TOP 15 Ways to Start a Profitable Rental Business Ideas in 2025

The rental business industry is booming, offering golden opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking stable income with low operational costs. In this article, NextSky will guide you through high-profit rental business ideas and strategies for thriving success in 2025.

Why start a rental business in 2025?

• Stable cash flow: Rental businesses provide predictable, recurring revenue from high-demand assets such as housing, vehicles, event equipment, or construction tools, ensuring steady income streams.
• Strong market growth: The global sharing economy is projected to reach $335 billion by 2025, while the equipment rental sector is expanding at 11.2% annually, creating significant opportunities.
• Low startup costs: With no need for complex production, rental businesses typically require lower upfront capital, making them accessible to startups and small enterprises.
• Multiple asset utilization: Renting allows businesses to keep ownership while generating income repeatedly, especially valuable for high-cost assets like real estate, machinery, or smart devices.
• Digital transformation: 85% of rental businesses use online booking, mobile reservations have surged 230%, and automated contactless solutions grew by 60%, improving efficiency and customer experience.
• Sustainability-driven demand: 73% of millennials prefer renting over buying for environmental reasons, and during economic downturns, renting becomes a more affordable alternative to big purchases.
• Emerging opportunities: New niches are rapidly growing, including VR equipment, work-from-home office setups, EV charging stations, smart home devices, and outdoor adventure gear.
• Scalability: Once established, rental businesses can scale by acquiring more assets or franchising, boosting revenue without proportionally increasing operational costs.
• Asset benefits: Certain assets generate recurring income while appreciating in value, and tax incentives for asset owners further enhance profitability.
• Autonomy and flexibility: Business owners can control their operations, strategy, and growth, supported by digital tools for asset management and customer reach.

Top 15 high-profit rental business ideas for 2025

Below is a curated list of high-profit rental business ideas drawn from leading industries and emerging trends. Each idea includes practical steps to start and is designed to meet market demands.

1. Real estate rental

Real estate rental is a timeless investment, offering steady cash flow and potential asset appreciation. From residential homes and vacation properties to commercial spaces and warehouses, this sector meets diverse market needs. For example, AvalonBay Communities, starting with a small apartment complex in 1978, grew into a conglomerate owning over 80,000 rental units across the U.S., generating billions annually by targeting high-demand urban areas.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $700,000–$2M per property portfolio
• Profit margin: 10%–30%
• Startup costs: $100,000–$5M (depending on property type and financing)
• Time to revenue: 6–18 months
• Annual market growth: 2.2%
• Suitable for: Real estate investors, property managers, entrepreneurs with capital

How to start:

• Research local market demand and rental rates using tools like Zillow or CoStar.
• Purchase or lease properties with financing options like mortgages or REITs.
• Use a Shopify website with NextSky’s Glozin theme to list properties and manage bookings.
• Secure necessary permits and insurance (e.g., landlord insurance).

Popular real estate rental business types:

• Long-term residential rentals (monthly or yearly)
• Short-term vacation rentals (e.g., Airbnb) for tourists
• Commercial spaces for retail or offices
• Warehouses or industrial spaces for businesses
• Vacation properties in tourist destinations

Read more: Top 26 Low-Investment Business Ideas Worth Trying

2. Vehicle and transportation rental

The vehicle rental industry is accelerating, driven by booming travel and urban mobility needs. From daily compact cars to luxury vehicles for special events, this sector offers high profits and scalability. Getaround’s success, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, proves this, connecting millions globally and generating millions in revenue.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $500,000–$5M
• Profit margin: 6%–20%
• Startup costs: $100,000–$3.5M (depending on fleet size)
• Time to revenue: 6–18 months
• Annual market growth: 7.5%
• Suitable for: Car enthusiasts, mechanics, entrepreneurs in busy areas

How to start:

• Start small by renting personal vehicles on platforms like Turo.
• Invest in a small fleet with insurance and maintenance plans.
• Market to airports, hotels, and local travel agencies.
• Use a Shopify website to manage bookings and showcase your fleet.

Popular vehicle rental business types:

• Airport car rentals for travelers
• Short-term rentals for local residents
• Luxury or supercar rentals for events or premium experiences
• Trucks and vans for moving or deliveries
• Wedding or vintage cars for ceremonies and festivals
• Monthly or subscription-based vehicle rentals

Read more: 30+ Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit to Start Now

3. Party and event equipment rental

Behind every perfect event lies carefully curated equipment, from tables and chairs to stage lighting. Party and event equipment rental is an appealing, high-potential business that blends emotion with profitability. A to Z Party Rental, starting with a few tables in 1968, now serves thousands of events yearly, creating unforgettable moments.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $100,000–$500,000
• Profit margin: 40%–50%
• Startup costs: $20,000–$150,000
• Time to revenue: 3–9 months
• Annual market growth: 3.4% (per IBISWorld, party & event rental, 2025)
• Suitable for: Event planners, creative entrepreneurs, those with storage space

How to start:

• Build relationships with event companies, wedding planners, and venues for steady demand.
• Prioritize popular, portable items like folding chairs, tents, or basic sound systems.
• Use NextSky’s Glozin theme on Shopify to create a professional booking website.
• Establish a streamlined transport, cleaning, and inventory process for quality service.

