items, and ADA rules for layout and locker height.