Shared storage space for small businesses

Online sellers, market vendors, event and catering businesses, tradespeople and small retailers who need storage near home.

Monthly fees per shelf, cage or pallet position. Your profit is the gap between what customers pay and your own rent, utilities and insurance.

• Organizing and inventory tracking
• Customer service
• Sales and local networking

• Your lease may ban subletting or limit use, so get the landlord's permission in writing
• Budget for the security deposit, first month's rent, shelving, cages, locks and insurance before you open, as these add up quickly
• Check fire code, occupancy and zoning rules with your local fire marshal or city
• Insurance: ask about general liability and contents cover, and require customers to insure their own goods
• Ban hazardous, flammable or perishable items in your agreement
• You pay rent even when space sits empty, so start with a lease term you can afford

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the security deposit, first month's rent, shelving, cages, locks and insurance. These are estimates, and those items add up quickly before you open.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much space you rent out and at what price. You pay rent even when space sits empty, so choose a lease term you can afford.

Check that your lease allows subletting, and get the landlord's permission in writing. Also check fire code, occupancy and zoning with your local fire marshal or city, ask about insurance, and ban hazardous, flammable or perishable items.