Popular party and event equipment rental types:

• Tables, chairs, and tents for outdoor events
• Speakers, microphones, and stage lighting for performances
• Projectors and screens for conferences or presentations
• Backdrops, red carpets, or arches for upscale events
• Buffet-specific dining equipment

4. Construction equipment rental

Construction equipment rental is vital, enabling contractors and individuals to access costly machinery like excavators or scaffolding without purchasing. This sector offers stable demand and high profitability. United Rentals, starting with a few locations in 1997, is now a U.S. market leader, earning over $14 billion annually.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $200,000–$1M
• Profit margin: 25%–43%
• Startup costs: $50,000–$500,000
• Time to revenue: 6–12 months
• Annual market growth: 2.8%
• Suitable for: Construction experts, logistics specialists, entrepreneurs in growing markets

How to start:

• Survey local construction markets to identify high-demand, rarely owned equipment.
• Invest in versatile, low-maintenance equipment like cutters, scaffolding, or drills.
• Partner with construction sites, contractors, and supply stores to offer rental packages.
• Provide clear pricing, regular maintenance, and technical support.

Popular construction equipment rental types:

• Excavators, forklifts, and rollers for large projects
• Drills, cutters, and mixers for residential construction
• Basic handheld tools for builders
• Scaffolding and formwork for high-rise projects
• Material transport vehicles for construction sites

Read more: Top 800+ Most Unique Construction Business Name Ideas

5. Clothing and fashion rental

Renting clothes is a smart, sustainable fashion solution, allowing consumers to wear high-end pieces without breaking the bank. This trend appeals to those seeking fresh experiences over ownership. Rent the Runway pioneered online dress rentals, attracting millions and generating over $300 million annually.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $50,000–$300,000
• Profit margin: 20%–40%
• Startup costs: $10,000–$100,000
• Time to revenue: 3–9 months
• Annual market growth: 10.6% (per Allied Market Research, clothing rental, 2025)
• Suitable for: Fashion enthusiasts, online retailers, sustainability advocates

How to start:

• Source new or gently used designer clothing.
• Build an online store with Shopify and NextSky’s themes for fast-loading, SEO-friendly pages.
• Offer cleaning and repair services to maintain inventory quality.
• Market through social media and collaborate with influencers.

Popular clothing rental business types:

• Evening gowns and traditional attire for events, graduations, or weddings
• Men’s suits and tuxedos for interviews or formal occasions
• High-end workwear for weekly/monthly rentals
• Festival attire for Halloween or Christmas
• Subscription-based clothing rotation packages

6. Technology and camera equipment rental

Technology and camera equipment rental is a smart solution for short-term creative needs. From drones to professional cameras, this service caters to photographers, businesses, and event organizers with low costs and high returns. LensRentals, started by a single photographer, now serves thousands yearly with a vast equipment inventory.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $50,000–$200,000
• Profit margin: 30%–50%
• Startup costs: $10,000–$100,000
• Time to revenue: 3–6 months
• Annual market growth: 5.1% (per Statista, camera rental, 2025)
• Suitable for: Photographers, videographers, tech-savvy entrepreneurs

How to start:

• List popular equipment for photographers and small businesses, like DSLR cameras, projectors, or wireless mics.
• Build an online rental platform with Shopify, integrating smart booking systems.
• Partner with photo studios, media agencies, and event organizers to expand distribution.
• Schedule regular maintenance and insure high-value equipment.

Popular technology and camera rental types:

• DSLR and mirrorless cameras, professional lenses
• Drones and GoPros for travel or survey videos
• Microphones and lighting for livestreams or content creation
• Laptops and tablets for students or temporary offices
• Projectors and translation devices for international conferences

Read more: 15 Breakthrough Tech Business Ideas for Startups

7. Furniture rental

Furniture rental provides stylish, convenient solutions for short-term tenants, events, or real estate staging without long-term commitments. This field blends flexibility with profitability. CORT Furniture Rental serves over 80% of Fortune 500 companies, generating hundreds of millions annually.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $100,000–$400,000
• Profit margin: 30%–50%
• Startup costs: $20,000–$150,000
• Time to revenue: 3–9 months
• Annual market growth: 3.7%
• Suitable for: Interior designers, event planners, real estate professionals

How to start:

• Research seasonal furniture needs: event decor, real estate staging, or short-term apartment rentals.
• Invest in versatile, durable, and functional furniture pieces.
• Design a Shopify website with vibrant visuals, detailed descriptions, and quick booking tools.
• Offer delivery, setup, and retrieval services for a seamless customer experience.

Popular furniture rental types:

• Staging furniture for model homes or properties for sale
• High-end event furniture (tables, chairs)
• Office desks and chairs for short-term workspaces
• Sofas and dining sets for short-term home rentals
• Seasonal outdoor furniture

Read more: How to Start a Profitable Furniture Flipping Business Today

8. Bicycle and e-bike rental

Bicycle and e-bike rentals are breaking barriers, fueled by urban mobility and green tourism trends. With low startup costs, this is a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs in tourist spots or bustling cities. Spinlister, launched in 2012, succeeded by connecting bike owners with renters globally, proving the community model’s appeal.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $50,000–$150,000
• Profit margin: 20%–40%
• Startup costs: $5,000–$50,000
• Time to revenue: 3–6 months
• Annual market growth: 8.2%
• Suitable for: Outdoor enthusiasts, urban entrepreneurs, tourism-focused businesses

How to start:

• Purchase or lease a fleet of bicycles or e-bikes suited for urban or tourist use.
• Build a Shopify website with booking and payment systems.
• Partner with hotels, tour operators, or local businesses to reach customers.
• Ensure regular maintenance and safety checks for bikes.

Popular bicycle and e-bike rental types:

• Hourly or daily rentals at tourist destinations
• Long-term rentals for residents without bikes
• Guided bike tours
• Mountain or e-bikes for specialized needs
• App-based bike rentals for convenience

9. Dumpster rental

Though it sounds gritty, dumpster rental is a lean, low-competition, and profitable business. Essential for construction and home renovation projects, it meets a critical need. Bin There Dump That scaled this simple model to over 200 locations across North America, thriving on convenience and reliability.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $100,000–$300,000
• Profit margin: 30%–50%
• Startup costs: $50,000–$200,000
• Time to revenue: 4–9 months
• Annual market growth: 4.5%
• Suitable for: Logistics experts, contractors, entrepreneurs in active construction areas

How to start:

• Purchase or lease dumpsters of varying sizes for construction or cleanup needs.
• Partner with licensed waste disposal companies for legal and sustainable operations.
• Create a Shopify website for booking, payments, and dumpster status tracking.
• Market to construction firms, renovating neighborhoods, and homeowner associations.

Popular dumpster rental types:

• Construction and demolition dumpsters
• Residential renovation dumpsters
• Specialized dumpsters for electronics or recycling
• Weekly rentals for neighborhoods
• Event dumpsters for festivals or fairs

10. Baby equipment rental

Baby equipment rental caters to traveling families or short-term needs, offering safe, high-quality gear like strollers or cribs. This niche is ideal for tourist-heavy areas. BabyQuip, for example, connects parents with trusted rental providers, serving thousands of families annually.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $50,000–$150,000
• Profit margin: 20%–40%
• Startup costs: $5,000–$50,000
• Time to revenue: 3–6 months
• Annual market growth: 6.3%
• Suitable for: Parents, childcare experts, entrepreneurs in tourist areas

How to start:

• Source safe, high-quality baby gear (strollers, cribs, car seats).
• Build a Shopify store for easy rentals and bookings.
• Partner with hotels, resorts, or family event organizers.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and regular equipment cleaning.

Popular baby equipment rental types:

• Strollers, cribs, and car seats for traveling families
• Bottle warmers and sterilizers for short-term needs
• Portable cribs for hotels or serviced apartments
• Playpens or age-appropriate toys
• Vacation or birthday party gear packages

11. Trailer rental

From moving homes to transporting goods, trailers are essential for flexible living. Trailer rental taps into the growing demand for transportation, offering steady income. U-Haul built a billion-dollar empire serving millions annually with its vast fleet of trucks and trailers.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $100,000–$400,000
• Profit margin: 28%–40%
• Startup costs: $50,000–$200,000
• Time to revenue: 4–9 months
• Annual market growth: 3.8% (per IBISWorld, truck & trailer rental, 2025)
• Suitable for: Logistics experts, moving companies, construction entrepreneurs

How to start:

• Invest in common trailers for household, construction, or camping use.
• Create a Shopify website for easy availability checks and bookings.
• Partner with construction firms, moving companies, and individual customers.
• Maintain insurance and regular inspections for safe operations.

Popular trailer rental types:

• Household moving trailers
• Specialized trailers for equipment or materials
• Camping trailers for outdoor trips
• Refrigerated trailers for food or pharmaceuticals
• Flexible per-trip or daily trailer rentals

12. Vending machine rental

Vending machine rental unlocks passive income with minimal management effort, ideal for smart entrepreneurs. HealthyYOU Vending, since 1999, has helped thousands of operators earn over $100,000 annually by placing machines in high-traffic locations.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $50,000–$200,000 per machine
• Profit margin: 30%–50%
• Startup costs: $10,000–$50,000
• Time to revenue: 3–6 months
• Annual market growth: 2.5% (per IBISWorld, vending machine operators, 2025)
• Suitable for: Entrepreneurs seeking passive income, those with access to high-traffic locations

How to start:

• Purchase or lease pre-programmed vending machines for snacks, drinks, or personal care items.
• Secure high-traffic locations like offices, hospitals, or schools.
• Use Shopify to track machine status, rental contracts, and inventory.
• Partner with suppliers to keep stock diverse and full.

Popular vending machine rental types:

• Snack and soda machines for schools or offices
• Cosmetic or mask machines in malls
• Fresh salad or juice machines
• Tech product machines (headphones, chargers)
• Smart machines with automated inventory tracking

13. Costume rental

Costumes bring color and emotion to festivals, theater, or Halloween. Costume rental is a vibrant, profitable market fueled by creativity. The Costume Shop, starting in Delaware in 1985, has thrived for over three decades by serving the right audience with high-quality costumes.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $50,000–$150,000
• Profit margin: 20%–40%
• Startup costs: $10,000–$50,000
• Time to revenue: 3–6 months
• Annual market growth: 4.8% (per Statista, costume rental, 2025)
• Suitable for: Creative entrepreneurs, theater enthusiasts, event organizers

How to start:

• Build a diverse costume inventory for holidays, festivals, or theater.
• Design a Shopify website for easy catalog browsing, rentals, and payments.
• Partner with theater groups, event organizers, or schools for steady clients.
• Maintain professional cleaning and repair processes to keep costumes pristine.

Popular costume rental types:

• Festival costumes for Halloween or Christmas
• Theatrical costumes for plays or performances
• Historical or cultural costumes for events
• Children’s costumes for school events
• Themed party costume packages

14. Bus and shuttle rental

Bus and shuttle rentals power group travel, from school trips to corporate events, with high rental fees ensuring strong cash flow. GOGO Charters, launched in 2013, became a U.S. leader, serving thousands annually through smart expansion.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $200,000–$1M
• Profit margin: 20%–35%
• Startup costs: $100,000–$500,000
• Time to revenue: 6–12 months
• Annual market growth: 3.5%
• Suitable for: Transportation experts, event planners, urban entrepreneurs

How to start:

• Invest in a high-quality fleet with proper licenses and insurance.
• Build a Shopify website for ticketing and schedule management, supporting group payments.
• Target schools, conference organizers, and tour companies.
• Offer flexible rental packages by hour, day, or event.

Popular bus and shuttle rental types:

• School or employee shuttles on fixed routes
• Buses for conferences, events, or group tours
• Long-distance tourist buses with guides
• Wedding buses for guests and families
• Long-term corporate rental contracts

15. Experience rental

In a world prioritizing emotions and experiences, “experience rental” opens new horizons for the service industry. Combining equipment and activities, from adventure tours to skill workshops, this model delivers unique value. GetYourGuide has excelled, connecting millions of travelers to unique experiences across over 100 countries.

Market insight:

• Average annual revenue: $50,000–$200,000
• Profit margin: 20%–40%
• Startup costs: $10,000–$100,000
• Time to revenue: 3–9 months
• Annual market growth: 15.2% (per Statista, adventure tourism, 2025)
• Suitable for: Adventure enthusiasts, tour operators, creative entrepreneurs

How to start:

• Combine rental equipment (bikes, cameras, tents) with activities like trekking, photo tours, or workshops.
• Build comprehensive packages on Shopify with experience descriptions, pricing, and schedules.
• Partner with KOLs, travel bloggers, and OTAs to expand reach.
• Optimize customer experience from booking to post-trip reviews.

Popular experience rental types:

• Trekking or camping tours with rented gear
• Craft, life skills, or cooking workshops
• Photography tours with rented cameras and guides
• Unique venue rentals (studios, farm stays)
• Themed experiences (festivals, retro, local culture)

These rental business ideas offer incredible opportunities to capitalize on market trends and create lasting income streams. With NextSky’s Shopify solutions, you can build a professional platform to attract customers and drive growth. Start today by identifying your niche, crafting a compelling value proposition, and letting NextSky handle your digital presence.